Yesterday, the day I took this photo, marked the 10-year anniversary of my Grandpa Haffa’s funeral. It’s hard to believe I haven’t got to see him for 10 years. It was one of the hardest times of my life, but I really grew up that year. I learned that hugs from a stranger can be comforting, and that children can comfort their parents. I was only a junior in high school, but I also learned that I could stand in front of a whole crowd of people and shared my family’s memories. Two months later I stood up there again – for my Grandma. This tree was one of the plants given to our family at Grandpa’s funeral. My mom retired in May, so I inherited the tree a couple of weeks ago. The other two plants in my office are from my Aunt Jill’s funeral last year, and my other grandpa’s funeral in February. Is it weird that I seem to collect souvenirs from funerals? Maybe, but these daily reminders keep the memories alive.
Tag: funeral
Day 194: The sun keeps us going
We inherited this house plant almost a year ago after Jerod’s aunt’s funeral, which was about a month after our friend Ryan’s funeral, which was a few weeks after Jerod’s grandpa’s funeral, which was just 2 weeks after my aunt’s funeral. It was a rough summer to say the least. Seeing the sunlight hit this funeral plant each day reminds me of all the good days, both behind us and ahead. Relay For Life may be hard tomorrow since it’s the first Relay after my aunt passed away from pancreatic cancer, but I know the sun in shining bright.
Days 51-52: Until we meet again
Here are a few photos from Grandpa’s visitation last night and his graveside service today. Jerod’s comment today really put everything into perspective. “He is up in heaven right now bragging to all the Saints that he personally knows God.” If you know Grandpa, you know how true that statement is.
Photographic Rhodes 