Yesterday was such a special day of celebrating your life. It started at one of the churches you helped to establish, where family and friends poured in to listen to the official good-byes laid out in the beautiful program of your service. Philip began playing on his guitar, "Lead me Home", with which we all listened to those sweet words, "I am standing on the mountain, I can hear the angles' songs, I am reaching over Jordan, Take my hand, Lord, lead me home.". The pastor of the church spoke a few words then Tommy began speaking on your "wonderful life". His words rang so true to who you were in this world and the life that you led, for your family but first for Jesus. Tears fell down my face as I reflected on your life and how you were now rejoicing with Grandma in Heaven surrounded by those that you had loved and lost. The graveside portion of your service was just as moving. With each ring of the shots fired in the 21 gun salute to your service of your country, the impact of your life also rang out to all those standing within hearing distance. Then silence followed. The solemness with which those soldiers stared at each other and the attention to detail they had in folding the flag that covered your casket sent tears streaming again down my face. We seemed to all reflect on how "love in action" doesn't have to make a sound, but leaves a mark on the lives it touches. Philip Smith's prayer brought us all comforting thoughts on how much you were loved on this earth and where you are celebrating now. The hugs and handshakes of condolences to the family after the service looked like every Baptist church parking lot when the Sunday morning service is over. Then it was back to the church to feed the bellies of everyone.
After a few changes of clothes, we all met back at your home on Molly Circle for, what felt like, a last supper. Tables and chairs were brought because the front porch just wasn't big enough. I looked around and saw Tommy and Joni holding sweet baby Sadie in the porch swing, Justin and Briana with Lincoln, Kennedy spreading his arms to give those precious hugs of his to K'lani. Joel, Amy, Morgan and mom sitting there in the throws of conversation. All the boys tossing the football back and forth embarrassing the older guys. Wayne, dad, Philip conversating at one of the tables, I'm sure guns were involved in their conversation as some point. Amy, Crystal, Julie, Jennifer, and Shannon discussing raising children and how difficult it can be at times but the humor that comes out of those struggles can lend a laugh to everyone. Becky and Donna sitting there on the front porch watching everyone one last time enjoy this home their parents loved so intently. I felt as if my mind was taking small snapshots in the hopes of always remembering these fleeting moments. I got up to leave about three different times but found myself sitting down for just one more conversation, for one more giggle, and one more picture to hold onto.
I hope that you knew how much you were loved on this earth, but sometimes I'm sure you felt unappreciated and perhaps, as if, not valued, but I've learned that love comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, it's big and sometimes it's quiet, but it can always be found deep, where the roots grow. I see those roots in my father. The love he has for his grandchildren and now, his great grandchildren goes beyond anything I could have ever wished for. I know you are gone now, but your legacy does continue on within those 7 children you raised that led to the 21 grandchildren they gave you and onto the 44 great grandchildren and now to the 5 great great grandchildren. Your roots run deep within this family and will be remembered with smiles and fondness throughout these generations.
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