A funeral: tender, sacred, special

My brother-in-law passed away on Wednesday, June 9th. He had been very sick with cancer for the past couple of years. He lived much longer than the Doctors predicted when he was diagnosed. It just so happened that I had planned on driving to Utah on the 11th to spend some vacation time, so I did not have to make a special trip to attend Brent's funeral. I am so glad I could be here with my girls, and to support my sister at this difficult time in her life. I am also glad that Rod could be here, too.

The services for Brent were amazing. Each of his children spoke and paid wonderful tribute to their father. He was always very firm in his testimony of the gospel and of Jesus Christ. He passed that legacy on to his children. Each one mentioned his amazing work ethic and how he taught them to work hard and to love work. They also mentioned that they never heard their dad swear his whole life long. LaRue also gave a beautiful sermon - the best I have ever heard at a funeral. She is firm in the gospel and firm in her belief of eternal life and our potential as children of God. She has been such a wonderful big sister to me all of my life. I love her so much!

The wind was blowing so hard at the cemetery!

Above are Brent's three sons: Cody, Chuck and Kendall (all three are dentists!). Holly, the oldest daughter is sitting to the right.

Brent was in the National Guard for a few years, so LaRue was presented with a flag.

My brother, Dave is helping my dear old dad walk to the car after the dedication of the grave. It was hard for my dad to see LaRue lose her husband. He sat beside her and comforted her as best he could. He knows what it's like to loose your sweetheart.

All of the Harris cousins were there except for KC, who is serving a mission. What a wonderful tribute to Brent and LaRue to have all of these amazing nieces and nephews there. Katie thought it would be fun to get a picture of my dad with all of his grandkids. I love my Harris family so much! Each one is talented, smart, good looking, and part of a wonderful eternal family. There is nothing like family!

I know there will be some difficult days ahead for my sister. But I also know that she is strong and determined. She will move forward and continue to grow and have joy. She has many amazing qualities and talents that will bless us all, and everyone she knows, as life goes on. We know that death is part of life, and that it is NOT the end!

Vacation Time

Rod, Becca and I left Peoria at 4:30 AM and drove all the way to Woodscross, UT today. As we watched the temperature drop each hour of the drive, we wondered what we were getting in to. Clouds were forming and the wind was blowing hard as we drove up Interstate 15. The rain started just before we hit Provo. It didn't stop. It ended up at 50 degrees. We had just come from a week of over 100. It is freezing here! I mean really! It's June!

This is the welcoming committee. I went through the garage and knocked on the door. I could hear the squeals and my darling grandkids saying "It's Grammy! She's here!" They all ran to the door and we had lots of good hugs and kisses. I have missed them. I gave them some fancy suckers that someone at work gave me for my birthday.

The next morning, they got all spiffed up as I got ready for the day. They love to put on my make up. Cooper fixed his hair, so Luka had to fix his hair. The girls wanted me to put braids in their hair. We always tell the story of Rapunzel when we fix hair. These little people are such a joy. I love them so much.

I'm as close to 60 as I am to 50

Yep. My birthday. Rod gave me the most amazing little camera! It's smaller than my phone. I love it. We are waiting to celebrate with dinner at the Olive Garden. Thanks, Rod! I love my new camera. Can't wait to take it to Utah with me tomorrow.