Saying Good Bye to Grandma....

I have felt very fortunate to be 28 years old and still have all four grandparents still living.  Two weeks ago that changed.  I was facetiming with my parents in Scotland when my Uncle Bob called.  My Grandma had been experiencing complications from a back surgery the previous weekend.  Unfortunately, she had been bleeding into her spinal column and it was now too late.  Bob informed me that she had between 2 and 24 hours left to live before the blood clot in her spine cut off her respiratory system.  My parents quickly hung up with me and started packing hoping to make the earliest flight out of Scotland possible.  The rest of the family who lived in Utah began gathering at Ogden Regional Hospital to say good bye to Grandma.  When I got there, she was still awake but unable to speak.  I got to say good bye to her and she was able to mouth that she loved me too.  It was humbling to see her say goodbye to all 7 of her kids and their spouses, 40 grandkids, and many of her great grandchildren face to face, over the phone, and via facetime.  The outpouring of love was tremendous.  We sang hymns to calm her when she became anxious about her inability to breathe well.  The spirit was beautiful, and I decided that it was such a blessing to be able to have the time to say good bye to her.  She passed away the next morning at 6:50.

My grandpa was so sweet.  He took every opportunity he could to kiss my grandma good bye.

The night of the viewing, it was so good to see all of my cousins.  Thirty-nine of my forty cousins were able to come.  A large group of us decided to eat at Maddox after the viewing.  I couldn't believe that they were able to accommodate all thirty of us!  Janel and I had a great time catching up since our visit to Portland.  They always called us salt and pepper.

The funeral was the next day.  I loved hearing all the stories about my grandma--those that are legendary, and some that were new to me.  She was a remarkable woman and had so many qualities that I want to emulate.

 Me and my siblings at the internment.

 My cute grandpa.

 My grandpa and my dad.

Love you Grandma.