Grandpa's Funeral

Funerals are always emotional and sad, but because we all shared the belief in the plan of salvation there was also a feeling of connection and everyone was able to make the most out of being together. All of my aunts and uncle attended which was amazing. My mother had asked me to take pictures. I have recently committed myself to only using Manuel settings on my camera, it takes more finesse and attention and I lacked both that day. I was disappointed when many great moments where missed or botched- on my camera at least, many others who attend to many pictures that I am sure turned out beautifully. I was pretty emotional.

We begin the day at 5 making the drive to Twin falls and getting to the church by 8 to set up some tables, we set up tables in the foyer with pictures of Grandpas life and displays of his wood work. I forgot to photograph any of that, but it turned out beautifully and had a crowded around it the whole time. It was an excellent idea.

 Mom and I had made labels to stick on tissue packets for everyone and we had those placed in large wood bowls grandpa made.

The family viewing was packed standing room only. I was so glad so many people attended.

Seeing grandpa in his casket struck me, he did not look like himself. No one really does because the spirit is no longer with the body and it is visible that something is missing.  It was a long little while for me, I was feeling a lot but there was so much going on I did not cry I just visited with the many relative that I had not seen in a long while.

The service followed and my Uncle Leo, Cousin Aaron, and Grandpas former stake president and bishop spoke.

The music is what made me cry, Aunt Amy played, my mom led the music, and the special musical number was done by Aunt Amy and my cousin. 

After the service the family ate a lunch together. And my mother introduced me to Brother Tang, Grandpa served a 3 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints in Hong Hong, One of the family’s he converted had many children, brother tang is the spouse of one of the children. How wonderful it was for everyone to see him.

Following the lunch we packed up and set out to Kuna for the graveside service. Here Mitchell and the boys met up with me. Aunt Cheryl and crystal shared a life sketch and Aunt Kelly led the music. Uncle Evan dedicated the grave.

It was a beautiful service.

The sun was high and bright, we all got sunburns.

After it was all done my aunt crystal pulled out a bag of peanuts. Grandpa LOVED peanuts, everyone got to put a few on the casket. It was a time to take pause for me.

Everything else all the details and people spoken too seem blurred together a bit for me, I think by then my emotions and my lack of sleep where wearing me down. There was a family BBQ that night but we did not attend, I was just done for the day.

Throughout the day I was overcome with and deep sense of gratitude for being a part of such a family, so many people who love each other and the Lord. I feel profoundly humbled to be the Granddaughter of L. Joel Durrant. I know that someday we will all be together again.