Funeral

As some know, and many who don't, my g-ma passed away on Oct 14. She had battled cancer for as long as I can remember, around 17 years. She had it beat once (large cell lymphoma) and then came down with a completely different, and unrelated type (renal), which ultimately took her life.

Despite having cancer she was able to serve a mission with G-pa which I think brought her some of the greatest joy she has ever experienced.

In May of this year she orginized what would be the last family reunion with her. All of her children and most of her grandchildren where able to attend. It was a wonderful event. My g-parents had pictures of G-ma taken so everyone could have one to remember her by. At the time though no one knew how short her days really were, we simply knew it would probably be within a year.



On July 23 G-ma collapsed at home at the dinner table. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital in St. George. Because she was displaying symptoms of having had a stroke, a CAT scan of her brain was done. It was then that a large cancer mass was discovered in the right side of the brain. The Renal Cell cancer had now metastasized to the brain, as well as other places previously that we knew about. She was given the choice to have surgery and prolong life for a few additional months or just let it take its course. She chose the latter.

So G-ma and G-pa moved to Rexburg and lived with my mom to wait out the few short (and long) months. My uncle got remarried at the beginning of August, he moved up the date and changed the location from SLC to Idaho Falls so G-ma could be there for it.
(Thank you Deanna for introducing my g-parents to the church so we know that families can be together forever)

At the end of August I was able to go to Rexburg for almost 3 weeks to help take care of her. What a blessing that was to all of us, especially me. In a month she had gone from being a crazy, independant woman, to being totally dependant and as a little child. We had to help her walk, go to the bathroom, get dressed, everything, day and night like a new born or toddler. But it was the greatest opportunity of service I have ever had and I am so greatful for it. She did so much for me growing up it was the least I could do. We got to spend a lot of time talking and playing cards. How I will miss playing cards with her. I will cherish those few short weeks I had with her.

Her she is in her wheelchair (by the time I left she couldn't walk at all or even really use her hands). At least I have pictures of Axton and her so he'll have somethign to know this wonderful woman by.


The biggest thing about my g-ma that I remember is that she NEVER complained, and if she did I never saw it and it was probably few and far between. She was dealt an extremely rough hand in life and yet she was able to overcome it all and be so happy and positive. She knew that the gospel was true, that the Savior loves her and that she would be returning to live with him again. She knew her work was done here on earth even though she didn't want it to be. She was a silently strong woman. We all love her and miss her but I know she is doing more good where she is and that she is looking down and watching over all of us.