A sweet farewell Dad...

My Dad passed away two weeks ago tomorrow. It has been a long difficult journey watching him suffer with Alzheimers and even harder to watch his last remaining days here on earth. He is finally free from his prison and though I am so relieved for him, the reality of him being

gone is still hard.

I have thought a lot about Heaven these past few weeks. Who came for him? What is he experiencing? Who is he talking to? What is he wearing? Has he had all his questions answered? He had a lot of them. Can he see me? Does he know how many people love and miss him? This magnified reality of a heaven makes this existence feel like I am in a bit of a holding

pattern.

Cathy and Jenny

Luke and Annaliese with Grandma

The Steve Armstrong clan minus Lance who is in the service back east and could not make it.

Chelse, Mom, Kendra, me and Annie

We had the service yesterday. It was delayed for almost two weeks because we had family coming from Indonesia and it was the soonest they could get here. What a sweet relief to have my brothers and their families here. Being together gave me strength. I have such an amazing family...all of them! How many people can say that? We are growing with such wonderful additions both in marriage and births.

It was really important to Mom that we have the Air Force Honor Guard come and salute Dad. They folded the flag on Dads coffin and gave the flag to Mom.

The "presenter" knelt next to Mom and presented her the flag and spoke softly, only to her...

"This flag is presented on behalf of the President of the United States of America and a grateful nation as a token of appreciation for your loved ones honorable and faithful service."

It was very touching, knowing how proud Dad was of his service on the Berlin Airlift an 75 combat missions in Korea.

Dads grandsons and two sons that could be there were the Pallbearers.

Brett Hulet

Steve Armstrong

Nick Armstrong

Brad Worsley

Luke Armstrong

Ben Hulet

Nico Armstrong

Here we are waiting for the placement of the casket and dedication of the grave. I think Cathy was taking care of one of her grandchildren during this picture and Tony was in Germany and not able to make the flight back.

These women were truly our angels who took care of Dad during his final years. We knew him at his best and they knew him only at his worst. There dedication to Dad was the truest of unconditional love. Our love and gratitude knows no bounds.