A very sweet graveside service

Dennis and I just got back from Bakersfield 
where we attended the graveside service of our neighbor's 89 year old father, WT Garvin. 
The Garvins are like family to us. 
We have lived right next door to them for 21 years. 
Our children grew up together.


Our neighbor Terry, and his son Brett, conducted and carried out the service today, making it all the more special. Once again I am reminded that all we take with us when we leave this life is what we have given away. We heard story after story about this great man. And what made him so great? He was continually doing acts of service with nothing expected or wanted in return. All throughout his life. His own father died when he was only 16 and he got a job to support his mother. And as he grew in years, he reached out to those around him because like he use to say, he knew what it felt like to be hungry.

Terry concluded the service looking at his father's casket and saying this is not the end, but a beginning instead.

I am reminded of a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley: "Death, although bitter to observe,, is not the end, but is, rather, only another graduation from which we go on to a better life." 



"Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there's a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see."  Helen Keller

6 comments:

Karen Mortensen said...

Wonderful Jill. Thank you for your great thoughts as always.

Dad and Susan said...

A beautiful post Jill. Thank you for these sweet reminders you pass on. Love, Dad and Susan

Susan Anderson said...

Funerals are always a sorrowful time, but there is such joy in a life well lived. And in the loved ones who gather to say farewell for a season.

Thanks for sharing this, Jill.

=)

Becky Jane said...

Death is difficult, but there is such a comfort knowing that a life was well lived and the world is a better place.

Blessings to all of you.

Eileen said...

Such a beautiful message! Thanks for this, Jill. It touched my heart and came at a much-needed time for me.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen

Heidi Garvin said...

Thank you so much for your lovely words, Jill! It was so good to see you and Dennis that weekend.

Look what happened last night

  Just a little pre-graduating gathering for our DIL Amy.... Not everyday a Mom of 7 and a Grandma of 7, graduates from college. It was not ...