The past few weeks...

The past few weeks have sure been busy and exhausting. First off, our nephew Grayson was blessed the first Sunday in March, so we had a lot of family events going on that first weekend. It was fun to see everyone and spend time with our nephews that we don't get to see very often.

I was very anxious that weekend and it was an unusually hard weekend for reasons I didn't really understand at the moment. I found out that my Grandpa Bob was in the hospital that weekend. Tuesday March 6th my mom called to let me know that he wasn't doing very well and that he probably wouldn't make it through the day. 2 hours later I received the call informing me that he had passed away.

Though it was something we were expecting, it is still hard to lose someone that you love and that has been such an influence in your life. My mom was scheduled to get married on March 10th, so I got things situated for a sub and headed to Pocatello for the wedding. The morning after the wedding we all piled in to the car and made the 16 hour drive to Mesa for the viewing/funeral. The trip down really wasn't too bad. It went quicker than we were expecting so that was nice.

While we were in Mesa we were lucky enough to have a few hours to spend with my step mom and sister. We headed over to the notorious "Sprinkles" cupcake shop in Scottsdale. The whole reason we decided to go there is because my dad has serious problems with the lady who created them and he definitely does not like them, so we had to try them out. I am not a cupcake eater on a regular day, and I definitely agree with my dad. They are overrated and not worth the money.

Monday night we headed to the viewing. The thing about viewings is that is where it all really starts to sink in. That is where it all hit me. With all of the stress of having to find a sub, write sub plans, travel, etc. it hadn't really hit me until the viewing.

Tuesday morning was the funeral. As we pulled up there were people from the Navy & Air Force lined up along the sidewalk with flags for us to walk past as we entered the funeral home. There were also Navy soldiers lined up. It was perfect. I could just imagine my grandpa with a huge smile on his face. It was everything he could have ever dreamed and more. Since my grandpa wanted to be cremated we started with the gun salute and the playing of Taps. Military services have such a special spirit to them. You can't help but cry when you hear Taps. Casey & I are going to be getting one of his Navy uniforms put in a shadow box. I am very honored to be able to have something that meant so much to him. I am very proud to be the granddaughter of two military men.

Instead of focusing on being sad because my grandpa is no longer here with us I want to mention a few of the things that I really love and admire about him.

• My grandpa had some hard things happen in life and was not an active member of the church when he passed away. One thing that I really admire about my grandpa is the fact that he never denied what he believed. Even though he didn't practice his religion, he never denied that he knew that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. Casey & I are excited to be able to do his temple work for him in a year.
• You always knew where you stood with Grandpa. Whether you were making him proud or disappointing him, you knew. He was always very honest and let you know how he felt. One thing I am going to miss is hearing him tell me how much he loves me and how proud he is of me.
• He was such a fun loving person. He loved to joke and smile. Family was everything to him. He would do anything he could just to be with family even if it was hard on him financially or physically.
• He loved his country. He was so patriotic and taught me to be patriotic as well.
• Basically he was the most fabulous father and grandfather out there. I am lucky to be able to call him my grandpa. :)

Rest in Peace Grandpa Bob. I love you and will miss you so much. You fought a good fight and have left behind a beautiful legacy. I am thankful for the knowledge I have of the Plan of Salvation and that I know that one day I will be able to be with you again. What a happy day that will be. Until then I look forward to having one more angel in Heaven to watch over me. I couldn't ask for a better one. :)