Sunday, July 20, 2008

Family Togetherness

My Grandpa's funeral was a sad time, but yet so happy. We all know that he is happier now. It

was wonderful to have family come together from all around. Every one of his grandchildren

were present. It was beautiful to sit and talk about the "good old days" with our cousins and

(Left: The Randal Stoker Family with Grandma Betty, Right: Chris with Gabe)
brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles. We haven't been able to come together like that in a

long time. Everyone is growing up so much, it brings tears to my eyes to think of that. So many

of my cousins have families of their own now. I tear up to think of it, not only because I miss


(Left: Brindy with Gabe, Right: The "Stoker Girls")
the silly and goofy times we had as children and what menaces we all were, but also because it

is so exciting to see how life goes on and things change and Heavenly Father's plan just rolls out


(Left: The Whole Gang missing: Brian, Garrett, Hannah, and Natalie Rich, Ryan Gelvin, Tyler and Zoey Stoker, Logan Whitehead, Jessica Whitehead, Phoenix and Halcyon Stoker-Grahm, Right: Saige, Ella and Leer)
before us. It is so beautiful, heartbreaking, but beautiful. I am so grateful for such a wonderful

family. My aunts and uncles are wonderful and have helped me so much through my life. What

a blessing to have such wonderful people in my life. Thanks to all of you. We love you all very

much.

2 comments:

Launa said...

That was such a beautiful entry about family. We feel so blessed to see the little "nieces and nephews" make wise choices in their spouses and then feel the joy of birth as new little babies join our rich family heritage. What a joy family is. I am so grateful for the wonderful example of all you "youngsters" as your lives become rich and full with choices that are good and eternal. I am one aunt that feels my life is better because I was given such wonderful extended family!! i LOVE your latest news!!!!!!! Love, Aunt Launa

The Stokers said...

I love looking at your blog. I love the way you record your feelings. We were so glad we could be together. We all love grandpa and miss him. We just hope we can be as good of grandparents to our grandchildren as he and grandma have been to their grandkids. I love you so much.