(I especially love this picture of Gracie taken at Halloween. It captures her sweet spirit.)
Yesterday Paul and I attended Gracie's funeral. When I saw Gracie lying in her little white casket in her beautiful white dress, she looked like an angel. Paul said that he has never seen anyone look as good as Gracie did in death, and I certainly agree. She was beautiful.
I thought that Stephanie, Michelle's sister, spoke from her heart as she told of the family's experiences with Gracie from the time she was born until now. Gracie's dad Tom spoke as well, and he gave a father's perspective of losing his sweet daughter.
The music, especially, was exquisite. First, a woman sang a combination of two children's songs; later, Paul Cardell, who is a noted Utah musician, played a medley of Primary songs on the piano. Paul is a heart patient himself who is waiting hopefully for a heart transplant. He carried oxygen with him and made the effort, while not feeling very strong, to come and play for Gracie's funeral.
I don't think I have ever been to a child's funeral. It is very sad to think of a little girl and all of the potential for a fulfilling life that she should have had ahead of her.
Michelle and Tom, Gracie's parents, have been incredibly strong and also very appreciative to all the people who helped them care for Gracie. The heart surgeon and several nurses came to the funeral to say a last farewell to Gracie. People all over the world loved Gracie.
3 comments:
I just noticed on your blog update list that 3 other people have posts about Gracie's funeral! I've never been to a child's funeral either (and hope never to!) but it sounds like this was a sweet experience. And that pic is so adorable.
It was a sweet funeral for such a sweet baby. One of the greatest parts of the day was when they let off pink and white balloons at the gravesite...one for every day she lived. That was significant because I know they cherished every single day they had with her. And for the 5 minutes the balloons were being let go, the bitter cold wind stopped and the sun came out. It was pretty cool!
She looks like she was a beautiful little girl. That is really sad that she passed away, but she must be a really special spirit.
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