We Love You Grandma

Grandma was 96 when she passed away. She was such a wonderful Grandma. I remember always having so much fun whenever we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Springfield. She was always laughing and so happy. She and Grandpa spoiled us whenever we were there...just like Mama, Papa, and Grandmother do with Nathan and Charlotte. When Grandma moved here, mom visited her almost every day. The kids and I would meet her at her apartment and later Victoria Gardens, and Grandma was always so happy to see them! Nathan and Charlotte were so sweet with her. When she was in her apartment, they loved to get her mail and play with all of her knick knacks. And Nathan was like a little politician whenever he visited the apartment. He said hi to everyone and had the biggest personality there. This is when Mama started saying that he would be governor one day! Mama always put chocolates and treats in the drawers of a cabinet in Grandma's living room, so that was the first thing Nathan and Charlotte would go to. It was funny to see all the wrappers stuffed in there :) Once Grandma moved to Victoria Gardens, she didn't always remember their names, but she loved having them around. Mom still stocked her nightstand with chocolates. And Nathan and Charlotte were always so sweet to her and the other residents there. They loved to brush her hair, put lotion on her hands, talk and sing to her and just be silly with her. She played peek a boo with them and was always so sweet to them. When Pearce came to visit, the three of them were hilarious. They could get a little loud, but you could tell that all of the residents just loved to see 3 little kids running around. I am so thankful that our kids had the opportunity to know and love Grandma as much as we did. When Grandma passed away, Daddy called me and told me that the nurses felt like this would be her last day. He and Mom were there with her so Wayne and Helen took care of the kids and I went to be with her and Mom. We held her hand and talked to her. She never responded but I feel like she knew we were there and could hear us. She kept taking long spaced out breaths. At one point, mom leaned over to her and told her she could be with her mother in heaven. Grandma took 3 more short breaths and then never took another one. It was very surreal. It was peaceful but so sad. It was hard to believe she was actually gone. 

Her funeral in Springfield, MO was so nice. Although the occasion was sad, it was wonderful to be with all of our family. Nathan cracks me up because he LOVES a family reunion!!! He was Mr. Governor again with Pearce. They went up to everyone and shook hands and talked. Nathan acted so grown up. He used his nicest manners and got so many compliments from Aunt Mona :) At Grandma's viewing, the kids all made a card for her and they put them in her casket at the very end. Nathan listed all of the words he could think of to describe Grandma: caring, loving, funny, happy, sweet, pretty and Charlotte wrote "Grandma, I hope you have a good time in Heven). After the viewing, we had a wonderful meal at Aunt Mona's house.  

The graveside service was very nice. It was hard to believe this was the final moment of being with her. I still get sad thinking about it only because I wish she was here, but I know she is happy and healthy in Hevean. Victoria sang her favorite hymn. It was so beautiful! Grandma would have loved it. Carrie, Jen, Lisa, and I each told a special memory of grandma. When the service was over we said a last goodbye and then went to Lisa's house for lunch. And after lunch, we took the kids to Phelps Grove Park (the park we used to play in as kids) then we drove by Mama Pearce and Grandma and Grandpa's houses then ended the day with ice cream from Andy's. That night, everyone came back to the hotel for dinner and to visit while the kids swam. We do have such a wonderful immediate and extended family. We love Grandma so much and are so thankful for all of the wonderful memories, experiences, and love she's given us.