My brother was laid to rest today and it was a beautiful funeral. My sister, Sarah, was so thoughtful to have a Wolfpack blanket draped over his coffin. Laney had attended North Carolina State University and although he didn’t complete his degree there, he always loved NC State.

I’m thankful for all of Laney’s friends and family that came to commemorate his life.  It’s a bittersweet Christmas season. Bitter because he won’t be there when we return in May. It’s hard to believe I will not see his face again this side of Heaven. Sweet because the memories are so. Laney excelled in love and traced a path for us all. He never complained.

I sent a poem to be read. It was our mother’s favorite poem and mine as well. One day all those in Christ, like Laney, will see our pilot’s face. I hope you will enjoy it. Thank all of you for your outpouring of love and prayers for our family during this time.

Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

— Alfred Lloyd Tennyson