Families Are Forever

 My father, Philip Charles Franklin, died Tuesday, October 27th. We knew it was coming and had been preparing for the past few weeks. He had been sick for quite a while with his health steadily declining in recent years. He endured many illnesses that took a toll on his body and his body finally gave out. As a family and extended family, we are very grateful he was able to move on and be free of the pain and illness he experienced for so long.

It is interesting to me the emotions I feel. I am so grateful he was finally able to be released from the horrible pain and dysfunctional body he had been trapped in for so long. I think about him meeting his family and it makes me cry out of happiness and joy. I am also sad. It is weird having him gone. I am so grateful for the gospel and the eternal perspective it gives me. I know we will be together again.

Cover of the funeral program.

My family in the 70s. (don't be scared, that is how people dressed and looked then ;)

Keith and I traveled to Ohio for the funeral and viewing on Thursday. Nicole was very concerned about missing 4 days in a row of school so she chose to stay home.  The time spent in Ohio was like a big hug. Being with my family was a wonderful experience. It was good to share stories and hear stories about my Dad from extended family that I had never heard before. It was nice to reconnect with people I hadn't seen in years.

Zack and his cousin, Tyler, are both serving missions for the LDS Church and were unable to attend. My Mom decided to have them participate by being "Honorary Pall Bearers."

The closing hymn, "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel" was a nod to my father. He used to sing songs and change or play with the words. This was one of those songs. It brought smiles through some tears at the end of the service. 

It was an emotion filled trip, but most of it was happy. We truly spent the time celebrating his life with those who knew him and loved him.