Good morning from Fayetteville, NC.
Sarah and I left Charlotte yesterday and came here so she could spend some time with a friend. We are currently ensconced in a lovely (but bargain-priced) hotel room and are enjoying some much-needed quiet time before heading back to Manteo. Steve is still in Charlotte for part of the day to help his mom out with some practical stuff and will drive back to Manteo this afternoon.
I’m going to divide the visit and the funeral into two posts; this is the first installment.
One of the highlights of the visit was getting to spend time with Nathan and Meagan. I was overjoyed that they got a chance to take a break from parenting and just be able to relax a bit. (And kudos to Meagan’s sister, Joy, for watching Meagan’s four kids as well as her own four. Joy is amazing!)
On the morning of the funeral, Meagan helped Vernie with her pearl necklace, a gift from Ken. It was the same necklace Vernie wore on her wedding day.
Meagan observed that the pearls were with Vernie on the day her life with Ken started and on the day her life with Ken ended. It was so special to see a woman from a new generation of Smiths become a part of the pearls’ story.
I love seeing the spark of their love. It never dimmed.
Nathan and Meagan were on hand to get Vernie settled into the car so that Steve could drive her to the cemetery.
Once we arrived, Steve helped his mom to her seat.
I watched my three beloved ones watching their beloved ones walking toward the last resting place of their grandpa.
Sarah and Nathan both spoke at the graveyard service through tears of love and gratefulness.
The tears continued afterward as Nathan held the presented flag and stood with his grandma who made so many sacrifices throughout the years as her husband flew for freedom.
Brother and sister. Be still my heart.
I will post more about the funeral later but wanted to finish up with a few more photos about our time with Nathan and Meagan.
This is one of my favorite photos from their visit. I just happened across Steve and Nathan talking in the den and loved witnessing their easy camaraderie.
It reminded me of another father/son conversation. Precious moments, indeed.
Nathan and Meagan had to return to Florida the day after the funeral. Before we took them to the airport, we grabbed a few photos of the Smith women hanging out on the deck.
Meagan is such a wonderful addition to our family. Her love of family, her compassionate heart, her incredibly crazy sense of humor, her friendship–I couldn’t love her more.
And I’m pretty crazy about her husband, too. He just a big job review and we asked him to read some of the comments to us at dinner one night. His boss used more glowing superlatives than I even knew existed. Nathan is definitely applying himself to excellence in all areas of his life; Steve and I are so proud of him.
Vernie waved as they left, from the same spot on the steps she and Ken have waved for many decades. I love seeing the tradition continued by this brave, amazing woman.
Those airport departures come all too soon. So thankful Nathan and Meagan were able to be with us to laugh and cry, to celebrate, and to remember.
Their leaving reminded me of other Charlotte goodbyes. Treasured memories of a treasured man.
Fly high, Ken.
What an honor to post about such a precious man.
Angelina,
Yes, it was an honor, indeed. So thankful for the forty years I had with him.
It looks like it was a beautiful service. I love that there was color on everyone; not just black.
And I love what Meagan said about the pearls. It made me tear up.
Looking forward to Part 2.
Krista,
Color and pearls. Two memorable funeral ingredients. Truly a special day.
Go rest high on that mountain Ken. I agree with Mary Winters. Nathan looks a lot like Ken did as a young man. Glad Nathan and Meagan were able to be with you all for Ken’s celebration.
Phyllis,
I LOVE that song. Thanks for reminding me of it.
And yes, Nathan has definitely got those Smith genes running strong!
Beautiful family. Beautiful couple who grew into life together. Hugs.
Guerrina,
I loved that line, “Grew into life together.” Such a beautiful picture of their relationship.
Beautiful pictures of such a beautiful life. You are a talented picture taker and story teller.
God speed, Ken! Many blessings, Smith family!
Suzanne,
Thanks for your encouragement. I am grateful for the stories I have to tell.
Becky, thank you so much for sharing these very special moments. Also thanks for the wonderful photos. I especially enjoyed the photos of “young Ken and Vernie” as they began their life together. I also loved the photo of Sarah speaking at the graveside. She always looks so poised and peaceful. You and your family are always in our thoughts. Love, Fred & Lucy
Fred and Lucy,
It’s always fun to see the younger version of a couple, isn’t it?
And yes, I agree. Poised and peaceful are two perfect words to describe that gal of mine.
What a precious, precious post…tears came to my eyes as I read…my very favorite part was Vernie’s pearls. How very fitting for such a love story as she and Ken shared. (And yay for Nathan’s glowing review!!) Continuing to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers…
Sue Ellen,
Yes, Vernie’s pearls were a beautiful part of the story of that day. Ken’s love was right there with her . . . and all around us all.
My condolences to all of the Smiths. A beautiful funeral and reunion of the family.
