The Nitty Gritty

I can't believe it's been two weeks since Dad passed away. This picture was taken on MLK day when Dad returned to the care center from the hospital. It was such a lovely day. He was so energetic and feeling so pleasant. Isaac got to sing him some tunes on the piano and we were able to eat lunch and dinner with him. This was about 2 weeks later, 3 days before Dad died. It's the last family picture we have with him and I love it because my Dad is smiling and seems happy. Will, on the other hand, looks like he wants to get the heck out of there. Will crawled into Grandpa Garrett's room recently saying "Pop!" Isaac followed him in there and said "Pop's gone. Say 'Bye Pop.'" Isaac said it was quiet for several seconds and Will solemnly said "Bye Pop." Then he got all excited and yelled, "Car!"

The memorial services on Monday, Feb. 4, 2010 turned out beautifully. Because my Dad wanted to be cremated and we didn't have his body to view, we decided to focus on his life and celebrate it. My mom and Kelly put together display tables with items that gave those in attendance some insight into the kind of person my Dad was. Here is the table honoring my parents' marriage of almost 42 years and their posterity. The picture in the light oak frame is my mom's favorite. My Dad worked for TRW and Hill Air Force Base in Southern California. He was awarded some plaques for his ability to save the company loads of money with his cost achievement plans. He always kept his clothing and shoes in mint condition. I remember my Dad rarely buying new clothing because of it. That gray and black shirt was the classic traveling shirt. He loved the pockets on the chest to keep his gum and sunglasses in. He also loved to munch on Frito's and cheese while driving the long distance road ...

Isaac and Rob, THE WELL-KNOWN FACTS, had a gig at Fuego's in Park City at the end of January. They were a hit! They started a new Facebook group. Become a fan and listen to some sample tunes. You'll be amazed just like William was:

My Dad William Kincaid Garrett My Dad passed away last Thursday, February 4, 2010. I was fortunate to be there when he died and I will cherish that memory forever. My Mom, Lana, Kelly, Brittany, and I were there beside him when he took his final breaths. The sun was shining down on his bed and it was so peaceful. We could tell he was feeling anxious so we sang to him his favorite hymns, "Families Can Be Together Forever" and "I Stand All Amazed." It was during the last verse of "I Stand All Amazed" that he took his final breath. I can pinpoint the exact moment when I believe he saw the Savior. Once he was gone, we felt such relief and gratitude that he passed on the way he wanted to--in his bed, at home, surrounded by loved ones. I was also grateful that his body didn't have to endure through pain anymore. The memorial services were yesterday. It was a beautiful program and I felt my dad's presence there. I could feel him smiling when my sis...