We're back home . . .

I didn't know it was possible to be so completely exhausted but we are back home from California and on our way to feeling rested and energetic again.

It was good to gather with friends and family although the occasion was a sad one. One of life's great challenges is to be separated from one we love by death. Robert will be missed.

In spite of their own fatigue and sense of loss, Chris, Cindy and Rakiah graciously opened their home to us. (Sara drove in from Arizona bringing Carey, Jennie and Brig as well.) How good to be with family instead of in a hotel! Sean and his children, Shanon and young Chris, and Henri spent time at the house during the two days we were there.

Lou planned a lovely service. Robert was buried in Rose Hills Cemetary, Whittier, California, Saturday, August 9, 2008. The day was warm and beautifully clear. The flowers lovely. The little chapel was full to overflowing.

An overview of thoughts expressed at the funeral as I remember them:

Henri shared how Robert was always there when he needed him. "He was my big brother." When Henri was young, he cut his foot badly and Robert was quick to his side to take care of him. In Henri's young eyes, Robert had saved his life. Henri also shared how Robert would hold him to a task until it was done. He remembered a time when they were doing dishes. When it got to be 8:00 p.m. Henri turned to leave to go to his homework. Robert called him back to task as the job wasn't done yet. Robert had the ability to see things through and Henri admired that ability. Henri also expressed thanks from the family for all who had come to share in our celebration of Robert.

Claigh spoke of two qualities of Robert that were also qualities of the Savior, meekness and loving kindness. He defined meekness as "the ability to endure injury with patience and without resentment." This was a quality Claigh had admired in Robert. He told of how Robert was patient and kind with those who were trying to help him even though he was suffering with great pain. Claigh also remembered Christ on the cross providing for his mother Mary. Robert was mindful of his mother throughout her life and saw to her care. He was grateful for her efforts in his behalf. Robert's concern for others extended to each of us. When he was asked how he was doing he would turn it around with "How are you doing?" Claigh bore his testimony of the power of the Savior to make our suffering turn to our good and also his power to redeem us from the grave.

Due to one of those real life experiences, a flat tire, Chris arrived late but mercifully in time to share his thoughts. Chris had chosen Psalm 121 for the program:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Chris had participated in Robert's care during those most difficult last days. He expressed his gratitude for that privilege. (It was a comfort to us that he was able to be there for Robert. It had to be tough for him to see Robert suffering.) Chris told of Robert's loyalty and devotion to those he loved. He also thanked Lou for his care for Robert during the past months as Robert's health deteriorated. The love Chris expressed perfectly concluded the remarks of the brothers.

Shanon remembered Robert's great sense of humor and the welcoming spirit she always felt in his home. She shared how she always felt accepted and loved even though she had some very different views than Robert.

Some of Robert's fellow workers spoke of his infectious laugh. One remarked that she would hear his laugh from across the office and before she knew it she would be laughing even though she did not know what the laughter was about. Marlene spoke again of Robert's caring for others and his goodness towards them. She remarked that Robert had been like a father to her. Andrew read the resurrection story from the scriptures. Darius shared a poem.

At the grave side, Pastor Richard spoke of Robert's acceptance and kindness towards others. He told of how Robert would look at someone with those big blue eyes and really see them. He noted Robert's love for his family.

The service concluded as Rakiah testified of the miracle of Jesus through the hymn "Amazing Grace." This was a sweet comfort.

Following the services, we enjoyed a sandwich luncheon. It was wonderful to see Dolly and Darin, Dick and Cheryl whom we had not seen for so long. It was a joy to meet so many of Robert's friends as well. In spite of equipment difficulties and the challenges of the day, Chris was able to present a slide show of Robert's family and friends that he had thoughtfully prepared. I especially loved the picture of Robert and Shanon sitting together on a sofa, heads thrown back in laughter. The delight of the moment is captured for each one of us who have enjoyed such times with Robert.

Thanks to our Father in Heaven for such a good brother. Thanks to each of you for your prayers and expressions of love at this time of loss. We are grateful for life, family and friends. We are grateful for our Savior.