The service was only about 20-25 minutes, just what we were hoping for. We asked our mothers to offer the prayers. Which, we knew was somewhat unfair considering they each followed a song that came with some difficult memories. We also asked our fathers to share a few words. Bishop Cleverley conducted the service, and offered a few words also. We had all of Gunners cousins sing "I Am A Child of God." I was impressed at how much they all seemed touched by what they were experiencing. Which can I mention I am sure is confusing to young children.
One side note is about when we were planning the service with Bishop Cleverley. I felt very strongly that we needed to ask our mothers to pray, even though I knew it was almost asking too much. It seemed obvious to ask our fathers to say a few words. The other obvious was that we wanted to close with the hymn "Families Can Be Together Forever." What was less obvious was what we should sing for the opening hymn, so we skipped it for a few minutes. The only hymn that kept coming to me was "Because I Have Been Given Much." My first thought was how unrelated the song is for a burial. Since, I have really come to understand just how relevant the song was and how grateful I am that I followed the prompting that I received.
As the last car pulled away, it began to snow. Eric and I weren't quite ready to leave, so we stayed a little longer. By the time Eric and I left, the ground was covered by a beautiful white blanket of snow. The cemetery is just beautiful, but covered by snow it had a different feel, almost like it had been a renewal? I don't have the words to explain just how it felt that day, and how it still feels in my heart.
When we first found out that we would need to start thinking about a burial, it felt overwhelming to be 30 years old and making such a decision. One day, I was going about my day and the thought came to me that we should look into the Estes Park cemetery. We quickly dismissed it when we found out that it would be considerably more expensive than other options. Long story short, the spirit started to pull Eric in that direction also. When he went to visit the cemetery the day after Gunner passed away, he couldn't deny that the spirit wanted this to be the final resting place for Gunner. The Lord has provided a way. Thank you to all of you that have given us so much support. I can't tell you how everyones kindness have made it possible for us to do what we felt Heavenly Father was asking us to do. It is difficult for us to accept the help, but we are also so overwhelmed by the generosity! Again, thank you!
Why Estes Park? For those of you that may not know we say that our family was started in Estes Park, Colorado. When Eric and I met, I was a senior in high school and Eric was living and working in Estes after graduating from high school there. MUCH of the time we spent in first our friendship, then dating, then engagement was spent either in Estes or traveling in between. That is at least an hour and 15 minute drive one way. Most weeks Eric made the trip many times.
We are now working on the headstone, and once that is in place, I am sure I will post again.
Eric carrying Gunner from the car to the burial site.
The cousins (and Hope) singing "I Am A Child Of God"
Eric's family except Aarons wife Pam and daughter Brynlee.
My family except Gables wife Laura.
This is to show you the contrast of just a few minutes. The snow really came down for a few minutes, then stopped. It was beautiful and felt very peaceful. I had to go and sit down in the car before Eric was ready to leave.
