Wednesday, October 23, 2013

A Celebration of Life

My grandma Marie Wheatley passed away on July 25th at the age of 94.  She was my last surviving grandparent. Her husband Wayne Wheatley, my grandpa, passed away years earlier, on the day I graduated from High School (May 22, 2002).   My grandma always seemed incomplete to me without him - being that they had been married for over 60 years and together is how I like to remember them.
 
My grandma in March when we stopped to see her in Pocatello after a trip to Ty's parent's house in Rigby.  I'm glad we took the time to make that stop.  It was funny, because as soon as we walked in, we saw her at the front door - it was like she knew we were coming and was waiting for us.  Even though she didn't make sense in a lot of what she said, I could tell she knew who I was and was glad to see us. 

That family has grown from their own 9 children to a number that includes 41 grandchildren, 111 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.  I think when we counted at the funeral we found all but one or two of her grandchildren were there.  I'm grateful we were able to be counted among them.  I attribute that though to how important she was to all of us and how grateful we are to belong to her family and the legacy her and my grandpa built - a legacy of faith, family and hard work.

Her funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 30th at 11am at the LDS Arimo Stake Center and on Monday evening from 7-9 a viewing was held for the family to receive friends who wished to pay their respects.  She was buried in the Robin Cemetery next to my grandpa.
 
This scene was among the saddest of the day.  These men are some of the most happy - always full of jokes and laughter at family gatherings - and it was disheartening to see them so sad and solemn faced as they escorted their mother to her resting place. 

I broke down after seeing my mom release her tears and emotions when she and her sister, followed by all of my grandma's posterity, lined the path leading to the hearse and witnessed my grandma being escorted from the church by her pallbearers (most all of whom were her sons and my mom's brothers).  I'll never forget that moment perhaps mostly because it seems to literally break my heart when I see my strong and courageous mom hurt in any way.  I ached for her and all of us feeling my grandma's loss.   
 
Although this whole occasion was sad and tears were certainly shed, it was also, in a way, a time to celebrate.  My grandma Marie (whom our Vanna Marie is named after) had lived a very long and wonderful life.  Her quality of life wasn't necessarily wonderful her last year with us and so for many reasons, it was time for her to go and perhaps easier for us to say goodbye because of that knowledge we had.  And always, it's comforting also to own the knowledge that we will see her again - that hope can be found and there is much to look forward to when we all strive to work towards the blessing of a forever family.
 
My grandmas only daughters - my Aunt Annette and my mom - they were strong girls to survive all those brothers! :)
 
You might have noticed in the picture above that my mom is wearing her missionary tag.  The circumstances surrounding my grandma's death were special for my mom in the fact that she was able to attend her mother's funeral before leaving for Belize on her mission.  My mom and Tab had taken into consideration the health of their parents before making the decision to go on a mission, knowing it was very possible something such as this could happen and that they may be unable to make such a long trip back home from out of country to attend such services.  However, my grandma passed away while they were at the MTC in Provo and it all worked out that it was possible for them to come home for my grandma's services.  I'm so grateful that it did work out that way because my mom was very close with her mom and helped do so much to take care of her that I think it would have been very difficult on her not to be able to attend her mom's services.  We all recognized this as a tender mercy and blessing that they were near enough to come home.
 
Each of us holding a flower taken from the beautiful flowers provided for my grandma.
 

My grandma's favorite flower was the rose and her favorite color was red so it was easy deciding what flowers should adorn her beautiful casket.

After the services, we all enjoyed a luncheon at the Arimo Stake Center where we were able to renew our relationships with relatives and friends.  It was a beautiful day and one that I will always remember.

Some things I'll always remember about my grandma:

-her loud and contagious laughter

-her ever sure testimony displayed through her strong and steady example

-her skills at quilting and crocheting - it seemed she was always making a blanket for someone and even still, her blankets are my favorites to cover up in

-her huge collection of books

-the way she spoke her mind, especially as she got older...haha...I remember a time when Ty and I visited her in St. George and took her our to lunch...she didn't like the drink she'd ordered at the restaurant and voiced her opinion but told the waitress not to worry about switching it..."I can gag it down," she said...haha...I'll always remember that and how we laughed

-that we could always find Oreos and peanut M&Ms (my grandpa's favorite) somewhere in the house and even Almond Roca could usually be found as well - I must get my love for Almond Roca from my grandma

-her passion for crossword searches/puzzles

-the way her and my grandpa opened up their home to my mom and me and my younger brother during the process of my parents' divorce - I feel especially grateful for the closeness I feel to my grandparents through this experience

-she was an avid Utah Jazz fan, along with my grandpa

-she enjoyed attending anything her kids and grandkids were involved in (be it sports or other activities)


I know I will often reflect upon my grandma's life and how she has influenced my life.  I will always have a reverent respect for her, as I believe most all who knew her will.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends - I will miss her and I look forward to the time we meet again.

2 comments:

PBJKLI Ussery said...

What sweet memories and a loving tribute. We love and miss our Bazil family!

Marcy M Miller said...

How sweet. I'm sure you miss her, but I bet she is so glad to be with her sweetheart on the other side.