Saturday, June 12, 2010

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!

3 comments:

Allan and Diane said...

Wow Karla, you have returned to bloggerville. It was so fun to catch up on your family activities--and there are MANY. You have had a whirlwind past few weeks. Glad that we got to chat for a few minutes. One of these days (if life ever slows down) we WILL get together. You have such a darling family--old and young!

Bethany said...

I'm glad you got to be there for your sister. Isn't it interesting how we take these smiling family pictures at funerals, when we're all together? We did the same at my grandma's a few months ago. I think it has something to do with our knowledge of the plan of salvation, don't you think?

Patty said...

How sad to hear of your brother-in-laws passing. Cancer is such a difficult death. Kris Bassett is really struggling with it right now. Darrell's death was really rough on her because they talked a lot because they were dealing with similar experiences.
It is amazing and almost like arrangements were made in heaven to our advantage to be around for funerals. That is how it was with Kathy Johnson. We were in Utah when the accident happened. Several other things have happened that way. I think there is a planner in heaven trying to look out for us once in a while when possible.
What a great family representation. What a beautiful family!