Celebration Of Life AND Death

Tuesday was Grandmother's visitation and funeral. I know I didn't tell too many people about it. I'm sorry if you wanted to know. It was basically out of laziness, business, and not wanting sympathy because it was a great thing. I'm dreading this post only because I have so much to say about her and the past she's responsible for. The back log of posts recently has everything to do with writer's block and laziness. The one serious concern this week was my Mom's health. She is also very happy to see her mother with the Lord now, but continues to be very sick this week probably with the same stomach virus that contributed to grandmother's 97 year old heart failure. :-( I love you Mom!

The visitation and service was at my old church, First United Methodist in downtown Peoria. I grew up there, have alot of good memories from there, and remember (not always by name) alot of people from there.

I didn't feel right snapping pictures of random people (except my cousin) with a casket right next to me. But if I had you would definitely be looking at Mrs. Garber and Mrs. Koepel, the two ladies who have been running children's ministries down there since before I was born. So joyful and loving, and SOOOO excited to run into you at the grocery store 20 years later :-)

Even though I grew up here, I eventually started feeling like a fish out of water. Normally, I'm either in an environment where I know or know of most of the people I'm talking to, or I'm a complete stranger (like everyone else) and can act accordingly (say "hi" and have a normal human conversation). Here however, everyone knew everyone else, except me, and you can't have a long conversation getting to know them again in a reception line! When you don't see these folks in years, they figure you moved away. Everyone asked where I was living now. Ummm, just down the road actually :-)

But more awkward than the "where'd you go" questions was everyone offering their somber condolences. Why the sad face?? I could see my Mom having to respond the same way all morning as well. Grandmother was a believer in Jesus Christ as her personal savior and loved the Lord very much. She had eternity worshiping our God and Savior to look forward too. She's been separated from her loving husband who died 13 years ago, needed constant attention and was very frustrated in her physical condition.

Grandfather had a career outside of church, but eventually, they both ended up working for the church. Grandpa was the financial secretary, and Grandma, the membership secretary. I'm not sure if those are the exact titles, but you get the drift. Grandmother knew everyone and everything that went on at church. Over decades of service at a church larger than my current one, that multiplies out to a significant chunk of knowledge and relationships. She was also very meticulous about information records and grammar. Mom inherited a large percentage of Grandmother's grammar control, and I'm inheriting none of it! And why should I when Mom can just email or call with blog post corrections? :-)

My parents have carried on the fine tradition of knowing practically everything that goes on at church. Mom can tell you at least something about anyone you point out, and Dad can yuk it up with anyone he bumps into, friend or stranger.

Just like how life revolves around my current church body and building, it did growing up as well. I won't bore you with the hallways and rooms. The sanctuary had enough to speak of.






My family always sat in the same spot. About four rows back from the front of the balcony.





Janet Kaiser has played the organ and piano at church for as long as I can remember. The choir loft surrounds the organ, with the enormous organ pipe system sitting above. Piano lessons from Janet were pretty expensive, and you had to be pretty serious to take them from her anyway. My buddy Eric took lessons from her for years.

Phillip, the music pastor at FUMC, sang one of my grandparents favorite songs. His father was my piano teacher, and an awesome teacher he was. It was very meaningful to me that I would not only get a hymn to learn every week, but that he knew all about the author/composer of it and it's back-story every time.


To the right is the piano I played while accompanying the "Music Makers" children's choir directed by Mrs. Lisa. 2nd and 3rd graders I think. In the center are the steps that the children rushed down to every week for the short children's sermon before heading off to their classes. Behind the stairs are the candles I got to light at the beginning of each service during my year as an acolyte.

Mrs. Garber couldn't pass up reminding me about my solo on stage down at the fellowship hall. I was one of the three wise men for the annual children's Christmas program with my two best friends, Eric and John.

All in all, the trip down memory lane was very sweet. But, the fact that I felt like such a fish out of water around all these people left me with a caution. I hope that my time and service spent in my current church and body of believers isn't as superficial or without significant meaning as alot of the liturgy in some churches today. If church is more of a comfortable place than it is a challenging environment to grow and be sent from, then I will only rot there with a deceived smile on my face. Grandmother and Grandfather had healthy and engaging lives inside and outside the church, with a genuine outgoing attitude for anyone that would talk to them.

The cemetery was Swan Lake on the north end of town by Sam's and Grand Prairie. With the nasty weather, there was no grave-site service, only a short service in the mausoleum on-site. Kinda cold either way you go out there.


Back at the church, I felt Baptist again. My aunt and uncle's Sunday school class made lunch. A fabulous potluck assortment.

Next week I get to hang out with my triplet cousins, Grant, Erin and Kira. They're in from St. Louis for the week.










My bro and Grant, studding it up in their suits.

Erin being a wacko!