Together Forever

I guess you really can't keep a "good man" down!  Bob's father passed away on Wednesday evening, January 16th, joining his sweetheart just three weeks after her return home to heaven.  Bob and I had returned to Seoul on January 5, leaving dad in a weakened but stable state of mind and body.  I think the loss of Shirley was just more than he could bear, and in just one week, it became obvious that he was not going to remain with us much longer.  We flew in to Las Vegas at about the same time Tom arrived from Texas on the 16th.  That evening the family gathered around for a family prayer and blessing.  It was a bittersweet moment as the memory of doing this with mom was still fresh in our minds.  But in an unexplainable spiritual and peaceful way, the Lord once again displayed His tender mercies upon the Goodman family.  Bob, Sr. took his last breath in the middle of a powerful Priesthood blessing, which was pronounced (as dad requested) by Patriarch Graham, with the assistance of his sons, Tom and Bob.  What a comfort it is to know that their union does not end at death, but that we have the assurance that they will truly be together forever!

 

The funeral was held in Las Vegas, and then the siblings returned to Richmond, Virgina, for a graveside service.

Grandpa's signature life theme was to "Be of Good Cheer".  Despite the challenges and hardships that will come to each of us in this mortal journey, Dad will always remind us that we can choose to endure well with a positive attitude.  Thanks Dad!  We will join you together forever someday!