I was asked to compose a poem to be read at Grampa's funeral service. The hardest two pages I've ever read in my life. But I've never been more honored and humbled in my life. What a blessing to give tribute, as one of the speakers noted, to a mountain of a man.
~~~~~~~~~
Reverend Andrew Jackson Whitney.
Grampa. A great man indeed.
Great only because he knew his greatest need
Was to bow the knee, make the LORD King
Not just in some areas—but over everything.
So how do you sum up the qualities of a man
Who lived a full and blessed life through following His Plan?
The blessing is that there’s no secret side to reveal
No matter how you knew him, Grampa was always real.
The Fruits of the Spirit were ever apparent
Grampa died to self and became transparent
So that the love of Jesus could shine and work through
His earthly body for there was God’s work to do!
A servant’s heart; a man of strong conviction,
He was a breath of fresh air
In a world of contradiction.
His undying love for Gramma was so beautiful to behold
At times he would say that he didn’t feel whole
But Grampa kept his eyes looking to Heaven above
Drawing strength from Jesus and His perfect Love.
Grampa loved to play jokes; was quite the funny guy
There was often a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Retelling stories, often in jest
Poking fun and making sure the point wouldn’t rest.
Grampa’s large, powerful hands would greet you with a squeeze
And happily cradle a child on his knees.
With those hands he would lovingly build a fire
Keeping his granddaughter warm when she tired.
Writing letters, emails, and birthday cards
With reminders of keeping our lamps trimmed and hearts on guard.
Grampa established a family altar of prayer
6:30 Wednesday mornings we all would meet there.
He was so often our steady when life felt unstable
A stalwart reminder that God is always able.
So though we sit and shed tears in this earthly place
In our sorrow there’s a greater joy
For Grampa left us with a great heritage of faith.
So, Grampa, we follow your lead--We know the LORD is soon returning
And, praise Jesus, we’ll keep our lamps burning!
~Mandy Yount
January 22, 2011
