Sunday, November 25, 2007

Together at last... (forever)

I know most of you don't really care but I had to take a minute for my grandma. Friday night my grandma Naomi slipped away from this life and onto the next. It's bittersweet- I haven't seen her for a few years, but I still feel sad that she's gone. I am very happy for her though as I know this must be a wonderful time for her. It has been a long life full of sickness and sorrow but she was always cheerful and positive and an incredible example to me. I think about her all the time. She was raised in real poverty. She lost 2 of her brothers that she was closest to when they were teenagers. She lost 3 infant sons, and another when he was just a toddler. She lost an adult daughter after watching her suffer a long brutal battle with breast cancer. She beat breast cancer herself twice, as well as many other life threatening illnesses. She lost her best friend and real sweetheart, my grandpa, 2 years ago, after watching him suffer from Alzheimer's. But, I think she would say her life was wonderful and rich and happy. She has always had a firm unshakable testimony of the Savior, and lived a life of love and service. I am so thankful for her and especially for the time she took to write down her life story for me so I can share her life and testimony with my children!
Grandma and Grandpa as I best remember them:

14 comments:

rachel said...

i love the pictures of your grandparents together. how sweet. and what a nice tribute to her. she deserves so many blessings for going through all that. i'm sure she's very happy.

rachel said...

and is that an old picture under your profile or did you cut your hair?

Becky said...

those really are some great pictures you have...so sweet. i am sorry to hear of your families lost. Bittersweet really is a good word to describe losing a familiy member who has had health problems. i am glad she is with your grandpa, what a great reunion that must have been. :)

Everton Family said...

I'm so sorry to hear that. It's always hard even though you know that she is in a much better place. What beautiful photos!

Bonnie said...

Hi Katy, it's Jeramy's mom. Love the pictures of your grandparents and your dad looks so much like your grandpa. This post is a nice tribute!!It's always sad when we lose loved ones but that's why we have memories...and aren't we so blessed to know the Plan of Salvation? I know your dad's happy you guys all get to go to the funeral. Enjoy your family!!Forgive me for "blog-stalking"!!

Katie said...

Wow, your grandma went through a ton! What a great example of strength and perserverance! It's always so bittersweet when a grandparent dies. Just knowing that she is surrounded by so many loved ones is such sweet comfort and knowing that you will see her again someday!

Unknown said...

I loved reading that! Those pictures are fantastic. She sounds like an amazing woman. I miss my Grandmas, too. It will be so wonderful to one day see our family members again who have gone on ahead. :)

Shauna said...

Wow that is a lot for one woman to go through. She must've been so strong to be given all those trials. I'm glad she gets to be reunited with her husband but sorry for your family's loss of her on earth. "Miss B" is lucky to share her middle name with Grandma Naomi. I love that top picture of them!

Jim and Jami said...

What a Beautiful Grandmother, and what a lovely couple your Grandparents made.....Cherish your memories, and know you will see them again, what a great family reunion that will be…..

davidandsuzi said...

Hey Katie, it's David, I like the post. One thing though, I think that grandpa died 2 years ago, rather than 4. Great post though!

Melanie M. McKinnon said...

this is a little off subject, but can we get a pic of your belly?

KatieJ said...

Thanks for all the nice comments- the funeral was really nice. And thanks David- I was confused about which new baby I had at his funeral, I thought it was Grace! I changed it!

McDonald Army Brats*** said...

What beautiful amazing pictures. How blessed you are to have her life story. My grandfather is writing his. It is so amazing for me to hear all his stories. It is so strengthening to hear their trials, and the testimonies they built. Hugs from us!

Emily Ruth said...

Beautiful tribute.