MY FATHER

My Father passed away on July 24th 2019 very unexpected. I wasn't ready for him to leave this earth. I am sure he didn't expect it either. But I was hoping we had a few more years with him. My dear sweet mother wasn't prepared any more than the rest of us. I think we are all still in shock. It is August 8th.  His funeral was on the 28th of July. We had a viewing the night before, on Sunday. It was between the hours of 6 and 8, I knew my parents lived in Orem (in different areas) for over 50 years and are loved by all. Plus they have 115 grandchildren and over 150 great grandchildren, but I guess I never expected what I saw. When we arrived at our stake center and entered the Relief Society Room. The casket was there and so were a lot of people. We got there about 5 minutes early. Mom wanted Mike, David and I with her by the casket. The rest of the family were to roam the halls and greet people That is not what happened! I stood by one side of the casket. Jeanne stood on the other side. My father looked amazing! He didn't suffer so his body didn't have the trauma that so many people do. I just wanted him to sit up so I could tell him I loved him one last time.He left us in about 10 minutes. So sudden, I think my loving mother had a hard time seeing Dad. This wonderful man whom she loved so much, and had been married too for 68 years. (There anniversary is on August 15th.) It was not normal for him to be laying there so peaceful and quiet.

 People never stopped coming. It was amazing! I saw people I haven't seen in years come and pay their respects. People from other wards came who were my brothers and sisters friends, their bishop or their families. Cousins, Aunts, family and more family. So many kind wonderful people. People came from a long ways away. I can't even began to thank them for their love and concern. I think my mother felt extremely loved. I am so glad for one little moment she felt everyone's love and concern. The viewing ended at about 10 after 8 and never let up at all. It was a steady line for over 2 hours. My mother never sat down but greeted everyone with loving arms.

The funeral was the next day, the viewing started at 9:00 and was suppose to end at 10:45. Once again people did not stop coming  We had 2 little pauses for a couple of minutes but other than that it was steady once again. The people in charge of the funeral kept trying to get us to hurry people along.  That was hard and probably not fair to us or the people that came. But I understand the time crunch especially when there is a funeral. The whole chapel was reserved for family, and it was needed. All of us as the children of Dale Hair and their spouses had to go up on the stand, including my mother. There was no room for us anywhere else. It was unbelievable, so many people. Some of my children were in the cultural hall. The cultural hall had a lot of people. It reminded me of Stake Conference.

We had the family prayer and the closing of the casket in the chapel.  Because there was no where else we could have it.  They asked anyone that wanted to pay their last respects, come forward. But no one moved.  I am so glad that I got to stand by the casket during the viewing. I even held my Dads hand once in awhile. I was certainly able to say good bye. I am grateful for small miracles.  I consider that one of those miracles. I was the only one right by the casket this time , most of my brothers and sisters roamed to halls as was requested.  Mike and my mother once again stood a couple of feet away. But the viewings were amazing and I was there to greet everyone. So was my mother who needed all the comfort she could receive. Even though at times I am sure my mother gave a lot of comfort to other people.

As you can tell it was a beautiful funeral. We were able to all be together. Everyone that participated did a wonderful job.  We were in tears and we laughed.  That is what Dad would have wanted. l like everyone else, cried a lot when Jared played  "Clair de lune". One of Dad's favorite songs. I loved hearing him play it. I'm sure that Dad was right there helping Jared so he was able to play without crying. I love my father and hope to be able to see him someday. We will miss him terribly. But we are lucky enough to have Dad in our lives. Thank you Heavenly Father for letting him be our father! 

There are a few people in the family that can play the piano. I know each time I hear them I will think of Dad.  I just hope it can be often. We are blessed with some amazing people in this family. Thank-you to all that came to the funeral, and those that couldn't make it. We love you all! You are amazing people.