The Funeral of Grandpa Larsen (by Katie)

The funeral was very nice. It was very short and only our family was there. The kids and granddaughters sang I am a Child of God. Ben did the life sketch and talked about his memories of fishing with Grandpa and catching his first fish. Then Brad spoke and shared stories from Grandpa's life. The most touching thing he shared was something grandma had said as they sat by his side in the days before he died. She said, "How did I get so lucky to have R.G.?"

Then we went to the cemetery. It was sooooo cold I couldn't feel my toes after a while. Fortunately it was short too. But it was really neat to have the military there. One soldier played taps on his trumpet. Not sure how he managed it when it was so cold! But it was very moving. Then the two soldiers folded up the flag and presented it to Grandma.

Then everyone went out to dinner at Olive Garden. Grandpa had told Brad to make sure everyone got a nice dinner. And while everyone was enjoying their nice dinner I was back at Erin's spending the evening sleeping and running to the bathroom! I had started feeling sick on the drive up that morning and felt really nauseous by the time we got there around 11:30. I knew it was more than just car sickness and was in tears because I didn't think I should go to the funeral in case it was contagious. I was especially worried about grandma catching it! But Kyle & Bowen gave me a blessing and I started to feel better. At least the nausea went away so I decided to go to the funeral and just keep my distance from everyone. I was very uncomfortable though as I tried to sit through the funeral. But I know the Lord blessed me to be able to at least go to the funeral and cemetery.

Before heading to Olive Garden we went to Erin's & I slept a bit and then it hit me really hard. I haven't been that sick in a long time. I was so disappointed to not be able to visit with everyone I haven't seen for so long! But I am grateful for the tender mercy of being able to make it through the funeral. Wish you all could have been there.

Love,
Katie