GrandpaG's celebration of life service was today and let me just say it was amazing. So many wonderful stories confirmed what we already know and that is GrandpaGordie was just awesome!
The arrangements were really cool in that we didnt do a funeral. Family and close friends met at the church for a a celebration of life ceremony. All his grandkids (there are 5 of us) spoke and then others spoke when fell led. My mom sang, Soon, by Hillsong United and it was beautiful.
After this ceremony, we drove to the graveside where GrandpaGordie was honored as a Navy veteran with a 21 gun salute, TAPS was played, and GrandmaDean received the triangled American flag. It was, to the say least, quite a moving 30 minutes. I brought my camera but it felt tacky to whip it out of the 2nd row of seats, so I only have mental pictures... that will last me a lifetime.
The church then hosted the family for a delicious lunch.
GrandpaGordie would have loved it all. He will be so missed!
Below is my "speech" for the Celebration of Life ceremony. I just couldnt do a sad one... this is my grandpa.
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GrandpaGordie’s Life Lessons
1- Sing loud
2- Harmonize when you sing even when it is a little off
3- Have some stainglass, better yet, make your own
4- Speaking of making your own, if you find something you like… before you buy it, brainstorm to see if you can make it yourself.
5- You must always have a project going on and one waiting to be started.
6- Don’t sit still, find something to do.
7- Talk even when you think noone is listening b/c odds are they are listening.
8- Have a garden and share with everyone
9- Wear bright colors
10- Go back for seconds or thirds.
11- Sneak in some sweets even when the doctors tell you not to
12- Even when you know someone doesn’t like a particular food, offer it over and over and over again.
13- Think your spouse is the best person in the world
14- Be patriotic, love your country.
15- But more importantly, love God above all else.
16- Power wash your house once a year and be stubborn and do it yourself regardless of age or health (this one is for GrandmaDean as well)
17- Stoop low to help others
18- Go on a bear hunt (my one regret is that I never asked GrandpaGordie to take my kids on a bear hunt- without a doubt he did the best bear hunts- mine just don’t compare)
19- Always greet with a hug and say goodbye with one as well
20- Praying for others is the best gift you can give
21- When in someone else’ car, keep your feet off of the dash board. (this was the biggest argument that I ever had with my GrandpaGordie)
That Spencer gene is strong. I will always carry a piece of him with me… seriously, God saw fit to give you a mini-Gordon in my 2nd child. From his looks to his firey personality, I live with a 4 year old
version of my grandpa everyday. We have always joked about it, but it is in this moment, that I have never been more thankful to see pieces of my grandpa in my kids.
As Hunter said, "mommy, dont cry, this is not even his home... he is in his home now." Ashton chimed in from the background, "yeah, this isnt his town."
Your comments about dad certainly summarize him and made us all laugh - for if you knew Grandpa Gordon, he was always up for a good laugh....at anyone's expense.
ReplyDeleteI will so miss the man....think I weathered the service ok, but as the days wear on, my heart is growing heavier in the selfish realization, that he has left this earth. I'm so thankful he's not missing me like I'm missing him! May our Lord continue to be glorified.....soon and very soon!
Hannah I know how hard it is to lose a grandpa that you love and cherish so much! But I think Hunter and Ashton are wise beyond their years because what a glorious home Papa Edgar and Grandpa Gordie are in now. We will continue to pray for you and your family during this difficult time. Love you!
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