Funeral

The week of the funeral was a really hard one for me. I was asked to speak and had a really hard time knowing what to say. I prayed all the time and went to the temple and nothing. I got mad at Neil and told him he was the one who should be speaking since he's the grandson and that's why I didn't know what to say. I hardly slept because I was so stressed. The day of the funeral I woke up at 3 am after sleeping 2 hours to try and get something together. I had about 2 minutes and only needed 5 and joked to Neil, I'm sure I'll cry so that will take up the other 3. Two granddaughters spoke and Linda and I. It was so nice because Linda and Mary Lynn took words from Gma's journals and letters to talk about her. I've read a lot of those and it was so nice to be reminded of the amazing and faithful lady she was. After hearing those remarks it was my turn and I was composed until I looked down at the casket and all kinds of memories flooded my mind and I just couldn't speak. I never knew the Louie Jean that was talked about. I knew a Louie Jean that only her children and spouses and a few others knew. It was a blessing for our family to be with her for those 3 years and we learned so much. Several people told me I don't think anyone else could have done it and I had to give credit to my mom. She has always helped people and is always there for family and it's just been instilled in me that's what you do. You take care of each other no matter what. I can't wait to meet Louie Jean again and laugh over our time together.

All the great grand kids were amazed at the big hole that Gma was going to be laid in. Here's a funny story that happened and I hope Kim doesn't mind but I'm using his words from an email he sent out to family. You know Conner always curious and trying to figure things out so there was a button and lever and he just had to push it. What happened was scary because as you can see all the little kids were right there with their fingers. Someone could have gotten hurt but luckily no one did.

The funeral was wonderful. Very spiritual. Didn't want it to end.

We got a chuckle when Conner Hibbert touched or turned something holding the belts under Gma's casket. As we were getting ready to take pictures, after the dedication of the grave, the casket started to lower into the grave. S-C-A-R-E-E-E-Y!! Fortunately there are two metal support bars that stopped the casket from going down more than a few, (maybe six) inches. The mortuary representative looked quite ashen faced, I thought. (Remember, Conner and Gma didn't always get along in life. She would sometimes take his toys away. I think Conner was trying to have the last say.)

I think 44 of the 60+ grandkids made it. That's pretty amazing. Neil loved being able to talk to everyone.