Father's Funeral

I was sitting at the computer on August 26th, when the phone rang and it was Peter. I answered and asked how he was doing... he then calmly proceeded to tell me that Dad had just passed away. He was in the gym bathroom, had a heart attack and passed away. We were all in shock... so very unexpected. It's the hardest way to lose someone I think, no time to say what you want to say, lots of regrets running through your mind, a little bit of chaos in all areas... mentally, physically, spiritually, etc.

It was an emotional and trying time for all of the Waldron family... especially sweet Susan. Peter was her rock and drove down to Tucson as quickly as he could to be by her side. Peter ran the show and was so composed as he planned the funeral, comforted those around him, and dealt with this tragedy in such a compassionate way. I was quickly reminded how grateful I am to have this man as my eternal companion.

After most of the funeral plans had been made and Peter felt it was okay to leave, he returned home... back to work, back to bishop, back to life. I can't imagine how difficult that must have been for him to leave. We did return as a family the next week for Dad's funeral. Everyone was there... Grandpa and Grandma Murray, Uncle Jack and all of his family, Aunt Dee, both of Susan's brothers, Grandpa and Grandma Sebring, all of Pete's siblings... it was quite the reunion that Dad would have loved.

That weekend, we enjoyed each other, cried, told stories, got to know each other better and helped in the funeral preparations. The kids of course had a great time with their cousins.

One evening, we all hopped into our cars and went to see Steve practice in the University of Arizona marching band.

It was a welcome relief from the soberness of the weekend. I do have to say, however, that there was a really sweet and supportive feeling the entire time we were there. We were definitely being uplifted by all of the thoughts and prayers being offered in our behalf.

The funeral was one of the most amazing I have ever attended. It started in the church where the family had a private viewing and time to say our goodbyes to him. This was the hardest part. Dad really didn't look like himself and there were a lot of tears and moaning. It was in that particular moment that I was most thankful for the knowledge that we have of the plan of salvation... that Dad was in a good and safe place with those he loves and we will all be reunited again together someday. It made the tears less sad and more thoughtful.

Uncle Glenn offered a beautiful family prayer and then Susan and all of Dad's kids went up to close the casket. They had their arms wrapped around each other as Susan told them each how proud Dad was of them. There was even a moment of sweet laughter that was music to my ears.

The actual funeral service was held in the chapel and there was an incredible turnout. Ward members, neighbors, friends, fellow pilots, family, etc. It was quite a site. Kirsten, Casey and Jami gave a nice eulogy and Peter followed with an incredible talk. It was perfect... a great tribute to Dad, some great stories and a great reminder of the beautiful gospel and what it brings to us in moments like these. Dad's brother Jack then gave a great tribute to Dad as well (which was quite unbelievable because Uncle Jack doesn't say much :)). It was an incredible service.

We then had police escorts all the way from the church to the cemetery. It was quite the line of cars and a special honor for Dad.

Once we all arrived at the cemetery, we all witnessed one of the most amazing grave dedications. First, the military marched in with their rifles. They folded and presented the flag to Susan, fired shots, and recited a military thank you of sorts to Susan. It was beautiful and made me proud to be an American.

Once their whole military procession was finished, one of the most incredible things I have ever witnessed happened. All of a sudden there was complete silence, and then a red helicopter flew quickly overhead and then veered to the left. Another helicopter soon followed (this time green) and went to the right. Finally, a blue helicopter flew overhead and went straight until we couldn't see it anymore. We came to find out that the blue helicopter was Dad's being flown by one of his colleagues. That moment is hard to explain... impossible to put into words. It was beautiful and incredibly memorable.

Dad's grave was dedicated, lowered and we all threw flowers on top of his casket as our final goodbye.

We then left the cemetery and went back to the church for a luncheon that some of Susan's friends were putting on for us. The mood was different there. Our tears were depleted, there was a great sense of peace and healing. We celebrated Dad. We ate some yummy food (Spencer shoved).

There was a slideshow of photos of Dad playing that Peter put together and we even played some of Dad's favorite songs (that the grandkids danced to).

It was so nice to have that time all together as a family.

We finished an incredible day by each writing a message to Dad on a balloon and then releasing them into heaven for Dad to read. The kids loved this.

There has been a hole left in our hearts with Dad gone, but how thankful we are to know that he is with Willie and waiting for all of us to join him someday. We miss you and love you Dad/Grandpa.