Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Passing Away

I am really grateful I was able to take a few pictures of the funeral of Grandpa Snowball, who was an extra-ordinary man. Here are a few of my favorite images along with the rest. download funeral images (179.8MB)




When my Father past away, it happened at a awkward time when I couldn't get there immediately. After suffering a massive stroke my Dad was placed on on life support. My Mother and my sisters were there to make that difficult decision to pull my Father off life support, and I consented over the phone. At the time I did not know if it would mean anything to be there... quite honestly, I knew it was out of my hands... I knew my Dad would understand.

To be able to witness Grandma Snowball's faith and the faith of his daugher's was an extremely unique experience for me... not having been there when my own father passed away. I remember the doctor coming in with the news of Grandpa's deteriorating health and with Grandma and her Daughters around her, they knew exactly what needed to be done. I wish anyone could see how amazingly difficult that decision was and yet it felt so calm in the hospital room that I really believed Grandpa would never pass away.

However, difficult it was to be there on that day, I really count it has one of the greatest tender mercies the Lord has bestowed on me. I know the scripture which Nephi wrote is true.

"But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20).

All I know about faith is that if I just try, the Lord will bless me and if I listen and notice, I will begin to see just how merciful the Lord is.

with all sincerity, Stanford

6 comments:

  1. Stanford,
    Thank you for being there with me in that hospital room last Sunday, and for your amazing support and strength. Thank you for taking these pictures and for posting them without me even having to ask. I love you.
    Sara

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  2. That was a very sweet post and you have me once again in tears. I am grateful for what a wonderful person you are and am so grateful to have you in the family. Thank you for these wonderful pictures. They will be treasures to so many of us. I love you.

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  3. Okay, I downloaded the pictures and I thought it worked because I could pull them up, but now they will not let me open them like when I went to post some on my blog. I had to just steal from you and Carly. Am I doing something wrong? You might want to try it and see if I just made a mistake or if it is the file. Sorry to relay this message. Thank you Stanford for taking the pictures. There are so many good ones that I just love. I appreciate you getting them out to all of us so quick too. you are great!

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  4. Stanford,
    Knowing your dad passed away not too long ago, I worried that this might be hard for you. I am so glad it was a blessing instead.
    Thank you for posing the pictures (I didn't have a problem opening them). YOu are such a great photographer!

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  5. Thank you for sharing that post... the pictures were amazing and so are both of you! Can't wait to see you in 2 weekends from now.
    ~Lori

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  6. What a sweet and thoughtful post this was. Sara, it is so obvious to me that your Stanford (I love that name) is a perfect match for you. So kind and humble. And so in love with his wife and her Family. I know you are so happy and I love to know that.
    I love you Sara. I am so grateful for the close friendship we had during such important times in my life. So many of my greatest memories and thoughts of what a true friend are are due to you. I think of you often and am thankful for all of the memories I have with you.

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