In loving memory...

This past weekend, I traveled up north to the place of my family's roots. Outside of Buffalo, NY is a little town that holds a little white church that we fondly call Welsh Church. This quaint church holds a service yearly, on the first Sunday of June to celebrate it's heritage and remember it's members. I have not been in years...but it's been a family tradition for a very, very long time. My Grandpa J grew up on a farm near the church and was a integral part of it. He passed away this January. We celebrated his life in a service after church on Sunday. Grandpa J was laid to rest, joining his brothers, and parents in the church cemetary. The memorial service was beautiful and was well attended. I am sure he was pleased to see his family at the little white church gathered in his memory. (and I am sure he laughed at us singing a few hymns in welsh!) Here are some pictures from the day and I included the poem I read at Grandpa J's memorial. (I should say, the poem I cried...I only made it about 2 verses in and the rest was full of tears...) I know he felt the overwhelming love we all share for him and I know he is watching over us all and smiling.

 

Three (well, really 4, if you count baby boo!)generations in front of Welsh Church.

 

Quite the handsome man! We love you Grandpa J!

 

Here is Dad G giving the Eulogy. You will notice the Enterprise hat...a favorite of Grandpa's! Dad G captured his life so well and did an amazing job.

 

Welsh Church

For My Grandpa
by Ilona Blake

I know we are all feeling a little bit sad,
That we've lost our Grandpa, our friend, and our dad
Together we have cried an ocean of tears
As we feel so empty and hold many fears

But, Grandpa would want us to know he's in a good place
And that he's watching us all with a smile on his face
As we have made him so proud, as proud as can be
That he has raised such a beautiful and special family

Thinking back now I really must say
I feel lucky and priveleged to have known Grandpa to this day
For in my life, he has played a special part
The memories I will treasure and keep close to my heart

For me I am glad my little baby he got to meet
And for all of us, be grateful, his life is now complete
To each one of us he has loved and cared
And as a family, be thankful for the good times we shared

Although he has gone we will always be together
and his spirit will live on in each one of us forever
When you look to the sky, look for the brightest star
As that will be Grandpa looking down on us from afar

And now I would like to thank the good Lord above
For blessing us with our Grandpa with his kindness and love
Dear God, if it is not too much fuss
Take extra special care of our Grandpa as he is very dear to us

Grandpa, if you are listening say a prayer for us every day
Be sure to protect us and guide us on our way
We know when God called you, you had to go
But we want you to know Grandpa we miss you and love you so