Grandpa Hanley
February 20th, 2012
This past weekend was my grandpa Hanley’s funeral. He was the oldest and last grandparent I had and it was tough to say goodbye to that generation of my family. However, at 97 years old he had lived a full and devoted life. He had passed away in January but my family decided to wait a month so we could have time for people to travel in from around the country and I can’t tell you how glad I am chose to do it this way. It had much more of a celebratory feel than a sad, somber occasion. All of the family members got up and told stories at the service. I’d never spoken at a funeral before but when it’s all said and done, I’m so glad I did. Lots of family meals together all weekend.
We had tons of pictures up of him out this weekend but these two are my favorites. They’re just so classic. (I kinda want to re-make the 2nd one with Ned sometime!) Born in 1914 he lived through the depression, the suicide of his father and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII by the time he was my age. Married in 1943, he and my grandma were together for nearly 70 years. Nothing short of extraordinary. He adored her and she him. She had passed away November 2010 and he missed her dearly. He was loyal and steadfast in everything that he did. Work. Family. Faith. He was a good man and an incredible role-model.
<3 I can't even tell you how heartbreaking it was to lose my grandma last year. I've only known my dads parents so my grandma just meant to world to me and was my hero. It really broke my heart and my sisters heart realizing our grandma would never be there at our weddings. And it especially hurt for me knowing that my grandmother never got to meet my boyfriend who I do want to marry someday.
I'm so thankful that your grandfather was able to be a part of your wedding. There is just something SO special about seeing that generation of your family encouraging your transition into the new stage of your family in union with your husband. What a blessing that he was able to see you walk down the isle, trusting in the beautiful future that lies ahead for you and your husband. I so wish I could have that in my future, a knowing that my grandparents have seen what lies ahead for me and approve and bless it. But I'm praying they will see everything for me and my future in a different way, protecting and guiding in a spiritual sense now rather than the physical. And I pray the same for you and your grandfather <3
xo Moorea
Aw, that’s so sweet of you to say Moorea. I remember your post about your grandma last year. I was so thankful it wasn’t a tragic or drawn-out passing for him and we were all able to laugh and celebrate this weekend. Not that it isn’t sad, but it helps when have no doubts about them and how they lived their lives. Grandparents are so wonderful.
I’m so incredibly sorry to hear about your Grandpa, Laura. I’m glad that his funeral was more of a celebration of his life. That’s what they should be, but sometimes it’s just so hard.
He seems like he was such a lovely person. Those last two photos that you shared of him are just so sweet seeing the two of you together over the years.