On Facebook: I remember sitting on the floor in my parents bedroom with my Grandma Stones sitting across from me as she taught me to play poker with pennies. She won.... and took all my pennies. My Grandma passed away this morning, leaving us with wonderful memories and instilling in us wonderful values that can only be described as "a Stones thing." I am grateful that Families are Forever and for the joy and reassurance that I know she is happy, healthy and surrounded by loved ones.
We packed up at left for Utah, and the funeral, early on Friday Oct 28. We left early with the kids still in PJs and were able to get pretty far before stopping to eat, change and get some energy out. The kids traveled GREAT and we rolled into Salt Lake around 4. We decided to make a quick trip to Temple Square before meeting up with family. It was raining and dreary but we thought Elizabeth would still enjoy seeing it and she did. I love seeing the awe, wonder and reverence that Elizabeth has when seeing temples.
We went into the visitor center to use the bathroom and dry off a bit and Elizabeth caught sight of the giant statue of Christ. She walked up to it, mouth dropped open, and staring wide eyed. She then sat on the edge of the statue at Christ's feet and just pondered. I went up to her and asked her what she was doing and she told me that she was just thinking and wanted to have some alone time. She is so deep and you can see the spirit in her eyes and feel the spirit as she speaks about her love for her Savior.
We then went to the church by Melanie's house and met up with everyone; all of the Stones cousins, Aunts/Uncles and my family. We all ate together, caught up and played a couple fun games of kickball. I love that when my family all gets together we decide to do something like kickball. I have a pretty amazing extended family and I am so grateful for them. I know that we would not all be nearly as cool as we are without the love, dedication and influence of Grandma Stones. In a weird way it was a perfect ode to her; all of us together and having fun.
The next morning we had a family luncheon and Grandma's funeral. Everyone brought the quilts that Grandma had made for them and we put them over the benched in the chapel; it was a beautiful legacy and showed the love that Grandma brought into our lives. It was a wonderful funeral and the stories and memories kept me constantly smiling and proud that I knew that amazing woman.
After the grave ceremony, after which all the little great grand kids stole flowers off of the grave (another reason I love my family- so unconventionally full of love) we went out to eat with Michael and Kayla and all hung out.
That night we all crashed Melanie's ward Trunk or Treat! It was so cool to see everyone's costumes and have fun cousin trick or treat time.
It was such a short trip but it was so wonderful to see family. It is sad that we only all get together at funerals but it is so wonderful to celebrate the life of such a wonderful woman by seeing her posterity and all she has effected. I am so grateful for my Grandma and the example she was to me. I am grateful she raised such amazing children because I think my Dad is one of the coolest most amazing people I know (and that's all her doing). I will also always cherish the memories I have of her.
*Also, Jeremy and Heidi let us crash at their house. We weren't there much but when we were it was wonderful seeing them, laughing with them and spending time with them!! We love family!
No comments:
Post a Comment