My father died of cancer 25 years ago this month. It seems like yesterday and it seems like 100 years ago. We all yearn for his companionship and love. He is never far from our thoughts and we all carry him in our hearts on a daily basis. Lindsey designed the invitation to a "night of remembrance" we held for him in his hometown and burial spot; Clarkston, Utah.We first gathered at the park for a potluck of desserts. The kinder played games and the adults enjoyed catching up with each other.
We traveled to the cemetery and took turns sharing memories of Dad. I first played a tape of his voice when he gave a talk on Patriotism many years ago in the Rupert, Idaho stake. Many there had never heard his voice and those of us who have found it piercing to hear him speak so clearly on a topic dear to his heart....People, we need to be preserving our loved ones on camera, before it is too late.
Many flowers were placed on his grave and I spread fresh peony's behind the tombstone.
Many flowers were placed on his grave and I spread fresh peony's behind the tombstone.
8 comments:
Me again. Hope you don't mind. I enjoyed this post, also. I lost my mom 29 years ago to cancer, so I know your feelings about your father. Also, I love the Clarkston cemetery! I lived in Cornish for 5 years, married into a Lewiston family. And I was so surprised to see the name on the last picture. My daughter-in-law was raised in Newton and her maiden name is Griffin. She sure is a great daughter!
Great pictures. I was wondering when you were gonna do a post about Dad! You should have been the first one since w/o you none of that would have happened. Thanks again for always helping us remember and commemorate special events.
It is wonderful for us to be able to pay tribute to our loved ones. I agree with how important it is to video, record and write down ALL that we can. It will matter someday...
I just wanted to break out in the song "Tradition" (from Fiddler on the Roof)after reading this post. You should be proud of the legacy you continue to foster in your family. It is those ties that bind us. I don't know are we just getting old, and finally getting what it means "the hearts of the children will return to their fathers" and just how important that prophecy is.
Love the roses on the burial site. LOVE that picture of Earl as a baby! I want that blown up for me! Sounds like such a special time. I'm sure he was smiling down on the festivities
Mary Ann's husband Trace said...
She is so devoted to her father and it shows in the memorials that she tastefully organizes over the years to make certain that children, grands and great grands have the benefit of knowing the depth of their genetic posterity. I have to agree with those who knew Earl so well and who recognize how much of him lives on his daughter. Perhaps the best quality that lives on in her is an outreach to strangers. I know that he smiles to see that she carries on his legacy as he sees her feed the hungry and care for the downtrodden.
I miss him so much! I need a copy of that tape!
I didn't know your dad either, but if he was anything like LD or Eddie I'm sure he was a lot of fun! I haven't been to Clarkston for a long time, it was good to see pictures. Thanks for the pics of LD and Val, I sure miss those two.
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