Graveside Words at Memphis Memorial Park in Memphis,
Tennessee, 3:00 PM, Monday, April 1, 2013
There is a time for everything - a time to be born and a time to die.
There are three very important times in our life when we go home. The first, of course, is when our parents bring us proudly home from the hospital. Pop was so frail when he came home that his dad (that I called Packy) carried him around on a pillow to show his neighbors.
The second is when we find our life mate and go to establish a new home. Mom met Dad when she was 18 and they married at 19 and went to establish a home that was sustained for 62 years different places but always home. The pouring rain on St. Patrick's day in 1951 did not wash away their hopes and dreams - three beautiful, unique children and four beautiful, unique grandchildren followed.
And the last time we go home is at death. And as in the previous two times of home going - Home is not about place it is about relationship. Relationship to each other and to the One who made us in the first place. Pop has now gone to that home to that house not made with hands that is like our home on earth - both a great mystery and a great comfort.
Rest in that. Have peace in that.
To all the family and friends know Pop had made it to home three. To all - but to Mom especially - she often said that Pop was her rock. When he could no longer get out as much as he once did, he said, “Patricia go and do what you want, and I will be here when you get home." She said he was her Rock and kept his word - he was always here when she got home. Physically he will not be in his second home any more.
(Presentation) Here is a rock I dug up in your backyard to build your deck and plant your crepe myrtle. It is a reminder that Pop was always here in his second home and also an invitation that he will be waiting for you in his third home. But do not get in rush, you have a lot of living yet to do - Pop has got all the time in the world to wait for you.
Two closing words of scriptures from John 6. First, verse 35 I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me will never thirst. And, lastly, if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.
With
this kind of bread and meal, I will let Pop have the blessing and the
benediction from this side and the other.
(Of
course, the speaker did not work with the recording of his blessing so I said
it myself. )
The
blessing he said every meal since I was early enough to remember:
Heavenly Father, we thank you
for this food. Bless it to the nourishment of our bodies for thy service and
pardon forgive our sins and save us in heaven. AMEN
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