We were fortunate enough to be in Utah when Grandma Stuart passed away. We got to Utah on Friday, December 14th around 4:00 pm. Joey was married that same day and was having a dinner instead of a reception that evening. Mom invited me to join them, so I hurried and got ready and went to the dinner with Mom and Dad. It was so good to see everyone, but especially to see Grandma. I didn't visit with her long, but I did get to say hello and give her a hug and kiss. She looked so good and I was able to talk with her for just a few minutes. I am so grateful that I went to the dinner, because that was the last time I got to see Grandma well.
Aunt Wendy called us around 11:00 pm on Saturday, December 29th to let us know that Grandma had had another stroke and that she wasn't doing well. She told mom that uncle John had just given Grandma a blessing of release. Nicole and I decided to go with Mom and Dad to say good-bye to Grandma. Scott came with us and Jon stayed home with Sophie, since she was already in bed. We called Nick to let him know what was happening, and he drove up too. I was so grateful for the chance to say good-bye to see her one last time. Though she couldn't talk, I know she was aware that I was there talking to her. I told her how much I love her and how much I am going to miss her. She has always meant so much to me. I feel that I owe my life to her, because if it weren't for her, I may have died 18 years ago. She listened to the promptings of the spirit and came to visit me when I was sick 18 years ago, and because of how frightened she was by the way that I looked, she spoke with her good friend Dr. Woodmansy who then called and told Mom and Dad to take me to the ER. I am grateful that she was listening to the spirit that day. I am truly going to miss this wonderful lady, who I had the privilege of calling Grandma.
Sunday evening, December 30th we had a get together with the Calls and the Pitts. Uncle John and aunt Jer didn't come, because they were with Grandma and Grandpa. A few minutes after aunt Wendy arrived, she received a phone call from uncle John letting her know that Grandma had just died. It was hard to hear, but we were so glad that we were all together when we received the news. We spent the evening eating treats and recalling fond memories that each of us had with Grandma. She was one of the most kind, gentle, giving, and loving women that I've ever known. I feel that I am better because of her example and I hope that I can share that with others.
Grandma's funeral was Friday, January 4th. It was one of the most beautiful funeral services that I've ever been to. Uncle John and aunt Jer both spoke and they did a wonderful job. It was so fun to hear all the wonderful things about Grandma and to hear stories that I'd never heard before. Emily sang and Sheri played the piano, both were absolutely beautiful. I feel so blessed that I was able to be in attendance.
The pallbearers carrying Grandma's beautiful casket.
Her final resting place.
Everyone waving a white towel to say their final good-bye to Grandma.
When we would visit Grandma and Grandpa when they lived near Bear Lake, Grandma would always stand outside on the deck and wave a white towel to say good-bye. She would stay out there until she could no longer see our car, and we could no longer see her. This is a memory about Grandma that we will always treasure. She was always so kind and loving. I will miss her so much, but I know I will see her again. I love you Grandma!
