Passing On

Yesterday afternoon we attended the funeral of Stacy's grandfather, Lefty Harris, affectionately known as GGPa. It was a beautiful service in a beautiful location. It seems almost too beautiful a day for a funeral. Uncle Kyle, Stacy, the kids and I met at Forest Lawn in Glendale a little early and said our goodbyes to Lefty - just us and Lefty. He looked so peaceful and serene, but so frail and small. It was a very comforting time, and the kids handled it beautifully. I was very proud of them. L, who is prone to get worked up and conflicted in emotional times, was simply sweet and wonderful and sad. N stood the whole time at the edge of the casket, somber and thoughtful. He patted Lefty's hand told him he loved him.

We joined the rest of the family and friends at the graveside where we were surprised to find an honor guard on station and the coffin draped in a flag. "Taps" was played and the flag presented to Stacy's dad Kirk. It was very moving. Reverend Greg Bero, our pastor from our home church, presided over the funeral. Grandma Bunny, Lefty's wife of 69 years was able to come and stay for the majority of it. It was especially appropriate because it is impossible to have a tribute to Lefty apart from Bunny. The two have been indivisible.

After reading the eulogy, Pastor Greg asked if anyone had anything they would like to share. N, who was sitting on Stacy's lap in the front row, immediately raised his hand. Pastor Greg called him up and he stood next to Greg; he had been crying and his eyes were all puffy. "He was always nice to me," he whispered to Greg, then buried his face in Greg's legs.  After the service concluded L had some notes she had written that she put into the grave with the coffin.

After the service the crowd regrouped at the Harris family home in Burbank, now standing empty, but dusted out for the occasion. It was strange and wonderful to hear the noise and commotion throughout the place again, perhaps for the last time. The gathering, which had been advertised as being an hour or two, went well into the night and it was only the exhaustion of the day that finally reluctantly disbursed the crowd.

Good bye, Lefty. You were a man to know and emulate, and you will be greatly missed.