The Funeral

Friday night was the visitation for Isaac.  We saw many great friends, family and loved ones.

 

One of the best surprises was having my cousin’s from my mom’s side of the family come from Boise and Hawaii!  My grandparents also made it down from Seattle thanks to some friends of theirs.

I still didn’t have a voice and was trying to not talk so it’d be healed enough to speak at the funeral the next day.  I made this sticker and wore it that night.  I still talked more than I should’ve.  We also all got pins instead of flowers to wear.

  

The next morning we had another viewing/visitation and then the funeral.  It was at Hunter High School.   I was still gargling salt water and sucking on cough drops, and although my voice was weak, everyone said they could hear me nice and clear as I gave my remarks.  Another tender mercy!

Here’s my talk…

The famous Shakespeare said, “All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.”

Isaac was no exception to this analogy. He played many parts throughout his life.

Isaac played the part of the baby brother. We were all so excited when we found out Mom was having another baby! I was six when Isaac was born and I remember taking him for show and tell in kindergarten when he was a newborn. It probably got a little awkward when I brought my toddler brother for show and tell in first and second grade too, but I loved showing him off! I remember when I was about seven taking him for a walk in the stroller, by myself, to the park across the street (I wonder if Mom knew I did that?). I remember being so excited to come home from school and play with Isaac, but he was always napping. Mom said I had to wait at least through one episode of Tiny Toons Adventures before I could go wake him up. What a joy Isaac was to our family.

Another role Isaac played was that of the friend. My own son, Cedric reminds me a lot of Isaac for this reason. Like my own six year old, Isaac didn’t have the concept of personal space when he was young and was often found hugging his buddies on the soccer field instead of kicking the ball as it rolled past. He loved everyone he met.

The third part Isaac played was that of the actor. Isaac loved drama, and even at a young age participated in a drama class. He continued to act as he entered high school and college and performed many times on this very stage. I remember going with my parents and nephew, Tyler over to Rock Springs Wyoming to watch Isaac in “Annie Get Your Gun” when he performed there in college. Isaac’s favorite holiday was Halloween and he loved to not only put on a costume, but put on a show.

Isaac also played the role of the technician. He understood computers better than most and my parents would often call Isaac to come over and install a new electronic for fix some problem they were having with the TV or computer. Isaac was very smart when it came to mathematical and scientific things.

In his teenage years Isaac played the role of the flirt. He would often brag about a girl he kissed and even admitted that once he had two girls in his club house, the salt shack and alternated kissing each one. But over time Isaac matured and realized there was more to girls than just kissing. He was reacquainted with his first grade sweetheart, and he and Candalyn quickly fell in love. How grateful l am for Candalyn and the unconditional love she has shown toward him! I will forever be grateful for her and the love they shared.

The best part Isaac ever played was that of the dad. As a stay at home dad, Isaac was a star! He loved Adair so much and even on difficult days, did his best to be there for her. He would take her to play groups, sing her songs and loved taking her to the mountains. He was often on diaper duty and never complained. It was so fun to see those two together. Adair, your daddy loves you!

The last part Isaac is playing, is that of one behind the scenes. He now plays the part of the angel. How lucky he is to be in a perfect state, free of mortal woes and to be with Mom again!

Elder Russell M. Nelson said, “Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. Prior to our birth, we dwelled as spirit children with our Father in Heaven. There we eagerly anticipated the possibility of coming to earth and obtaining a physical body. Knowingly we wanted the risks of mortality, which would allow the exercise of agency and accountability. “This life [was to become] a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God.” (Alma 12:24.) But we regarded the returning home as the best part of that long-awaited trip, just as we do now. Before embarking on any journey, we like to have some assurance of a round-trip ticket. Returning from earth to life in our heavenly home requires passage through—and not around—the doors of death. We were born to die, and we die to live. (See 2 Cor. 6:9.) As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven.”

I believe that to be true.

As the rest of us continue to perform on the stage of life, may we remember Isaac and all the many parts he played.

 

I also helped do all the pictures for the slideshow we showed at the end of the funeral.  It was such a nice service! 

Then we had a luncheon with all the extended family and Candalyn’s family.  Somehow we ended up on a back table by ourselves.  Here’s the view we had of everyone else.

It was fun to be with so many loved ones this weekend!