This morning we were up early to finish packing and getting the house closed down again. When we walk out the door, we won't be returning for two more weeks. This all seems like a dream.
We arrived at the church for the viewing in our Twin Falls ward building. It was good to see many of our ward members there and lots of family. After the family prayer, all the grand and great grand children lined up outside of both entrances to the chapel. After the adults entered the chapel and found their seats, Anna started playing "I Am a Child of God," and the children entered singing as they walked to the stand. They then sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" and "If the Savior Stood Beside Me." Not sure if there was a dry eye in the overflowing chapel. 
Carol gave the life sketch followed by talks by Merl and David. Merl spoke of the power and influence that a righteous priesthood holder has on his posterity - lessons learned from him. David spoke of the traits that grandpa had gained from his experiences in life (some from his parents and grandparents) and the knowledge of who we are and why we are here. He challenged all to carry on the legacy. The children and spouses sang "Each Life That Touches Ours for Good." Both Bishop Harris and President Harris shared some remarks. 
After the funeral, we went to the Twin Falls Cemetery for the burial. The military color-guard provided a moving ceremony, and Don gave the grave dedicatory prayer. Three floral arrangements had been made so that each of the grand and great grandchildren could take a flower home with them.
Lunch followed back at the church. Tables filled the cultural hall and stage; I am sure it was a big task to feed so many people. Since our children are not all together in one place very often, we took the opportunity of taking some family group pictures. We have truly been blessed with wonderful children, their spouses, and grandchildren. W needed to be on the road by 3:00 p.m. to catch our flight from SLC to Denver. It was difficult wrapping up conversations and saying goodbye to everyone, but we were only a few minutes behind schedule. Merl, Brian, and I have been living in a daze the last few days - for different reasons. I was able to contact my brother K. Jay to meet us at the airport and keep our car for the next two weeks. He is always so accommodating! We flew on Frontier and had only pre-paid one checked bag each. We nested smaller suitcases in big ones so we would have enough luggage to come back home again.
All went well on the flight and getting our luggage picked up. Then we started our trek to find Bran's car in long-term parking. We crossed the pickup/drop-off lanes of traffic and walked through a large parking garage - then to the outside of the long-term parking. We walked for what seemed to be forever and finally found the correct row. When Brian pressed his car locator button, nothing responded. He did it again with the same result. He looked closer in his notes where he wrote down the coordinates. He discovered that we were on the east side of the airport - and he was parked on the west side. I had joked about how far we had walked. . . "This is like walking to Wilson's house." Then when we turned around and walked back the way we came, back through the terminals, and continued to the furthest section of the parking lot, I said "This is like walking to Elisabete's house." Good thing we have been walking for the last four plus months, I would have never made it otherwise - dragging our suitcases behind us. Actually, we caught a shuttle on the West side. The confusion was caused because Brian flew to SLC on United and returned on Frontier - different sides of the airport.
We were all exhausted, but Brian got us to his home all in one piece. A few of the kids had waited up to see us - hugs and kisses and then to bed. A very, very long day. . . and tomorrow will be another one.
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