Funeral Service

I don't know if people typically write about a funeral service, but I am going to. Daddy's funeral service was very nice. Keith said really wonderful things about him and gave an inspiring message of hope. The songs we chose to have sung were beautiful. I almost wish we had a video of it. Sounds weird, I know, but I would like to hear it again. The service started with Daddy's favorite hymn, Blest Be the Tie That Binds. The words of this song are comforting and I always think of my Dad when I hear it. The words are as follows:

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love, the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

Before our Father's throne we pour our ardent prayers, our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear, And often for each other flows a sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain, But we will still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.

I will always think of Daddy when I hear or sing that song. I appreciate the message these words bring, that our hearts are bound in Christian love and that we will still be joined in heart when we part from this life.

We included other songs that we knew Daddy liked and we also each chose a song that was our favorite. We also made sure to include Daddy's favorite Scripture:

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. John 14:1-4

I think more from John 14 was read, but I don't remember everything. Keith also spoke about the Scriptures that give us hope of eternal life in heaven. I decided that I wanted to speak about Daddy and to honor him. Even though I know I don't owe him anything, I felt like I owed him something.

A Tribute to My Dad

My Dad was the best man I’ve ever known. He was always happy, always optimistic, always positive, and always had a smile. Everybody loved him. He loved his family and he made sure we all knew that. His faith in God kept him grounded and he was a wonderful example. He was genuinely a good man. He was always there whenever he was needed no matter what. My favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and I think this verse describes his character perfectly. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. I can’t think of a better way to describe my Dad. He had a way of making everyone feel special and that makes him special. He would always do something to make you laugh or smile whether by telling a joke or just simply by being goofy. He will be greatly missed. I am so thankful that he was my father and my friend and I am so blessed to have been his daughter. He will always hold a special place in my heart. His very last words to me were “I Love You” and I am so glad that I had the chance to say it back. I Love You Daddy.

When the service concluded, we were left to say goodbye to him. I didn't know how to say that. I'm not sure if I even did. I kept looking at him and asking over and over, why & what happened? I didn't want it to be the last time I would ever see him, but it was, on this earth. I know I will see him again someday. I have that hope. I gave wrote him a letter that I left with him. Tessa drew a picture that we left with him and Kaley left a rose with him. I walked out of that church building, the church I was raised in, baptized in, married in, and saying goodbye to my Daddy in feeling heart broken. I will never be the same.