Grandpa Brown's Funeral

Andrew and I experienced some miracles this week. We were very saddened to hear the new of Grandpa's passing, though grateful that he no longer had to suffer in pain. All weekend, we searched for flights back to Salt Lake, finding ourselves discouraged at the high prices. After a grueling search, we woke up early Sunday morning and found the cheapest one yet, prices being three times as high the day before and the day after we would plan to come home from our visit. Talk about a miracle. We wanted to be there with the family so badly, and we now could afford to be there.

We surprised both of our families, which was a lot of fun! We did tell Jed and Claire, so Jed was able to pick us up from the airport. We drove down to Lindon, walked in the house, and gave everyone quite the surprise! It was fun to be with everyone and to talk about memories with Grandpa Brown.

The next morning, Andy and I headed up to Salt Lake to surprise my mom. You know your mommy loves you when she opens the door, jumps up and down and then starts balling like a baby! It was fun!

We then headed over to the funeral. There was a viewing with the family beforehand, which was lovely. It was nice to all be together.
It is hard to describe in words how remarkable and wonderful Grandpa Brown is. He had a special gift for unconditional love. It is pretty unusual for a grandpa to treat all of is daughter and son inlaws and his granddaughter and grandson inlaws as if they were is very own.

The tributes to Grandpa were beautiful. Uncle Paul, cousin David, Aunt Val, and Byron all spoke, and each of their words were perfect. The great-grandchildren all sang "My Heavenly Father Loves Me," and Melissa played a beautiful Rachmaninoff Prelude. In closing, Andrew, his dad and brothers all sang "Abide With Me," which they all sung beautifully. It couldn't have been a lovelier celebration of the amazing life Grandpa led.

 We proceeded to the graveside, where veterans were waiting there to give a soldier's tribute to Grandpa, fold the flag, and present it to Grandma. It was a beautiful tribute. The graveside was dedicated, all of the pallbearers placed their carnations on the casket, and we took pictures together.

We all enjoyed being together back at the chapel. Everyone was talking and laughing, which Grandpa would be happy to see.