Mel's funeral

Funerals are not my favorite but honestly they are truly beautiful.  They are a blessing from Heaven, if you will.  They help those suffering to process and to feel the peace only the Lord can bring.  I feel very blessed that we could come and support the Murphy family during this difficult time.  I know that we will see Mel again and I also know that the Lord has a special plan for him.

I never knew Mel to be anything but a fun, loving, caring man who loved his family.  I know things weren't always easy for him.  He divorced twice and never remarried after that.  I know that was probably hard on him but I truly believe that he did the best in could in the last few years of his life to make things right.  That he served in the Salt Lake Temple for 8 years and through that experience he learned and grew so much.  I know that he loved his time there and that many people loved him.  Even though him and Dixie were not married anymore he always treated her with respect and kindness from what I could tell.  I believe when he died they were truly friends and I feel that is special.  It is kind of a weird relationship but none the less I'm glad for their children's sake they could still be in the same room together.

Through this whole experience I feel to mention one other thing.  I truly believe that the Lord is in charge.  That the things we go through in this life are what we need to go through to shape our character and our spirits into becoming more like our Savior.  Mel had a very different story than anyone of my Grandparents but I feel he was doing the best he could and that he loved the Lord and was trying the best he could at that time to follow the commandments and to live righteously.  I hope I can share with my children over time how great a man he was and that one day we will see him again.  That I'm sure at some points in my kids lives he will be on the other side of the veil cheering them on or looking out for them.  I feel there is much to be done in Heaven but I also feel there are times when God lets those in Heaven watch over us on Earth.  God speed Mel, we love you and we will miss you.