Ian was okay on the flight. He cried a little bit, but mostly slept. I was fortunate to have an empty seat (actually, someone gave up their seat!) next to me.
I stayed with my sister Lisa in West Jordan. We got to her house really late so I pretty much just went to bed that night. The next morning I was so excited to see everyone, especially my niece and nephew. I kind of wished Elisa and Gabe could come (kind of!) so that the cousins could see each other.
The funeral was in the morning at an LDS chapel in West Valley. As soon as I got there, I was asked if I could play a piano solo. Ha! I told them I had nothing prepared and no music with me even if I did. We decided to do a hymn arrangement instead of me doing a solo, and all of the Thurber kids would sing while I accompanied. Although, I didn't just accompany-I included a spruced-up solo of one of the verses. I can't remember which hymn we picked. So for most of the viewing, I practiced my solo part in one of the rooms. My dad watched Ian while he slept in his car seat.
It was a really nice, happy ceremony. More of a celebration of his life rather than a mourning. Our musical number went pretty well I thought. I am happy that I was able to play something for the funeral, after all, Grandpa was always encouraging of my piano playing. He always wanted to hear me play, even if I wasn't all that great.
After the musical number, a few (as in most) of his kids (my aunts and uncles) shared a few memories of him. After, we all went to the cemetery and took pictures. I thought my grandma (Viola) would be having a really hard time (they were married for almost 60 years), but she seemed fine. I have been told that she is developing some sort of dementia, and she herself told me she doesn't remember things very well anymore. We then went back to the church and had a yummy lunch. It was nice to catch up with family I hadn't seen in forever. Then I went back to Lisa's house and hung out for the rest of the evening. I loooved seeing my sweet niece Aaliyah and cute little Aiden (Bubsie). I didn't want to go home, but alas, my flight was scheduled to leave Sunday morning.
I am soooo very glad I got to attend the funeral! Everything worked out just perfect. I would have liked to have stayed longer, but we bought tickets to go out again in July to see everyone again! I am sad that we won't get to see Grandpa Thurber anymore. We have always made time to go visit him (them, rather) while in Utah, but unfortunately that obviously won't be one of our stops anymore. Their house will be (actually is) sold and everything in it has been claimed by his family. My grandma will be staying with my Aunt Merline in American Fork (or is it Spanish Fork? I never can remember). The flight home was ok. Ian fussed a little, but slept most of the way.
And finally, a little blurb from my own Facebook page:
My Grandpa Thurber was the sweetest, funniest, and most caring man! I've always loved playing the piano for him and I especially loved that I had the opportunity to play at his funeral. Thank you Grandpa T for fostering and sharing my love of music. And for sending me my very first Chopin piano book
