Stunning, isn't she? This is my beautiful Grandma. Today at 8:15 she passed on. Her name was Lucille and she was really a lady. It may seem a little awkward that I am blogging about her passing so soon, but she's been "in between" for a long time now. Years ago her kids sold her house and my amazing Aunt Elaine took her in. From then she would often rotate between my aunts and my mom homes, until that became too much and she settled with Elaine. My mom is so amazing for giving so much of herself, her time, and all her energy to help take care of her. At any time I would never know if my mom was at home in Idaho or in Utah taking care of my Grandma.
My memories of my grandma are sweet and innocent. When I was young I would often look forward to sleep overs at her house. That's where I first saw "It's A Wonderful Life" and had my first bread with butter and honey. Her back yard was huge with a big hill and a million places to hide when we played "sardines." She was a hard worker who kept a fruitful garden and always had beautiful roses. In the summers the kids would pick honey suckles and suck them bone dry. My parents lived with her for the first few years of their marriage and it was with her I collected my first memories of life. And there was no better place to do so.
I love my Grandma, she's the only one I ever knew. But I'm not shedding one tear, if not for joy, because about 3 years ago I got the opportunity to say goodbye. She'd had dementia for a while so she often called me by other names and never knew what to actually say to me when I talked to her. But this time we really talked, about nothing really, just about something on TV. And then as I left for bed she said "goodbye" and said my name. I knew then, that she was really saying goodbye to me. She knew who I was, she told me she loved me, and said goodbye. I started to cry, but she just smiled. I think she was glad to just speak her heart and be understood. I know she is so happy right now. So many people she has missed for so long- she gets to be with them now. What a great idea. Getting to be with those you have missed. I love this Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Plan of Salvation that lets me know with surety where she is. Any other thought or question of "what could be" after death can't even penetrate my mind because I know in my heart it's true, and I'm glad she did to.
Love you Grandma.
