Mormon funerals last about an hour or so. They are positive, uplifting experiences. The Mormon belief in the resurrection and life after death is unshakable. We know we will see our loved ones again. Yet, there is still heartache, longing, and sorrow. Faith is tested. The funeral serves as a help to the family and friends who are grieving. We heard from Leonard’s scout master, his leader at the scout camp where he worked, and other people who knew him well. Leonard’s scoutmaster even related a few stories about Leonard when he was a boy scout. He said, “Leonard and the rest of the boys took an old steam boiler and put it over the fire. They soon discovered that the opening for the steam to come out was just big enough to stuff a potato into. As the steam built up, the boys learned that it charged the boiler up so much that it shot the potato out. They pointed it toward the adjoining scout camp. They had fun bombing the scouts in the next camp." By the time he was done telling the stories about Leonard, we were all laughing loudly. I looked at Grandpa. He was roaring with laughter. Our tears of a few moments before had been turned to laughter. I began to realize two things. One, Leonard lived a good life and he lived it to the fullest; and second, though we had grieved, it was now time to put the event behind us and try to have the enjoyment for life that Leonard had.
We still shed tears at the rest of the funeral, and also the burial. We even shed tears now and then, years later. But Leonard left a legacy for all of the family to follow. I will never forget him.
Coming Tomorrow: (The Last Chapter) The Hormones said, “Start Liking Girls . . .”
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