Monday, August 24, 2009

Nathan Singing at His Grandpa's Funeral

Last week I had asked Nathan if he thought he would be up to singing at my Dad's funeral. To my great joy, he said that he would. I requested that he sing a song he's sung before, one of my favorite songs called "The Untitled Hymn," by Chris Rice.

The song was so perfect for the occasion. It was truly amazing to me that he was able to sing at all, standing just five feet away from his grandpa's coffin. There was only one point in the song where his voice got a little emotional and wobbly but that just made me love him all the more.

I don't know when Steve and I have ever been more proud of our son than at that moment when he sang a song that not only honored his grandpa but also ministered to the hearts of his grieving mom and her family.

If you'll look at the screen beyond Nathan, you'll see the beautiful picture of my dad at the beach with the birds. It fit in so well with the "fly to Jesus" part of the song.

(From a technical point of view, I only got the last couple minutes of the song, plus I was a bit wobbly-ish. But it was still a touching and memorable moment.)


16 Had Something To Say (Just click here!):

MIlczarek Family said...

Beautiful!

That was an amazing tribute to your Grandfather.

Debbie said...

How awesome is that. nathan has a wonderful voice.
My sympathies to you and the entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless~
Debbie Jean

Anonymous said...

Each day I check in and each day I cry and laugh for you and with you...and you still took pictures. Amazing.

Love, Guerrina

lesley said...

Truthfully. How wonderful.

I think it's going to take you all a while to process this entire past week. Sometimes life just comes flying at you and your clan has handled it all so gracefully.

Jan Reynolds said...

That is amazing. You must be so proud of your son. And I'm sure your father was looking down and beaming with pride himself! Praying for you and your family..

Sue G said...

And just when I thought your family couldn't touch me anymore than they already have.

Anonymous said...

Ahhh, this song holds a special place in my heart...it was playing on the radio when they called on my cell to tell me my 45 year old sister had just passed - (I had left her 5 minutes before and she wasn't expected to pass so quickly) - right at the point of "fly to Jesus and live". Nathan did a fabulous job ~ sniff.

L in AK

Ann Martin said...

Beautiful. Nathan did a great job with the song (at least what I heard). Grandchildren are amazing. Daddy's oldest grandson's wife sang at his service and the youngest granddaughter did the sign to "I Can Only Imagine" as Jill sang. It was so graceful. Daddy would have been so proud as I am sure your Dad would have been of Nathan. I only took pictures of the flowers. I did take some in the hospital the week before the coma but none of Daddy after that happened. I have memories and tonight I went to the gravesite to check on the yard lights I put out yesterday. For the first time--no tears but almost. I am getting better and I know you will, too. It will take both of us some time with these happenings--sad but joyful.

brooke said...

oh.. my chronic illness is flaring up.. i needed that. tell nathan he ministered not only your family, but a woman in utah as well. what a blessing. i'm going to go find an mp3 of that song to put on my ipod.

Anonymous said...

Your family never ceases to amaze me! Nathan, what an awesome job! I still continue to pray for comfort through wonderful and happy memories. Rest, lovely Smith family!

Karo said...

That song has such special meaning to me and my entire family. Nathan has a wonderful voice and did a beautiful job.
Love,
Karo

SuperSuz said...

What a gift Nathan has and has given. Beautiful.

SuziQCat said...

I had been wanting to hear Nathan sing, as you speak so highly of him a lot. Thanks for sharing this. Do you think you could post the words to this song?

Anonymous said...

WOW! Nathan did a fabulous job in such a difficult situation.

Thanks for sharing that with us. I love that song.

Prayers and hugs,
Connie F-G

Lizz said...

That was beautiful! I have never heard that song before but now it is one of my favorites! What a great song! Nathan has a great voice too! God bless all of you!

René S said...

I don't know if you'll get this or not since it's an older post, but I listened to Nathan today with tears in my eyes. Not only was it the idea of him singing it at his grandfather's funeral, but it brought back memories of Ann Bennett as a toddler/preschooler. This song played on k-love a lot then, so she knew it. Every time it came on, she'd ask "how do you fly to Jesus," or "how do you dance to Jesus?" or "why do you cry to Jesus?" We had some interesting conversations because of that song, and today your thoughtful young man reminded me of a precious memory with my daughter. Thanks!