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.
