Rest in Peace, Pap

Omah R. Gatewood
April 27, 1924 - July 3, 2009

Matt's grandfather passed away early Friday morning, and we have had quite a whirlwind weekend. We got up Saturday and packed up and headed to Jackson. On our way down, Matt's mom informed us that their air conditioner went completely out. Once in Jackson, Matt booked us all hotel rooms, and we headed to get shoes and pants for Trent for the funeral. It was so crazy busy that we didn't even eat dinner until after 9:00 on Saturday night. Even though their schedules were completely messed up, the boys were great. They handled things so much better than I expected.

On the way to Jackson, we talked to Trent about Pap being in Heaven. He is really confused about it though. I think that he understood that Pap was in Heaven with God and Jesus. However, when he saw Pap at the visitation it blew his mind. "Mommy, is Pap broken?" I had no idea what to say. We just tried to stay out of that room because Trent looked really worried while in there. He did well through the funeral service. Jack made it through most of the music and the eulogy, but we had to duck out a little early.

It was a long day. The visitation was from 12-2. The funeral was at 2. Then we had to drive to Forest, MS for the burial. The boys fell asleep on the hour drive. Once at the grave site, Trent got more confused. We prepared him for a 21 gun salute, and he couldn't handle that. He started crying and said that he wanted to go home. I took him to the car, and we sat and talked while the service took place. He asked me, "Is Pap gonna spend the night there in that tent?" I tried my best to explain to him that Pap wasn't in his body anymore, but I think it just confused him more. The poor thing. :(


Trent in the car during the graveside service. He's my little handsome man!


After the graveside service, we ate dinner at the local church. Then we headed to get Brodie and head home. It was a long, long day. We got home about 10:30. I rode with Scott for part of the way, so Matt beat us home and got the boys in the tub. It was REALLY late by the time we all got to bed.

Overall, the funeral was very nice, and it was great to see all of the family. I hope that Ging Gong is ok. Pap was in the hospital at the time of his passing, but he was supposed to be released on Friday. He went to bed with Ging in the recliner next to him and went peacefully in his sleep. Rest in Peace....