The Bright Side

This post isn't about heartbreak, because I really can't do that anymore. The very best part of a funeral is seeing all the loved ones you don't see very often. That is the part I loved over the last couple weeks. I will miss my Grandpa very much, but as I spent time with his family, I saw him over and over in the things people said, the way they said them, and the things they did.

Another thing that was really neat was many people I didn't know very well, and some that I did, came up to me and told me how much I look like my Grandma Randy. I took this as the greatest complement. She passed away over 12 years ago leaving my Grandpa who just passed, heartbroken and so sad. I miss her very much. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. If I'm ever half as wonderful as she is, I'd feel really good about that. So thanks to those who told me I reminded them of her, it made my trip.

Here are some favorite shots:

My brother Ryan and I both thought it appropriate that Grandpa's hearse was a Cadillac. He owned several over the years.

Ryan was fortunately able to come all the way from Hawaii to the memorial we had in So. California.

Grandpa's signature color was red. He painted all his tools red so everyone knew they were his on a job. He always bought me red shoes, I have always owned at least one pair all my life. He bought his grandchildren red shirts and overalls to wear when they were with him. As I was choosing what to wear for speaking at the Memorial, I just had to wear red. My cousin Betsie, also speaking, had the same thought. I felt a little weird wearing red to a funeral, this will probably be the only time I ever do that. But everyone knew--I belonged to Grandpa. ( =

Tyler (my brother), Amy (his wife) and I staying warm under the tent at the grave side.

My parents and siblings at the grave side (minus Ryan who had to go back home to Hawaii)

At the luncheon afterwards.

I think the word Grandpa might have used here to describe the bunny ear culprits was "knuckleheads."