Funeral

In mid-October we heard the unfortunate news that my grandma had passed away. Just weeks prior, Grandma Walquist had turned 95, a milestone that had been a goal for her. While we will miss Grandma's spunk, her honesty, and her firm faith in the Lord, we rejoice that Grandma is now together with her Savior Jesus in heaven. What a blessing it is that we do not have to grieve like those who have no hope (I Thess 4:13), but that we can take a confident comfort in Christ's victory over death and in His promise of heaven for us, His children.

Grandma's funeral was scheduled during a very busy week for Jason, so our family decided to just have Adley and me fly out to Missouri for the funeral. We traveled with my sister Kim and her son Nathan, too. It was so great having travel buddies! Adley did great on her first flight. It helped that the flight was super early in the morning (5:30am), so she slept nearly the whole way (when she wasn't trying to chew on the flight information cards, that is...).

Nathan was an awesome traveler throughout the whole trip. He was very impressed by the airport's moving sidewalks.

One of the best parts about attending a funeral is having a chance to see extended family. I had not seen my Uncle Rick or Aunt Mary from New York for quite a few years. I loved catching up with them and letting them get to know Adley.

A lot of our stay was spent chatting with family at Grandma's house. (I love this candid photo that Sarah captured of us relaxing on that first evening. My siblings and I almost look as if we're trying to pose like the pictures of my dad and uncles behind us.)

We went out to dinner as a big family to a Chinese buffet, Grandma's favorite restaurant to take us to when we visited her in Missouri.

Our trip to the Midwest gave Adley her first experience with cold weather. Mommy had to dig out some warmer clothes for Adley before we left! Doesn't she look pretty cute in her first-ever pair of tights?

Grandma's funeral was a wonderful service. The pastor gave a comforting message of hope in Jesus' resurrection while also celebrating Grandma's life and legacy of faith. Kim and Sarah sang a hymn, "The Lord's My Shepherd, Leading Me" while I accompanied them on the piano. Kim and Sarah's voices sounded so beautiful together! Following the service, we had additional time to visit with family at a dinner that the church provided for us. Adley was primarily content just in Mommy's arms on this trip, but she did get a little bit of hang-out time with other relatives during this funeral dinner.

Adley and Macy

Adley and Aunt Jill

The extended Walquist clan:

The last hymn sung at Grandma's funeral was "Abide with Me." This song is one of my very favorite hymns. The lyrics are perfect for providing comfort at funerals, reminding us that we can rest assured in God's presence and His triumph over death. Even when we are faced with the worst that this life can give us, we can always praise God for His power, His unending love, and His faithful presence!

"Abide with Me" (LSB vs. 5&6)

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless

Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness

Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes

Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies

Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows free

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.