Grandpa

Grandpa Egbert passed away on December 7th. I have never had anyone that close to me pass away. It's been an emotional few weeks, but I am happy to know that grandpa is at peace. The last week he spent in the hospital, I felt that he was already in heaven. I am sure that Heavenly Father welcomed him with open arms. Although he lived a long, wonderful life, he will be dearly missed. I know that I won't be seeing him for some time; I am just glad to know that I will be able to live with him forever. I am thankful for the time that I had with him here on Earth. I am thankful for my own father and his love, example, and testimony. I am forever thankful for eternal families. I love my family and can't imagine life without their love and support.

What a blessing to be able to have Grandpa be able to stand in the circle to bless McCrae only a few short weeks before his passing.

Grandpa's viewing was held on December 11th. It was hard, but it was nice to see so many friends and family come and support.

Apparently Grandma has been adding family members to the last Egbert family picture that was taken. She just tapes them right to the picture!

The funeral was the next day. Wow, it was rough. But at the same time, it was so neat to feel the unity we share as a family. 

My dad gave a beautiful talk and all of the grandkids were able to sing a couple songs together. It was a terrible idea, I thought (due to the fact that most of us sobbed our way through it), but my mom said that it was incredible to see Grandpa Egbert's legacy on the stand. We must have been quite a sight.

Afterword, we went to the cemetery. I debated taking pictures, but the gun salute was awesome. Grandpa served in the Navy and he would have loved it!

They presented Grandma with the flag that lay over the casket. It was a pretty inspirational moment.

The Egbert legacy lives on.

It was a hard day, but it was so nice to be able to spend it together. We have quite a support system with all these crazy people. I am so happy to know that we will be able to live together forever. Because of the sacrifice Jesus gave to us all, we will not only be able to live with Grandpa and our entire family, but with our Heavenly Father as well. What a special time of year... to celebrate the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Until we meet again.