I haven't seen grandpa for years and somehow the memories of him remain so fresh and current. Growing up I was actually closer to my grandpa than my grandma. I loved both dearly but I felt a different; more fervent feeling toward him. Looking back, I have such fond memories with him. Some memories make me laugh out loud as there were times all of us cousins gave him a run for his money. My dad is the oldest sibling of six and had a military upbringing. He conducted the funeral and I learned a great deal about my grandpa and his military background that I never knew. I was impressed and greatly captivated with his story. I couldn't help but wish I was sitting with my grandpa eating a big bowl of ice cream and chocolate syrup listening to him tell his own great stories. My dads closing remarks were the perfect words to seal up the evening. Emotional, honest, and inspired my dad was. I believe death is not the end and I'm not scared of it either. When the timing is appropriate I imagine its an exciting experience for the one crossing over. Death is only hard for the ones left behind; the ones trying to deal with the loss. Grandpa suffered a long time. I'm grateful I was the one suffering that night. His spirit is free and Oh how I'm so thrilled for my grandparents to be together again!!
(picture taken in December 2007
look at his awesome black hair, which is natural I SWEAR!!)
I just wanted my dad to hold me after the funeral. I'm not going to lie... most of my tears that night were coming from a place within me that I hardly recognized. As I watched things happen around me I found it a little bit difficult to cope and there were few places to hide. I realized I too will lose my dad someday and I can't lose him. Or my mom. I just can't. My parents are my foundation and the older I get the more I understand their love for me and I am getting too deep for comfort here so.... yeah... this is my dad with the three of us
Tay helped watch the girls during the funeral so they wouldn't be too loud.
The next morning was the graveside service
you all know what a outrageously proud American I am. I thank my parents for helping me understand and appreciate the power and passion for our country. My grandpas memorial was touching and it was an honor, really, to be a part of a Military Burial. (I remember my gpa Tinsley's too. I was young but I remember Limos and escorts and flowers and flags galore. Our country really takes care of its officers as they are undoubtedly deserving of it! Grandpa Tinsley was a Colonel in the Army and his service was unreal too)
So (below) my Uncle David, cousin Ryan and his wife Ashley are in the Air Force and it was such a privilege for them to honor grandpa Crocker in such a way.
The ceremony started with a 21 gun salute. The shots rang out loud and clear then a soldier played the Taps on his bugle. The tune is insanely powerful and inspiring. This young man; he played it like he meant it! A fierce moment of silence followed and then tears filled most eyes.
They presented the flag to my Aunt Janice. She was in pieces and I was overwhelmed for her. What a lovely commemorative that holds so much symbolism; so much value. I know she understood what an honor is was to receive this.
haha look at Kohlter!!
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The rest of the trip...
On the airplane headed down to Az.
Ashton is so sweet, always! She just wanted to love on Linny who was clearly really into whatever she was watching.
We went to Freestone park and rode the carousel and train and fed ducks.
Then we went to McDonalds and played.
I'm still getting used to letting my kids go in that germ infested playground. I didn't have my can of lysol with me in that particular diaper bag so I had to grit my teeth and look the other way.
all the cousins on the ride
LOVIN my dads hat!
Rachels family is big enough that they made up a 'hug line' so we don't forget anyone when we say goodbye. I felt like it was 'Home Alone' trying to count all the heads on the way to the airport for vacation. Luckily Rachel has never missed a child... yet! haha
at the airport giving Nana and Papa Loves
Ashton was being so funny on the plane. She does this thing that makes us laugh and Charayye captured it on camera. She throws her arms up high and when she brings them down she says.....
...."yessssss"!!!
What a trip.
Now we're getting ready for fall around here!
3 comments:
it was funny that i talked to you just yesterday about your grandpa and the girls going to nursery, not know you had posted about both...
this post is such a great part of your life to have in writing. a lot of memories were made with your family that trip. what a wonderful grave ceremony.
Thank you for the beautiful post Truly. Dad and I were grateful all of you could be here. As Emily said, we made alot of memories that weekend. It's so special when we can all be together.
I just looked at this post again and have to comment on Ashton trying to love on Linny on the plane ride down. She is sooo tender and Lenard wasn't having anything to do with it. LOL Also, Ashy saying 'yeessss' on the way back. Love that girl!
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