One of my favorite songs...

I love Christmas music! Nothing gets me in the spirit fast! "The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear!" But there are so many really good Christmas songs that go under the radar. Here is one of my favorites. It is on Rosie O'Donnell's second Christmas CD and sung by one of my favorites, Jewel.

"Face Of Love"

until tonight

my heart was just half full

I'd never known the fruit which fed the soul

but now i see what may put to rest my longing

for i have seen, the face of love

the grace of god, the face of love

in silence i feared my heart

would remain words unheard

inside a separateness of skin

but now i know that the skin just veils the soul

for i have seen, the face of love

the grace of god, the face of love

so take my hand and knowing

with it i also give my heart

wanting never to be separate again

let eternity begin

if you were flame

I'd allow myself to be consumed completely

were you wind i would wish you pass through me

but now i know that the skin just veils the soul

for i have seen, the face of love

the grace of god, the face of love

 

This song has new meaning to me this year. I have really been missing my Grandpa, and when I am driving home at 11:30 each night, I sing with him. This is one of "our" favorites. Right before he passed away, he asked me to keep singing and now I feel that I should be working on that talent again.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Thursday, November 18th 2010 was Grandpa Brown's viewing. It was amazing to see how many people came to pay their respects to their family member, friend, co-worker and teacher. Grandpa truly touched many people's lives. 

Friday, November 19th 2010 was Grandpa's funeral. There was another viewing at 11:00 AM and again I was amazed by all the people. Sadly, not everyone got to see him. We had a family prayer and then we said our "final" goodbyes before they closed the coffin. (That was the hardest part.) Then we had the funeral at 12. It was a beautiful ceremony. Then we headed to the graveyard. (The next hardest part.) 

Here are a few pictures of me and Grandpa. 

"A Grandpa is someone you never outgrow your need for." -Unknown

Holding his first Grandchild

Temple Square

Taking me on some rides at Hershey Park

Grandpa has a picture napping with each of his Grandchildren :)

My 15th Birthday

My 16th Birthday

At our wedding

I love and miss you Grandpa. We'll be together again someday.

Grandpa Brown

Today at 8:35 AM, Grandpa Brown passed away in his sleep. He will truly be missed but is in a better place and we know that we will see him again. We are grateful that he is no longer in pain and is reunited with his parents who he hasn't seen in over 50 years.

I love you Grandpa!

Grandpa Charlie Brown

I have been very blessed in my life. I am 26 years old, and still have all 4 grandparents. I have always been close to them. (Even though we haven't always lived close.) I love my family and grateful to have such wonderful, loving grandparents. Both sets have been married over 50 years and have taught me great lessons for my own marriage.

My Grandpa Brown has been sick for a while now. Last week we had to take him to the hospital and we are going to have to find somewhere for him to live. And as hard as it has been for me...a spoiled granddaughter, I can't even being to imagine how my Grandma feels. Her whole life has been about taking care of her family. Her husband and 4 kids. Now she is alone. I go over everyday and make sure she is ok, but most of the time she is wanting to take care of me.  She is a much stronger woman that I thought she was. I see her everyday talk to my Grandpa, and even when we can't understand him, she is clam and loving with him.

I am so proud of my family for coming together and helping one another. I love everyone so much. What's meant to be will be, we just all need to remember that we are family and we will all be together forever.

Me and Grandpa at my 25th birthday! I love that smile!