Farewell

October 7, 2011 was a very somber, devastating event as we said farewell to some of our most overwhelming qualities, which for some of us, were key factors in defining our character and morals.  To say -goodbye to such dominant traits was a very emotional time for all of us who attended the funeral.  Thank goodness for all those willing to help out with preparation and clean up.  Thanks to everyone's help, the funeral ran smoothly (apart from a 1 1/2 hour set back because the deceased had not yet passed away ;)

Preparation: (With help from the relief society :)



Savanna and I (1st and 2nd counselors in the relief society)



Digging the grave : '(





Funeral potatoes as they cook in the oven :)





Salt dough tombstones- made by Albanee (Relief society secretary)
We each (apart from Ben) buried a quality we saw fit to get rid of... Savanna: pride and selfishness, Albanee: judging, Cameron: selfishness and arrogance, and Me: self-righteousness and lack of self control  :)



Heidi placing the pall-bearer's boutenier





At the funeral: Guests, ceremony, and burial

 

Ben... literally in tears because of the loss.  However, he was too perfect to get rid of any of his qualities, so is simply crying for the pain of others... how thoughtful :)

 

At the viewing, Ben and Cameron look over the rocks (that have our burdens written on them) while Albanee and I recall memorable times with these negative qualities we are ridding ourselves of.



 

Comforting each other as we break down into tears




"We can't all be like Ben, who apparently finds himself perfect.  But none of us are perfect, so Ben must need some humility, which is what Ben should therefore bury."



At the end of the service, pall bearers- Cameron and Ben- escorted the casket outside for the graveside service



All dressed in black, mourning after the burial...





After the funeral service, determined to be happy about the new life we will be beginning... free of the negative qualities of which we chose to dispose of.  Ready to eat our comfort food in celebration of the event.