No, it's not a bad remake of a film, it's actually been our life this last week. Right after we got home from vacation last week, we learned that Brad's grandfather, Warren McNear had passed away. This was his mom's dad. Brad's mom, Dee, had been taking care of her father and mother (who has Alzheimer's) for a long time and put a lot of heart and soul into their care. Although his death was slightly unexpected, we believe he's where he wants to be. This might also give Brad's sweet mom some rest she deserves after all her work, care and heartache. One can only hope when it's time to be taken care of by your children, whether you "deserve" it or not, they will get the love, attention and care that Papa got from Dee.
Then two days later I got a call that my Grandma had passed away, Larae Cheney Anderson Smith. This was my father's mom. She has had a disease that has been taking her life for decades and has been mostly incapacitated for years, not even able to feed herself and in endless pain. Her mind was still completely coherent so I think it was extra hard to see the world around you pass, a world you had been very much involved in at one point, and not get to participate now. Her husband died unexpectedly last year and we all hoped she would soon follow to escape her sick prison and be with him. It is sad that she is not here with us, but the funeral for the most part was a pleasant experience of good memories and a strengthening of family relationships.
Now before all this happened, Brad's sister, Tayna, already had a wedding reception planned for the same week. So we looked at all the family activites piled into one week and decided we would go out to Utah, again, and be with our families. Then when we got out there, we were able to take care of some of our own "housekeeping" like rent one of our units in Springville and find a happy home for our motorhome that we have been missing terribly. We were also so excited to be in Utah for our dear friends' 5k event for their daughter Elle who passed away several years ago. This is always such a wonderful and inspiring day and we felt it was a blessing to get to attend. Seeing this family always reminds us how the gospel strengthens us and can help us through what seems like the hardest times in life. So between the funerals, celebrations and memorial events we came home better people, and feeling blessed for all the relationships we have in our lives that make us better people.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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1 comment:
Dude- what a week.
So I've come down with a bleeding ulcer that had it's way with me on Saturday. I wouldn't have been a good time there in Utah.
I'd love to hear a summary of events and the relevant details. :-)
Oh - and I agree, Glee is totally not for the under-17 crowd. Way too edgy for that, the fact that one of the producers did Nip/Tuck was a dead give-away. But i love it anyway!
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