The "Homesick Sailor" Goes Home

When my Grandpa was in the Navy, he wrote a little poem. He titled it "The Homesick Sailor." It was about him. The war had just ended, and the navy had sent them to China for a little bit, but all he wanted to do was go home to his cute little wife, who was waiting for him in Utah. When I read the poem on the back of Grandpa's funeral program, I thought it was so fitting. That sweet, "homesick sailor" had really, finally gone home, where his sweet wife has been waiting for him for a very long time. It makes it all bittersweet, really. While we will miss him here on earth, we know he is with Grandma now, and I can just imagine how happy they are to be together again!

The funeral held yesterday was perfect. During the viewing, the night before the funeral, I realized that the feeling I had as a child about how Grandpa knew everyone was really true. People waited for hours just to get in and pay their respect. Hours! He was truly loved by many, especially those of us that knew him well. It was so amazing to see the sheer number of people whose lives he had touched in some way. As they waited to get in, they were able to see an awesome display that my mom and my aunts had put together. There were pictures, things he made, Navy memorabilia. It was really beautiful.

I loved when some of the older people that came to the viewing would stop and ask me how I was related to Josh, and then they would tell me how they knew him, and how much he meant to them. It only increased the respect I have for my grandpa.

My dad and his siblings spoke at the services. I loved the stories that were told. There was such a great mixture of laughter and tears as they recalled some of the funny stories, as well as some of the more serious ones. My grandpa was such a faithful man. His obedience provided many blessings for his family, and set a wonderful example for all of us. I had the assignment to lead the music during the funeral. This is not something I would consider a strength of mine. I would have much rather been sitting behind the piano, but I did it for Grandpa. Three of my cousins, who are brothers, sang a beautiful rendition of "Nearer My God to Thee." The oldest of the three whistled one of the verses... such a fitting tribute to a man who always seemed to be whistling. They did an amazing job, and I just know Grandpa was smiling.

At the cemetary, my cousin Brandon, who himself is a veteran, helped provide the beautiful military services.

My other cousins had the privelege of serving as the pallbearers. I loved watching them all work together to move Grandpa's beautiful casket from the hearse to the burial plot.

It was so neat to see the older vets standing in line with their rifles and bugle, showing their respect to a fellow military man.

I love military services... Taps played on the bugle, the 21 gun salute, and then the folding of the flag. My grandpa is the one that taught me the proper way to fold a flag, so it means even more when I watch it being done. It was just so reverent and respectful.

My cousin had the beautiful and difficult task of presenting the flag to my Dad. I know this meant a lot to my dad, and my eyes were filled with tears as I watched.

Grandpa's casket was a beautiful Navy blue, with WWII on the top and sides. Inside there was a gorgeous embroidered flag. It was pretty to see it when it was draped with the flag, but even more so once the flag had been folded, and the deep, shiny blue was able to be seen.

I'm so proud of my heritage, not only as Josh Grace's grand-daughter, but also as Bob Grace's daughter. I know my dad had difficult decisions to make while Grandpa was in the hospital, but I know he did everything he could out of respect for his dad. I know how much he loved him.

Grandpa and Grandma are buried on a small hill with a beautiful view of the mountains they loved.

I will forever be grateful to have known such an amazing man, and for the great influence he has had on my life.