What an amazing day!

It seems kinda strange to me that I would be saying that after coming home from the burial of my dear wonderful Grandpa! Technically he is Ryan's Grandpa but I never really got to know my own Grandpas. My mom's dad died before I was born and my dad's grandpa died when I was 7 or 8.

Grandpa Chapman always greeted me with a smile, hug and kiss. I could feel the love he had for me as well as my children. Family was so important to him and I feel so blessed to have known this most wonderful man. He exemplifies what a Grandpa should be and I am grateful that we have been blessed to live close over the past two years so that I had a chance to know him even better. Last year for Christmas we could not think of anything to give them. I believe we were inspired when we came up with a plan to bring dinners to them for the following year. Between all of Ryan's married siblings we took three times a week to bring them dinner. When the situation allowed we would have dinner with them. My children got to know them both in a way they would not have had we not done this. My children are richly blessed from hearing Grandpa's stories. They were anything from funny jokes, sports stories, funny things Ryan's dad did as a child, bragging about a family member, to stories of the war. He was a hero to us all in so many ways.

Yesterday was the funeral services. I was surprised at the emotion which Sarah showed. I felt the need to stay strong for her sake. I didn't get a chance to see him at the viewing since Sarah was so distraught and I just held her outside the room. I love this little girl who feels her emotions so deeply. It was good to be reminded of the wonderful man he was. I learned things I didn't know, one being Grandpas love for Christmas time. The lights and the music.

Today was the burial and I think all the emotion I was holding in yesterday was allowed to be released. I was in awe at the majestic of the service. Grandpa was a war hero and was thus privileged to be buried at the riverside national cemetery. He was at pearl harbor when it was bombed. I wish I could remember all the wonderful things he survived during that time period. The military procedure touched me so deeply. His coffin was covered with an American flag. They saluted him as his coffin passed. The bugle played and my whole being was touched. These retired soldiers volunteer their time to bury a fellow patriot. As they folded the flag I was again moved to tears. They struggled to get it folded perfectly and unfolded it a few times. Their love for this country and for what the flag symbolizes was evident in their respect to each each fold. As the guns sounded I felt deep appreciation for what our countries soldiers of all eras have done so that we may have the rights we do and again I mourned over the lose of this wonderful man we call Grandpa.

Until we meet again, we love you Grandpa Chapman!