My Grandpa Cozzens slipped through the veil early Monday morning on February 15, 2016. He'd say he was an ordinary ole man, but the legacy he left for his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids is a legacy of extraordinary depths. He was a man of hard work, honesty, patience, service, duty, loyalty, and doing what is right.
His was a celebratory funeral because we know that this is a temporary goodbye. He lived a good life, with a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, evidenced by the way he lived. He and my grandma were sealed in the temple and because of their stalwart examples their children and us grandchildren know that we are an eternal family.
I recorded the funeral talks and I'm in the process of transcribing them. Right now, I'm working on filling in the gaps where all I could hear was Sam talking, squealing, or playing with my necklace, so as soon as I get that complete, I will post it here as well. The talks and memories and the whole funeral service were powerful. He was a Marine, so at the graveside the Marine Corps presented arms, played the bugle, and formally gave Grandma the American flag that Grandpa spent 3 years and a lifetime defending.
I don't see my dad cry very often. Actually, I think only once have I seen him cry. Well, now twice. He loves his dad so much, as any good son does. In a lot of ways Grandpa Cozzens lives on because my dad is so much like him. He gave an uplifting talk, spoke with hope is his voice, and through his tears dedicated John's grave to be hallowed and protected until the Resurrection. What a glorious reunion that will be.
In the meantime, we had a wonderful family reunion the weekend of his funeral. Most everyone was able to make it. It's so good to be able to spend time with family, even if for only a short 2 days.
Love, Aubrey
