So now a family of seven is down to two. But we are so blessed to have the knowledge that we will be able to see them again. I've never met his oldest brother, Bill, or his parents, and am looking forward to meeting them someday. It's an odd thing about funerals...even though they are generally sad, they are also joyous occasions as we reminisce about the life of the one who has departed, and visit with family that we only see at weddings or funerals.
Gayla was cremated, as will her husband, Dick, be when he passes. I learned a new word Wednesday. Inurned (instead of interred). She was being inurned at the National Cemetery. Dick is a veteran and, I assume, that is why they decided on there for their final resting place. I took several pictures because it is a beautiful cemetery with rows upon rows of white headstones. It left me in awe of the numbers of veterans who have served their country. If you multiply that number by numerous ones in other cities and states, it is very humbling and makes me even more grateful for those who have served our country.
I'm also grateful we were able to attend. Even Gayla's bishop was surprised we were able to get away. It's so different for senior missionaries, and I assume it might be different with different mission presidents. All I did was tell President Hughes that Don's sister had passed away and that we'd like to go to the funeral. He said, "take all the time you need". Of course it helped that we can do much of what we do over the phone. I was able to find flights that weren't too expensive and we flew out of the Cincinnati International Airport (which is actually in Kentucky). Don's brother, Lynn and his wife, Karen met us in Denver and we stayed in the same hotel. It was so good to see them...we always enjoy our time with them (even for occasions like this).
Getting to the airport Tuesday was quite eventful. We put it into our google maps and followed the directions. Looking at a map before hand it looked pretty straight forward, but as we got closer, it had us go down some country roads (think dueling banjos) and before we knew it, we were at the end of a road with a mobile home. Between the yard and the porch I counted 5 dogs and 6 cats. There was someone sitting on the porch and eventually she came to the car and Don asked how to get to the airport. She said, it's not around here! After backtracking awhile...and Don driving faster than I've ever seen...we found our way there and made our flight!
Coming home wasn't without it's own story. We got to the Denver airport in plenty of time to have something to eat for breakfast. When we arrived, we found a place in the airport to sit and wait for our flight. There was a young man and a couple sitting across from us. The woman smiled and said, " this young man is a BYU student." She and her husband are from Orem and were flying to Cincinnati to see their children. Funny thing, on the same plane was the BYU track team flying to Louisville for an invitational meet. The young man decided to go get something to eat before the flight, had left his phone in Provo, and when he looked at his watch, forgot about the hour's time difference and thought he had plenty of time. He missed the plane to Louisville. So...lucky turn of events for him...we were going to Louisville from Cincinnati!!!! So, we brought him to his hotel in Louisville...not far from where we live. He is a distance runner and on track to make the Olympic team (possibly for Canada...as he is a Canadian citizen). So if you hear of Rory Linkletter (yes! that is his real name).we helped in his quest for the gold!
The End...to a very eventful week.
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