A Goodbye, for now

Today was the funeral. I didn't sleep much last night. I had the same feeling last night that I did on Sunday night, before he died. It felt like my last moments were coming and I didn't want to miss them. Last night, it felt like it was coming too fast, so by not sleeping it helped the night to go by slower. I didn't want to have all of the people come and tell me how sorry they were, I didn't want to close the casket, I didn't want to take him to the cemetary, I didn't want to have to do this day.

It was actually a beautiful day. I was really worried it wouldn't be nice, or happy, or that I would always look back on this day as too sad to remember. But, it wasn't! It really was nice. I had an amazing photographer there so that we wouldn't have to worry about taking photos ourselves, so you will all have to check back in 2 weeks to see them. My family and friends and ward members did an amazing job putting everything together. Here is the program:

Outside:

Inside:

My friend, Shelley, made these! She did a great job! She also suprised me with a necklace that had a charm with Jake's picture and his birthdate. It is precious. I love it and don't ever want to take it off. My amazing Sister-in-law did an amazing decorative table out in the foyer all dedicated to Jake. It looked GREAT!! I was really worried how Jake would look, but he didn't look bad at all. Most of the fluid in his face was gone, so he looked like our little baby and the best part was that his hands were still soft. They didn't feel hard, like most dead people. His were nice and sweet, just like we remembered him. I still wanted to sit there and hold his hand and stroke his head. We had so many people come-so if you were one of those people, THANK YOU!! I couldn't believe how many people showed up to support us and our baby Jake. It was amazing. I loved the outpouring of love we felt. I am so happy that so many people finally got to see our baby Jake.

The program was great. My mother-in-law did a great job chronicling his life moments, then all the cousins sang, then my dad gave a great talk on the plan of salvation, or we like to call it, the Plan of Happiness, because that is what we truly know will make us happy. Then, my fantastic Brother-in-Law sang a beautiful song. He did a great job. I can't imagine how hard this would have been and I really appreciate him singing. Then, our great Bishop gave a few remarks, then Pres. Wright (my bishop growing up), the President Pugmire. Those two men are so humble and loving. I was honored that they both came and both spoke! After the service, Tyler carried the casket out to our Suburban. It was fuzzy blue and so small, too small. Maddie carried the casket flowers. It was cute. (oh, Lexi and Payton BOTH fell asleep during the service! (Wierdos!! )

When we got to the cemetary, we took the casket out of the car, and again, Tyler was the only pallbearer and also gave a beautiful dedicatory prayer. After the prayer, my mom brought out a couple huge bunches of baby blue balloons. We had heard about this idea from Heidi, and we really liked it, so we let each of the kids (and most adults) hold a balloon, and then we let them all go at the same time! It was amazing, and very fun to watch. The kids really liked it too!

After the cemetary, we went back to the church for a GREAT luncheon. My brother, Todd, did smoked pulled pork and smoked ribs! YUUUUUUMMMMMMMMYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!! My ward adn the 20th ward did an amazing job with the food. It was all very delicious! After the luncheon, we took the kids back to the cemetary and put some flowers on his grave, along with another beanie baby. It looked really cute.

Again, thank you to all who helped make this day so special. It really was a day to remember, and I loved it.

Well, I am falling asleep, so I better go to bed, but I'm glad I survived and can look back with no regrets!