Sometimes, it is hard to put into words all the special thoughts that we have about people in our lives especially when someone passes. All the emotions come flooding back all at once riding the waves of tremendous memories. In the past, I and many have said, "We all handle death in our own ways," and that statement is still true. Funerals cause turmoil, because while we celebrate the victory for our loved one, we also mourn the loss and company of special people. The smile that lit up their face, the sweet laugh that flavored the air, and their hugs that comforted us leave us to deal with tearful eyes, heavy breaths, and empty arms.
Sunday night, Steve and I went to the visitation service of our dear Pastor Smith. The visitation was more like a church homecoming or family reunion. It was wonderful seeing people who shared this man with us. It is true that the memories they had were not the same as ours, but we all loved him. We comforted each other with stories, held each other with hugs, and shared tears of sadness and joy. It was wonderful to see people we had not seen in years all celebrating one man's life and his love for people. I was so excited coming home and into the night thinking, what a day of rejoicing that will be and posted about my feelings.
Yesterday, I went to the funeral and graveside service. With permission, I was there early to take some pictures of the flowers and set up some camera light settings for the service. First, four ladies sung together two songs to open the service. Pastor TR Harper prayed. I am not sure if he prayed before the opening songs or after. Pastor Harper then spoke about special events and mission trips that he shared with "Smitty," and how that after a few trips, he realised that he was on the trip to help keep Smitty's hair in place.
After Pastor TR spoke, Samantha Brown sang, "We Shall Behold Him," followed by Ricky saying a few words.
He thanked everyone for coming and for the outpouring of comments and respect for his dad and the family. Ricky went on and spoke him being a husband and a father. He said that some people called him Sargeant, some Pastor Smith, some Brother Smith, and some Smitty. "Some of you may call him other things," which brought laughs from the crowd. He went on the say that he had three important things in his life. He had his Savoir and Ricky told of his dad's salvation experience. "Another thing my dad had in his life was his Bible," and Ricky took the Bible carefully and lovingly held it high in the air. He placed it back on the pedestal and went on to say, "The third thing he had, and every good man needs one, is a good woman." Ricky took a rose from the flowers and on his father's behalf, presented it to his mother as we all teared up at this gentle gesture of love and compassion. He then took his seat on the left side of his mother. (Jerry was seated on the right.
Shelton and Samantha sang a song that had been stirring in Shelton since the service had started. He had not planned to do it, but he had permission from the family to do what he felt he needed to do. After they sang, all the singers involved in the service lead the whole congregation in a song. Everyone stood up as we cried and sang, "When We All Get To Heaven," which was the song Brother Smith sang right after getting saved.
Pastor TR closed the service with an altar call. Even in the funeral procession to the Fill Military Graveside Service, I was seeing life differently. Here we were in a line, going through town, driving through stop signs, following the car in front and honoring a man who is still leading the way.
Once the family has had a chance to see the pictures, I may post some.
