Yesterday, November 12th, 2012 my grandpa, Clyde J. McKanna, Jr. went to be with the Lord. I have some very sweet memories of him that have been slowly playing through my mind the past few days. Hot tea, red barns, combines, beagle dogs, corn, pond, golf, newspaper cross-word puzzles, music, hymns, sing-alongs, holiday gatherings, farm house, pigs, plaid shirts, fedora hats, flannel, suits, blue chair, head of the table, cherry pie with homemade whipped cream, huge smile, bright bright blue eyes, Lima Bean chorus, house slippers, truck, large bell by the pond, fishing, swimming, ball games, family dinners, Grandma, church and family.
This list may seem odd to you but, if you know my grandpa each thing will make sense. My grandpa was born and died in the same room of the old farm house. 91 years separating those moments in time, his dash. Great joy were experienced in both moments. New life and his parents joy in His arrival. Grandpa seeing His Savior face to face for the first time. Both joy-filled times in his life. I am thankful for the 37 years I was able to spend with him. Many lessons learned from his life and how he lived it.
This song below is what he asked to be played at his funeral. The man who wrote the lyrics is even from Ohio. I am thankful that though he is gone now that I will get to spend an eternity with him in Heaven.
Beyond the Sunset
by Virgil Brock
Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,
When with our Savior heav’n is begun;
Earth’s toiling ended, O glorious dawning -
Beyond the sunset when day is done.
Beyond the sunset no clouds will gather,
No storms will threaten, no fears annoy;
O day of gladness, O day unending -
Beyond the sunset, eternal joy!
Beyond the sunset a hand will guide me
To God the Father, whom I adore;
His glorious presence, His words of welcome,
Will be my portion on that fair shore.
Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion
With our dear loved ones who’ve gone before;
In that fair homeland we’ll know no parting -
Beyond the sunset forevermore!
When with our Savior heav’n is begun;
Earth’s toiling ended, O glorious dawning -
Beyond the sunset when day is done.
Beyond the sunset no clouds will gather,
No storms will threaten, no fears annoy;
O day of gladness, O day unending -
Beyond the sunset, eternal joy!
Beyond the sunset a hand will guide me
To God the Father, whom I adore;
His glorious presence, His words of welcome,
Will be my portion on that fair shore.
Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion
With our dear loved ones who’ve gone before;
In that fair homeland we’ll know no parting -
Beyond the sunset forevermore!
One Response to “Grandpa McKanna”
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About Jennifer
Hello there! I’m Jennifer and Welcome to my website – A Home with Purpose. My passion is sharing Christ’s Love and recipes with my Trim Healthy Mama friends. Learn more about me.
What a beautiful song 🙂 I will be praying for you all, Jen!