Laid to Rest

Very Important Side Note: We can't even begin to express the gratitude we feel for your generosity. We are getting closer to reaching the goal on our YouCaring site, and being able to pass along our appreciation for Primary Children's hospital. Every little bit adds up to a lot. Thank you, thank you. We have been missing our sweet Sara Kate for 3 months now. We feel your love and it strengthens us. - The Mason Family

All photos by: Lacey Jay Photography

September 13, 2014 
(from my journal)

Today we buried our baby girl's body.   

As I prayed this morning, I felt so much love from Heavenly Father. I felt that Sara is there with Him. She will be with me when I need comfort and when I miss her. I feel very honored to be her mother, and to give her a body. She is a special girl. 

I went to dress Sara's body at the funeral home with my mom at 9:30am. I am so glad that I did that. I thought it might be weird, but I really loved it. We dressed her in the dress that Megan, Rachel, and I were blessed in. It was so beautiful on her. I also put a sweet white bow in her hair, and a tiny pink & silver beaded bracelet. The tiny bracelet came with one that matches for me. I also put sweet smelling baby lotion on her hands, neck, and feet. She looked like a porcelain doll. I kissed her head, and held her hands. Her tiny feet were so adorable.

I lifted Sara's body off of the table and into her little white casket. It had a pillow and some soft white material. We had also laid a crocheted white blanket in the casket. I draped the long dress over the end and the side. 

Family came together at 10:00am for a family prayer and to view Sara. Grandpa Norm Jackson offered a beautiful prayer. Many got emotional when they saw Sara - thought she looked so beautiful. I had moments of emotion and moments of peaceful reflection. We took some pictures in front of her casket. I tousled Sara's hair, held her head, and gave her forehead some final kisses. Even though her insides were imperfect, her body was beautiful and gorgeous to me. It was a part of me. A part of my body. Created by my body.

The boys had picked out a white polar bear Beanie Boo (little stuffed animal with big eyes) for Sara at the store with Grandma Weber, and each picked out an animal for themselves to remind them of Sara. They each gave the polar bear a kiss, then Clark put it in her casket with her. They wanted it up close to her face, where she would have snuggled with it. Then, I helped the man from the funeral home tuck in the soft fabric from the sides of the casket into the inside. Sara looked nice and cozy. He sealed the casket closed and Reid carried her out to a white van. It was such a surreal experience. Knowing that I will never see her face again in this life. Reality really hasn't hit me yet. We followed the white van in our cars up to the Orem City Cemetery. Reid and I drove with our boys in our van.  It was the first time in many weeks that we had been just our family together.   

Reid, Brad, and Jack carried Sara's casket from the white van up to her grave site.    

What a gorgeous day! A beautiful blue sky, with a slight cool breeze. Perfect. People from all walks of our lives started showing up. Old roommates, Oregon friends, cousins, college friends, Wyoming friends, childhood friends, family friends, old ward members, etc. I was amazed at how many people came. We are so loved. It's amazing to see how many people have been inspired by Sara's short life. 

My Aunt JaNece set up a display table with pictures, and other remembrances. There is a stone memorial bench up in the oak trees there, and she had set a guest book for people to sign, as well as some flowers up on it. Aunt JaKell made an adorable birth announcement type card for people to take. I'm so grateful for all who helped make it such a beautiful experience.

 The flowers were perfect. Cream, light green, and pale pink. There was a bouquet from the grandparents, a heart stand from the boys, and a beautiful spray on her casket. 

Before the service started, Connor and Rhett spent some time up by Sara's casket. Clark and Jack sat by me, pretty somber. 

 

Dad conducted the memorial service. I couldn't have asked for a better service. Everything went so smoothly, and was just so beautiful. Full of love, peace, and hope. Sara's cousins and brothers sang I Am a Child of God, we joined them for the 2nd and 3rd verses. 

Reid's dad, Brad, gave the opening prayer. Then, my youngest brother, Patrick, spoke. His talk was perfect - he bore testimony and shared special things about each of the boys, and then about Reid and I. He mentioned that Sara is probably a lot like me, up in the spirit world making quick friends. I hadn't thought of that before; she is a part of me, so of course she would have some of my traits. I like that thought, it makes me smile. Patrick mentioned that Reid has taught him so much about how to be a father. Patrick was emotional throughout his words, as were the rest of us.

Next, our family friend, Jim Evans, played Sara Kate's Lullaby over the sound system. It really is the perfect song. The lyrics explain exactly how we feel about Sara. I broke down often while I listened. Aunt Sherilyn spoke after the song, sharing her experience after their sister Deanna died. She also mentioned that it's like Sara is on a mission. Heaven seems like a foreign place, until we know someone there.

Reid and I both shared a few thoughts, and our gratitude for everyone's love and support through this whole year. Reid specifically mentioned that we are indebted to our Heavenly Father for all the blessings he has poured out upon us during this time. He has not left us alone. We should go forward in service to others. I bore my testimony that we will be a family together again, because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be with us in our grief. We have felt such peace and comfort through this experience, and know that will continue. 

    

Dad shared some thoughts, then President Jackman (who's like a second father to us Clarke kids). Reid's step-dad, Ron, gave the closing prayer for us. Then Reid dedicated Sara's grave - that it will be hallowed ground for Sara's body. That it will be watched over and protected. 

My lovely friend brought some pink balloons for the kids to release up to heaven. It was a highlight for them. 

  

Many friends, acquaintances, and family came up and gave us hugs. I cried many tears, even some happy tears. I felt so loved. We have so many amazing people in our life.

  

I can't get over how gorgeous the setting was for Sara's service. The shade of oak trees, a gorgeous view of Utah Valley, at the base of the mountains I love and are so dear to me. I'm so happy that this is the place where her body is resting. 

I miss her so much.