I am a bit surprised that no one is wearing masks at the funeral and distancing, especially with Vernie, you and Sarah having risk factors. Around here, we are being ever so careful , especially around elderly to distance and protect. We have two elderly aunts , both with medical conditions, that we are so careful in approaching. A lot of elderly died in NYC before such precautions put into place, and now we have the numbers down very low. We didn’t know better in February, we do now.
Cath,
Thank you so much for the condolences. It was truly a special day,
Masks are definitely important. When we are out in public getting groceries, going into a convenience store, etc. we ALWAYS wear masks,
Our current NC guidelines are that masks must be worn in outside gatherings when social distancing is not possible. The funeral home set up the chairs for the service with social distancing in mind. There was also very little face to face interaction since we were all facing forward.
You set a wonderful example of how its possible to have courteous dialogue. Thank you for graciously speaking up about your concern.
.
And your reply is gracious. We just moved from COVID-19 Hell. My one son’s fiancée just lost her grandfather in South Carolina to Covid—also in a nursing home, and there are great measures being taken to protect those vulnerable who have been spared. Its a whole other perspective to see photos at the funeral , close proximity to high risk folks especially with Florida so affected. NY got hit hard early, and before we knew how this can spread so quickly. Medical researchers we know are lying very low and their families too, because the long term side effects of getting this scare them. So much uncertainty.
My best wishes to all of you. No condemnation here from me, but surprise, because it’s just so very different in my area. We learn from differences as they give perspectives that we wouldn’t otherwise have
God Bless and keep you all safe
Cath,
What a great line. “We learn from differences as they give perspectives that we wouldn’t otherwise have.”
Blessings to you and your family.
Beautiful. Heartfelt. Love to you all. ❤️
Cheryl,
Thanks for your sweet words. Sending hugs right back to you.
What a beautifully written post. It brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad that Nathan and Meagan were able to make it for the funeral. There is nothing like being all together to hold each other up and comfort each other at sad times like this.
Lee Anne,
You’re right. Being together for a funeral makes all the difference. It was such a strength and joy to us to spend time with them.
Condolences to you and your family.
I was struck by how much Nathan resembles young Ken.
I also liked that Vernie wasn’t wearing somber black, but nice spring/summer colors that said to me she was truly celebrating his life with her and celebrating that his place now is with Our Father watching over your family. Peace to all of you.
Mary,
Yes, we all sort of decided that Ken wouldn’t like a sea of black at his funeral. He was such a cheery guy; we wanted to honor that.
Thanks for noticing that. 🙂
So glad you all could be together to celebrate Ken. He will be sorely missed. It was a bit shocking to see Vernie standing there by herself waving goodbye. A picture is certainly worth a thousand words. Thank you for sharing all the words.
Lesley,
Yes, it was sad to her by herself and yet inspiring to see her carry on the tradition she and Ken upheld all through the years.
I love the idea of sharing “all the words.” Written and photographed words alike.
Oh Becky, I read all of your posts, but have been busy with a move, so haven’t had a chance to write any thoughts or words these past few months. I’ve so enjoyed the posts on your parents, and Steve’s parents over the years. Both couples showed such love and commitment, that was clearly witnessed during their final chapters of life on earth as a team. What strength and grace is shown in both remaining ladies. Life isn’t easy, and marriage isn’t often easy. But, your folks, and in-laws, showed what is possible with great love, patience, and fortitude. It is beautiful to see that trend continue in the marriage of Nathan and Meagan. Approaching death can be such a time of burden and sadness, but your family appeared to make the very best of this time, and turn it into such a sacred experience. I thank you for sharing.
Ann,
I so appreciate you mentioning my parents in your comment, as well. So thoughtful of you.
Both couples definitely worked, lived, and loved as a team and set a great example for us to follow. Which doesn’t mean it was all a piece of cake. As you so accurately observed,”Life isn’t easy and marriage isn’t often easy.” No truer words spoken and yet what an inspiration to see people work through those hard times. It’s not a journey for the faint of heart.
Such a beautiful post! And I love how Meagan observed the special memories about the Pearl necklace!
Thanks for sharing all these pictures with us!
Donna,
Yes, Meagan is good like that, to see the meaning behind the things that go on in life. I love her insights.
So glad you were able to have family with you to say goodbye to Steve’s dad. He certainly had a wonderful life with Vernie. I hope she is able to stay in her home if that is what she wants. Your photos are a wonderful reminder of your time together even though it was a sad time.
Liz,
She is going to stay in her home for the foreseeable future; she does love it there and it such a joy for the kids and grand kids to have a place to return to that is so beloved and familiar. But the time will no doubt come when that will change and we will make that adjustment right along with her.
So thankful for your incredible ability to capture life’s moments and passages through words and pictures.
This post gave me the feeling of being there. So good to see the faces of loved ones. So glad you could all be together to celebrate the life of a great man.
Love, Deb
Deb,
Glad you were able to feel like you were there; we certainly felt you and Randy’s love winging its way across the miles. Thanks for your compliment on my writing and pictures; means so much.