Kanon's Day

Brian and Jenny decided to have a funeral and graveside service for Kanon. As difficult as it was, it really turned out very nice. Jenny & Brian's ward did a lot to make it turn out well and a few of the sisters worked hard on it, also. It was good to meet beforehand with just the family--but very emotional, as well.

Matt & Heather...
Jeff, Wendy, Garrett and Addison...
The ONE joy in the funeral was seeing people I hardly ever get to see. This pic is of me and Suzette--I've known her since birth.
Sue and I are crying, of course, but I needed a picture 'cause I don't know when I'll see her again--maybe at Christmas??
Mike arrived just in time for the start of the funeral and we're so thankful Brad could get him there on time. It was nice to have one of our kids there with us. Especially with emotions being so close to the surface, it's a comfort to have people you love around you. Brian and Jenny asked Anton to be a pallbearer. It meant a lot to us and I know Anton felt very honored.
Mike and I were lucky to be there together--barely, though. We spent less than 1/2 a day together.

Mom & Dad Steele are always present at any major event in our family. I could not ask for more wonderful in-laws--they really are great.

I hope this is appropriate, Jen. I thought it was so precious how Korbie showed so much love for his little brother. He was so concerned about him and I know they'll be great friends someday. It was just heaven-sent that Kanon could be laid to rest right beside his older brother, Kohen.

After the graveside service we had a nice luncheon from Jenny & Brian's ward. Before we left for the drive home we stopped at Gary & Sue's to say bye to their kids. Aren't they fun? Sariah was gone at a swimming party and I sure missed her!

I had to end with this beautiful table that was set up for Kanon. I got to be with him for a short time before he went down to Tucson. What a beautiful boy! I don't know how you do it, Brian and Jenny. You, and your two sweet baby boys, are an inspiration to us all. I hope you know how much I love you. I feel so grateful that I live in a time when I can hop on a plane or in a car and be with the people I love when I need to. I wish we could be closer. This time, leaving my sisters was the hardest time so far. Thank you for blogging, Jen, and helping me to feel part of sweet Kanon's life all the way over here in Missouri.

Back To Arizona...

Thursday: My Sissies picked me up at the airport--I loved it that so many of them could come. We went out for lunch and then on to the funeral home. In the following pictures we seem happy, but it was much harder when we went in to see Kanon--didn't want to take pictures. Jenny and Brian wanted us all to be there to help dress him. What a sweet boy. It was really hard for all of us and especially Jenny. I feel honored that she and Brian let us be part of it.

Danie & Chelle...
A cute pic of Amy...
Jenny and her good friend, Stephanie, who flew in from Utah...
Heather and her beautiful twins, Abby and Annie...
Me and Heidi-ky...
Jen and Brian...

Thursday night we all spent time together at Heidi's house for Sister's Night. It was great to get together--even DJ and Jen came! I'm glad we did it the night before the funeral because Friday was a rough day.

Anton got to drive down with Grandma & Grandpa earlier in the week. He's staying another week with Vova Stirling so he can spend some time before Vova leaves on his mission. Everyone just keeps growing up...