Try to Remember

Thursday morning, we received the news that T.J.’s Grandpa Lyman had passed away. About a month ago, he was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. He tried to fight it, but the type of cancer was too aggressive.

It’s been a long time since someone close to me has passed away. I was a Freshman in high school when my grandmother Penny passed away and then just a couple months after that my grandmother’s husband, who was like a grandfather to me, passed away. So, it’s been a while since I’ve felt this way. And although Lyman was not my actual Grandpa, he was a great man who I admired and loved.

I was asked to play the piano for T.J.’s aunt who is singing at his funeral this coming Monday. You know, the Lord works in mysterious ways. A couple weeks ago, I decided to start practicing the piano again. So, when I was asked to play I actually felt very comfortable to accept. Hopefully I’ll be able to remember all that I have practiced and not get too emotional in the two songs. Pray for me, please.

I just want to share my personal and simple testimony with you all. I know that families can be together forever. I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation. I can’t imagine losing a loved one and thinking we’d never see them again. It gives me light in the darkness and strength to continue when times are hard. I have a testimony in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and know that He lives.

To read Lyman’s obituary, click here.

Here are the lyrics to one of the songs I’m playing at the funeral. Lyman loved this song and listened to it a lot this past month.

Try to Remember (Lyrics by Tom Jones)

Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh, so mellow.
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain was yellow.
Try to remember the kind of September
When you were a tender and callow fellow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow.

Try to remember when life was so tender
That no one wept except the willow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That dreams were kept beside your pillow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That love was an ember about to billow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow.

Deep in December, it’s nice to remember,
Although you know the snow will follow.
Deep in December, it’s nice to remember,
Without a hurt the heart is hollow.
Deep in December, it’s nice to remember,
The fire of September that made us mellow.
Deep in December, our hearts should remember
And follow.