Funeral

I have been MIA on the blog lately.  We had a special family member pass away last week from a spontaneous heart attack while on a boat fishing his his friend.  Jerry Duncan, "Pop", as we lovingly referred to him, went to heaven last Monday afternoon.  He had a swift and painless earthly exit, but the shock to those left here is sometimes hard to bear.  Pop was Denver's paternal grandfather.  He was a man of character and of unwavering faith.  He and his wife Donnie ("Maw") built a foundation that upholds a christ-like legacy for generations to come.  My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude to both of them because now my husband and I strive to honor their legacy and ensure it continues.

The funeral was on Thursday and we decided to take the kids with us.  The kids did not go to the service, but the older two did attend the grave side ceremony.  While we attended the funeral service at the church, Denver's maternal Grandma watched the kids in the nursery.  She said Daxx had a lot of questions and she "answered them the best she could".  (Now, we had many conversations with Daxx the prior 3-4 days about death, so I didn't think much about the "questions")

When we got to the cemetery for the graveside ceremony, Daxx happened on this grave stone (pictured below).  He came and tugged on my shirt and in the most serious voice he said, "Mom.  That person's dust is leaking out..."

I didn't quite understand what he was trying to tell me.  I simply responded by telling him, no it's just a little dirt.  Then he told me, "Well, Mammy said we turn back to dust, and his dust is leaking out the top of his grave."

After he explained himself, I suddenly realized he thought this poor persons body was seeping out of the grave.  Instead of immediately laughing (because it was just too darn cute) I had to do a little re-con action and explain the process a little better.  But, the whole situation made me giggle just a little.  Kids can be so literal can't they.

The day ended well and we celebrated and paid tribute to a life lived in the light of grace and truth.  As a woman who married into this legacy, I am truly grateful for the firm stand they took in the way their life was lead.  May Denver and I take the baton passed to us, and continue it into a heritage of faith.

1 Corinthains 15:55-57

“Where, O death, is your victory?

 Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.