Mac's Funeral

by Josh's sister

McKallister Vance Hinckley was laid to rest on July 2, 2008 at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah. The day was one of heartache mixed with feelings of deep gratitude for the impact Mac's short life has had on each of our lives.

The day began with a private viewing for close family members and friends. Before the room was opened up for friends and extended family, our immediate family had the opportunity to spend time alone with Mac. The feeling in the room and as we spent time with his precious body was amazing.

As immediate family, we had the special privilege of watching Josh and Cali lovingly dress Mac in his white burial attire. As we watched them, we thought of how they had always imagined they'd be dressing little Mac in the new clothes hanging in their closet for him, but here they were dressing him in burial clothes instead. It was a heartbreaking sight. They placed a little baseball cap on his head and a baseball in his hand.

They were so gentle as they placed his precious body in his tiny casket, which was lined with a blanket lovingly made by Josh's brother Isaac and his wife. In the casket they placed the paper flower Josh gave to Cali when he first met her, and a tender letter written to Mac by Cali. Additional keepsakes (a ring, a tie pin, and a teddy bear) were placed with him to match keepsakes Josh and Cali have as quiet reminders of their little boy.

Looking at Mac lying in his casket was like looking at an angel. The spirit that radiated from his precious body was heavenly. He was beautiful, peaceful, and illuminated the pure love of heaven. It seemed as though he was telling each of us, heart to heart, that he was okay, that there was a greater mission for him to fulfill on the other side, and that he was in the loving arms of our Savior. The feeling in the room was literally like being surrounded by heavenly angels -- loving ancestors that had passed on but had been allowed to reunite with us on earth for these few moments in time to comfort us and assure us that Mac was with them and that he was okay. We undoubtedly felt that among those angels, was Josh and Cali's angel. He was there to witness the outpouring of love for him and to speak peace to our hearts. Being in the presence of a spirit so pure, innocent, and close to God was Godlike in every sense of the word.

Before we knew it, the room was literally being filled to the brim with earthly angels--family and friends who had all come to say goodbye to Mac and show of their love for Josh and Cali. The video Julie Williams created (see above) was played and we all sobbed as we watched it and thought of the special mission our little angel came to fulfill. One by one each person in the room said their goodbye's to little Mac. Each goodbye was different--some kissed his little cheek, some rubbed his tiny hand, some spoke to him and thanked him for all he had taught them--but the tears we shed were united as we took our last earthly look at his perfect little body. After saying our goodbye's, our heads humbly bowed together in a family prayer offered by Josh's father and then we watched as Mac's casket was closed until he comes forth in the resurrection.

As we arrived at the burial plot, we were awe struck by the hundreds of people standing there in reverence, with balloons in hand, to pay tribute to baby Mac. Many people present were complete strangers to Josh and Cali, but had been so touched by their story that they felt compelled to attend. It was a humbling sight.

An even more humbling sight took place a few moments later as we all witnessed Josh enter the crowd carrying his son's tiny casket. Tears streamed down our cheeks at the sight. It seemed like something no father should ever have to do. Josh had always imagined he'd be carrying Mac in his arms to a baseball game, but never to a grave. He gently placed Mac's casket down and then found his place next to Cali.

It was a touching sight to watch Josh wrap his arm around Cali and tenderly wipe tears from her face throughout the service. They never imagined they would be attending a funeral for the child they had waited so lovingly for.

The service was beautiful and inspiring. Josh's brother Zack offered the opening prayer. The prayer was followed by Josh and Cali's bishop speaking and offering very comforting words to them and everyone present. Then Josh's brother Jake read the story/poem he wrote (you can view it on the sidebar). The poem was followed by Josh's brother Isaac speaking and making all of us laugh and cry. Then Cali's sister TJ beautifully sang the hymn "Be Still My Soul." TJ's song was followed by Josh humbly dedicating his sons grave, after which we all joined in singing "Families Can Be Together Forever." The service ended with the stunning release of hundreds of balloons and then Cali's brother Colby offered the closing prayer.

Tears flowed freely down everyone's cheeks throughout the service as we were brought to remember the atonement of our Savior and how He has made it possible for us to be resurrected and reunited again as eternal families. We were reminded how Mac had personally touched each of our hearts and how he had changed each of us for the better.

Although sad that we will never get to see Mac grow and develop upon this earth, we feel a deep gratitude for the opportunity to experience the things we have. Through this experience we've learned that dark times and trials are important. Trials show us the beauty of God's comfort. It's through the comfort we receive from God during our difficult times that we learn how to comfort others. Sometimes the process of growing closer to our Heavenly Father comes along the path of heartache and pain.

We feel peace in the knowledge we have that Mac is in the loving arms of our Savior. We are thankful to our Father in Heaven for this very difficult experience. Through our tears we have learned to draw upon the powers of the atonement. Through our tears we have been encompassed by His peace. Through our tears His brilliance shines brighter.