Be Still My Soul

Gracefully, 2012 ebbed to is close, as we honored the life of Shirley Goodman and laid her body to rest.  A funeral service was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, December 29, 2012.  A similar service was conducted in Richmond, Virgina, on Thursday, January 3, 2013, followed by a simple graveside dedication.  All five of her living children spoke at the services, and all though Bob, Sr. was not well enough to travel to Virginia, in spirit he accompanied his wife back to their home of many years.

Bobby, Chelsea, and Thomas returned to Las Vegas with us to attend the funeral.  Bobby was humbled to be invited to offer the closing prayer, and then he and Thomas were honored to join with cousins as pall-bearers.

Dad with His Living Children
Bob Jr., Tom, Kels, Connie, Dad, and Pam

Kelly Graham, Sharon and Bob Goodman, Tom and Mel Goodman, Kels and Stephanie Goodman
Connie Graham, Dad, Pam Renner

Extended Goodman Family

  

For the Goodman children, a trip together back to the home of their childhood was a rewarding experience.  It felt almost like a wedding celebration as friends and family waited patiently in line to greet and become reacquainted with each of the children as they expressed their love and appreciation for the Goodman Family.  The funeral was held in the same chapel that their ward members built when Bob was a child.

 

Being at the cemetery was a rewarding experience, as we were able to visit the grave sites of Mom's two children which passed away in two separate and tragic childhood accidents.  Additionally, Dad's brother, Thomas (after whom Tom was named) was also interred nearby.

 

"Be Still My Soul"

Text:  Katharina von Schlegel, b. 1697

translated by Jane Vorthwick, 1813-1897

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord,

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrows forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Having a little extra time in Richmond, Bob and I were able to see a few of the sites.  Virgina is such a beautiful and historical area!  The strange looking foil building was once the home of the "Reynolds Metals Company" - better known as the "Reynolds Aluminum Company".  Monument Avenue is always a great place to get a glimpse of history.  The trip down "memory" lane also revealed the hospital where Bob was born.  The building now appears to house apartments.

Our visit to Virgina ended with a joyful reunion with my brother, Mark, his wife, Sarah.  It was nice to see the Fairfax area where they live and to meet their adorable daughter, Sophie!  It was the perfect conclusion to this family focused trip.