Saying Farewell

Last Monday, friends and family gathered to bid farewell to Dennis' dad, Fred VanBuskirk, who passed away on Dec. 4.

It was such a beautiful funeral, and grandpa was honored in such a nice way.  All the sons and sons-in-law, wore Fred's favorite ties with his favorite sports teams and his very favorite - red, white, and blue American theme.  My whole family tried to dress Americana, in honor of Grandpa, who loved this country so much.

It was so good to see so many friends and family who loved him and came to show their respects and love for our family.  We really enjoyed visiting with everyone.  It is such a shame that it takes a funeral to get so many people we love together in one place.

Dennis' Mom, Teresa looked absolutely beautiful, even in her mourning.  It helped to be surrounded by people who love her.  Here she is with some of the 26 grandchildren around the coffin.

Dennis had to speak at the funeral, then he also dedicated the grave site.  He did a beautiful job, and invited the spirit so beautifully.  I was really proud of him.  His dad was proud of him too, I'm sure.

Shirley, Mike, and Bishop Caress also spoke and all did a really great job.  They even had a few of the grandchildren come up and share a special memory about grandpa.  Alex had worked and prepared what he was going to say about how Grandpa always hid dollar coins in Easter eggs for the grandkids to find, but when the moment came, he was crying too much, and couldn't bring himself to get up there.  I know Grandpa understands.  Dylan, bless his heart, with Dennis' help, managed to get off his wheelchair, and up to the pulpit, where he said his favorite memory about how Grandpa used to dress up like Santa Claus for the grandkids.  It was a sweet moment for everyone.  The spirit was so strong at the funeral.

All of his 8 children, except Dawn, who is in Ohio, were there.  Chip, Shirley, Chris, Jeni, Dennis, Tami, and Gene.

I loved my father-in-law, and I know he loved me and was always proud of me and Dennis and our children.  His wife and family were everything to him.  

Dad had very bad feet for a very long time, and it was extremely painful if anyone stepped on his feet.  So before we came over, Dad would make his way to the kitchen table, where his feet could be tucked safely under the table before we arrived with our 16 busy feet.  That's how I will always remember him, sitting at the kitchen table where the veggie tray usually was.  It always seemed to me like grandpa was guarding the veggie tray.  I liked to join him at the kitchen table for good conversation, and a shot at the veggie tray.  I'll miss him.  Who is going to guard the veggie tray now?

We love you Dad and Grandpa.  We miss you.