Funeral

My uncle was AMAZING at restoring old cars...and belonged to various clubs and participated in parades, fairs, etc. When Stephen and I got married, it was my Uncle Darrell that drove us to our reception in his Model T. It was really neat to see all the old cars lined up at the church where we had his funeral (the church where I grew up is now a funeral home, and until they build a new one, they are meeting at our High School, so they couldn't have the funeral there).

The service was excellent - a great mixture of laughing and tears. They had a hard time finding a pastor who could do the service, because the current one was out of town and couldn't get back. So they began contacting previous pastors. Well, it ended up going all the way back to a pastor we had at Allendale Wesleyan from 1969-1980, Ron Kelly (some of you fellow Wesleyans might recognize the name - he was our District Superintendent in the West Michigan District after he left our church and now is at Headquarters as General Secretary). Dr. Kelly read reflections from the previous pastors about my Uncle Darrell and gave reflections himself. It was neat because it brought back so many memories - both of my Uncle Darrell and the pastors I grew up knowing and loving. Two words continually were used to describe my uncle - faithful and reliable/consistent. He never wavered - and was always the same person no matter where he was or who he was with. He has left a great legacy, and he will be missed!!!

Of course the kids had to ride on the lawn mower with their grandpa!!

Titus and Gracie (yes, Titus is wearing a necklace :) )
My friend Sara watched the kids for me while we were at the funeral. She has two daughters that are almost the same age as Titus and Damaris. Thanks, Sara!!

AND Titus made it all the way up and all the way home without one accident in the car...hurray for Titus!!!!!!!!! He is doing so well!!