A Life of Service

Matt's grandmother (and I adopted her long ago as mine......since both of my Grandmothers passed away years ago) of 92 very peacefully passed away this morning at about 3:00 a.m. She has lived such a full, active, and wonderful live. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and much because of her personality, her life, at least what I knew of her, was dedicated to serving others. She was a quiet, tender, and shy individual and didn't like a lot of attention. But if you did give her a compliment or recognition should would always beam. She was a hard worker! She always had a beautiful yard and a huge garden. Just last year, when she was still living at her own residence, I brought lunch and the kids to her home to spend some time with her. I pulled up, knocked, no one answered, walked in.....called for her. Still no answer. I started to get worried. Just as I was headed next door to the neighbors house, who is also her grandson's home.......of course, I should have known. Little tiny, bent over Grandmother was pruning her corner planter of rose bushes. Her arms were scratched from working, and she apologized about the way she might look. She was excited to see my children, and very graciously welcomed us inside her home.

She was a beautiful quilter, and would stitch every quilt by hand. I can't imagine how many quilts she has made in her lifetime. Each grandchild as they were married was given a hand stitched large quilt for their bed, and each great-grandchild received a baby blanket, also hand stitched with love by their Great-Grandmother. These blankets are treasures, and my children's favorites, and they know they were a gift from their Grandma Anne.

We admire and love Grandma so much, we named Micaela after her.........Micaela Ann.

About a year ago Grandma moved to an assisted care home. This was hard on her. And then this last week her health deteriorated rapidly, after a fall at the home. After a couple of days in a hospital, she was moved to Matt's brothers home with the care of a hospice nurse. She was there just two days before she passed away.
It was very special to be apart of Grandma's passing. It was special to see big strong men hug and express their love to their dying mother and grandmother. To see granddaughters treat her so tenderly and with such respect and love.

I believe the hardest part of seeing her go, was that Matt's mother, her only daughter, is currently serving a mission in Africa. We had hoped she could be here. But through wonderful technology (skype/webcams) she was able to be with her mother in her final hours. We're grateful for Marilyn's faith and example, and her strength in being willing to continue to serve her mission. We realize her strength is because of her faith in a loving Heavenly Father and knowledge of a greater plan.

I am so glad for eternal families. To know that life doesn't end at our last breath on earth.

Being apart of this experience also puts things in perspective. That what really is important in live is loving those around us, and expressing that love often. To treat each other with kindness. I'm grateful for Matt's grandmothers example of a life well lived.