Every so often, a hand reaches out and touches your life, creating a lasting impression that will forever be remembered. I've had this happen a few times, with a professor who believed in my abilities, my mom with her generous spirit, listening ear and classy style, my mother-in-law for her intense love for all her children (including me!) and dedication to the Gospel, along with so many others who have impacted my life for good.
The person I've been thinking about as of late, is one I especially love and revere, she is my grandma Alm. Last Thursday, due to complications of a stroke, she passed away, leaving me mourning, reflecting and appreciating the life she led and her lasting influence she leaves behind.
Grandma had a way of making me (and all the other grandkids) feel special and loved. She was always curious as to what I was doing, how I was feeling, and to always let me know how much she loved me. I, in turn, loved my grandma. I loved her for her sense of humor (her laugh was hilarious, you could always pick it out in a room or a theater, she was hoot!), her many talents (I have a blanket, an afghan and dolls she crocheted for me over the years)--her amazing desserts (my favorite being banana cream pie), canning abilities (grandma always canned every year: raspberry jam, applesauce, peaches, pears, most of which was from her garden), her love of games (Uno, Tripoly), her adventurous spirit (grandma visited me while John and I lived in England, traveling with us to Wales, Scotland & France. She came to see us in Seattle twice, the second time touring the Olympic Penninsula and going crabbing in West Port). By coming to see us so far away from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah, she and grandpa showed how much they loved us, wanting to see first hand how we were doing and showed that even at 80, grandparents are still up for some fun.
On Monday, August 11th, we (all of her family & friends) paid tribute to her great life and said goodbye, as she was laid to rest in a north Salt Lake cemetary.
The hundreds of people who came to her viewing and her funeral, was a testament of a life filled with friendship, love, service and devotion. Though grandma touched my life, she had also affected many others. She was a great example of a life well lived, one with commitment to her family, the Church and friends, always giving of her self with good humor and praise.
If only grandparents could live forever... I had known this day would come, but have dreaded the thought for years. I'm still in shock, I have a hard time believing she is no longer with us. My visits to Utah will never be the same. I will love and miss my grandma always, and will forever remember and appreciate her influence in my life.
I love this picture, this was taken while we were punting in Oxford, England.
