Saturday, March 15, 2014

Adam's service

Has it really been 3 months since that day? Time is a funny thing when you're mourning. That day seems so long ago yet it feels like I was just pregnant and looking forward to a bright future. I try not to dwell too much on the past but I do want to record these events and share then with those that couldn't attend.

The day of the service was bitter bitter cold, even for Utahns, but especially for us (now) thin blooded Arizonians. While driving to Utah we had discussed what we felt we should talk about at the service. We both felt strongly that we needed to talk at our son's service. We had so many things we wanted to share with those dearest to us. And we were forced to limit the time since it was so cold.
Scott conducted at the service. We sang "I am a child of God" and then my dad gave the opening prayer. Then I spoke and then Scott spoke. We sang "Families can be together forever" and Scott's dad dedicated the grave.

We were able to spend time at the cemetery and visit with those that had attended. We were so grateful to those that made the effort to come.
 

 
 
And we got a little miracle during the service. The whole valley was cloudy and during the service the sky opened up and rays of sun were directed only on that small part of the cemetery. The rest of the sky was completely covered in clouds. What a blessing from heaven to know that there is still light. Miracle.
The casket that Adam was buried in was made by our bishop. He is a carpenter by trade and when he and his wife came to visit us in the hospital a couple hours after Adam was born, he started thumbing through his phone while we were visiting. He then showed Scott a picture of a tiny casket and said "How about this one?". He then asked what color we wanted and it just fell into place that he was going to make the place for our son to rest in. What a precious gift it was. He later told us that he had never made one, and it was one of two times in his life where he's wanted to make something and the blueprint was basically shown to him in his mind. A lady in our ward sowed together the lining for the inside. It turned out beautiful and we have the old fashioned key that locked it shut. They accomplished this in 3 days. What an amazing gift of love we were given. Miracle.
 
Deciding where to bury Adam was easy. We wanted him in Utah because that will always be somewhere we'll visit often and is the only place that we have real roots. Adam is in a cemetery with many of his ancestors dating back to the pioneers (on Scott's mom's side). Scott's grandmother lost her first baby when he was a day old. His name was Joseph Michael Smith. Scott's middle name is Michael after that uncle, and Adam's middle name is Joseph. Scott's grandma offered to let Adam share the plot with Joseph Michael and we feel they were meant to share that spot. Grandma said "I'm so glad Joseph Michael isn't alone anymore". What a sweet sweet thing for our son to be buried by so many noble ancestors. I find comfort in knowing he's surrounded by family. Miracle.

 The hardest part of that day was leaving the cemetery. I made Scott stay and wait for the vault truck to come while I waited in the car. Scott stepped into the grave and put the casket in the vault with the 3 white roses and he waited until the top of the vault had been place on top. He has such a small casket that I didn't want to leave him there alone.
Saying Goodbye for now
We were able to go back once before we drove back to Arizona and it is such a peaceful, sacred place. I have a new understanding of death, and no longer have a fear.

We are grateful for our guardian angel and look forward to the day we will be reunited.

'Til we meet again Adam.

2 comments:

Elaine said...

Shedding tears with you as I read this and try to imagine your sorrow. Life is precious. Love you both!

The Kirkwoods 2.0 said...

Oh Steph. My heart aches with the memory of that day. We were so honored to be with you and Scott. We love you so much. And as you told me not long ago, I too, hope Adam and Michael have met and are doing great things. It gives me hope.