Finally Home.

Last week I got a phonecall from my Dad at 10:45 pm. He never calls at that time unless something has happened. My Grandmother had passed away. I cried and then cried more when I thought about my sweet Grandpa left alone. But, then I felt an overwhelming sense of peace & happiness when I thought of where she was. Grandma was home. Home in Heaven with her Lord & Savior. No more aches & pains to deal with.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to attend the funeral but thanks to my parents my brother & I flew out to Ontario to be with our family.
It was truly a gift to be there with everyone. I can't explain how much it has meant to me. Being with family is so important and so special. I only with that I could have brought my family along as well to fellowship (and play ;) ) with my relatives. I know that the kids would have had a great time!

When we got there my brother & I met everyone at the funeral home where the viewing was. I wasn't sure that I wanted to see Grandma (at least the day before I wasn't) but when we got there I realized that I was. I needed to see her again. But looking at her - she wasn't there. It just didn't look like her. I admit that I was worried that my seeing her lying there would be my last vision of her in my mind but it's not. I can still remember her full of life & spirit, talking to me and hugging me tightly.

After the friends & extended family had left the funeral home our immediate family gathered around Grandma and sang "How Great Thou Art". It was beautiful. This family can sing! And the harmonies were wonderful! Then the 3 sons (my dad being one of them) stood with Grandpa in front of Grandma's coffin. Uncle Murray read some scripture and prayed, my dad said a few words and then Grandpa spoke a little bit. But it broke my heart to hear him say "Good Night Sweetheart. See you soon." After more tears and hugs we all went back to Uncle Murray & Aunt Di's place for some family time ( and food, of course!)

The next day we buried my Grandma. I've never been in a funeral procession where I was part of the family burying their loved one. The emotion that I felt was overwhelming. What was even more heart tugging was the fact that as we followed the herst (sorry, not sure of the spelling on that one) people in their vehicles would pull over & stop. It was amazing. I was so touched by that courtesy and respect.

We got to the cemetery and it was a beautiful place with tall, tall trees. Grandpa had picked the burial site just days before we came and Grandma was to be buried by a big blue fir tree. Just like the one that they had in front of their home when I was younger. This was a hard time as well seeing Grandpa say goodbye for the last time (here on earth). He stood a long time just staring at the coffin. I kept wondering what he was thinking.

We then drove to the church to go over a few details for the Memorial Service. The service was incredible. What a beautiful tribute to Grandma & to Grandpa. She was a hard worker, loved the Lord and loved to serve other with her ability to cook & bake. I was thrilled to be a part of the service by playing the piano for the prelude and then playing & singing with the rest of my cousins for a time of worship & singing songs. It was a blessed time.

I know it may sound strange to some when I say that I had a wonderful time at my Grandmother's funeral but it's true. I know it's because I have the assurance of eternal life and will one day see her again. That is something that fills me with an undescrible sense of peace. I'm so thankful to Jesus for giving His life for us so that we could have life with Him one day in Heaven.

Well, I should go and get my kiddos up for school. Just wanted to share a bit about my weekend.

Miss you guys already (Uncle Murray, Aunt Di, Beth & family, Drew, Matt & family, Amy, Uncle Neale, Aunt Kathy and Grandpa). I'm so glad that we could be together this past weekend.