Goodbye Grandpa Z

Grandpa Zirker took a turn for the worse a few weeks ago and ended up in the hospital. To this point he's been living on his own, as independent as possible, with Brenda checking up on him and helping him out. As I understand it, he experienced some respiratory failure. After being treated at the hospital, he was sent to live in a nursing home but I don't believe he lasted long there and passed away on April 14th.

Brandon and I flew up for the funeral services held yesterday. Poor Brenda was having a difficult time and I think it did a lot of good to have Shawn AND Brandon there with her. The night before (Sunday) all of the cousins went over to Grandpa's house and looked at slides on a sheet hung on the side of the house, a tradition their family has had for years.

All of Kent's kids were there (except Kelly) with their kids, Eugene, Janice & Ty were there - most of his kids are in Utah and the Richards were all present except for Manda and Mat. Grandpa will be buried in Roosevelt, UT, so Manda and "The Iowa Zirkers" attended the graveside service there. The evening watching slides seemed like the perfect intro to the funeral, more a celebration of his life than grieving. It was wonderful to see extended family and catch up and remember Grandpa Z together.

The funeral was beautiful. We went early to see him in the casket and say goodbye. I've always had a difficult time seeing someone's body for the last time, but I feel like I need the closure at the same time. They definitely look different when their spirit is gone and it was hard to see Grandpa Z like that, especially when my hormones are out of whack and my emotions are so close to the surface. I cried a lot throughout, but Buddy was my rock. Each of his children spoke and told touching stories as well as funny stories about Grandpa. He was a pretty amazing man. Right up to the end, he was alert and "with it". Brenda went to visit him in the hospital and told him that Brandon and I were having a baby and he knew right off the bat that ours would be the 50th great grandchild - granted, I don't think anyone had told him about another baby due before ours. The point is, he was so family oriented! Which is why it was so touching when all of the grandkids that were present sang "Love At Home". It was an honour to be able to participate - what an incredible legacy to have left. This is the second funeral I've attended for one of Brandon's grandparents, and while we mourn their loss, both have been an inspirational, uplifting celebration of their lives. It could be more evident that both the Richards and Zirker families know there is life after this one. Oh how I love the gospel!