On Saturday, October 22, my Grandma Morgan passed away after a painful battle with cancer. Her death has left us all reeling. While we knew it was fast approaching and were blessed with the opportunity to say our goodbyes, it has been a much more heart-rending experience than we could ever have imagined.
My grandma was a grandma like none other. First and foremost, she loved us all fiercely. She cared deeply for her family and sought out the best for everyone. She was a feisty woman. She was an active woman. Grandma did everything with feeling and verve and honesty. She never minced words and said what needed to be said. But Grandma was a witty woman and often what she said was infused with humor and concern. Grandma was tough and fearless and true pioneer stock. One thing I will always take away from my time with Grandma was her quiet service. She was so lively in so many ways, but she never at any time sought recognition for all the times she cared for others - inside and outside her family. She saw need and she did what was in her capacity (and many times beyond her capacity) to do to rectify a needy situation. And you rarely knew about it unless you caught her in the act. It was second nature to both my grandparents to serve others like they would their own children. What remarkable people!
I don't want to paint this event in a rosy hue and say that it was a blessing in disguise - because it was not. My grandma's absence leaves a tremendous hole that will never be filled. But what was a blessing was the realization that I belong to such a wonderful family. My grandfather is one of the very best of men and his great love for my grandma was evident in his every action, especially during the twilight of her life. I am also truly impressed by my Mom and her brothers and sisters who gathered around my grandparents throughout this trial and have been such a blessing and support to each other. You guys are my inspiration! I am more grateful than I can say for this example of character and compassion.
Our last visit with Grandma.
Oct. 8, 2011. Kuna, Idaho.
Our family on our last visit with Grandma.
Oct. 8, 2011. Kuna, Idaho.
Grandma and Grandpa Morgan.
Morgan Family Reunion, July 2011. Kuna, Idaho.
Our family with Grandma and Grandpa Morgan.
Morgan Family Reunion. July 2011, Kuna, Idaho.
Now that is a handsome-sized family! (And we were even missing some!)
Morgan Family Reunion, July 2011. Kuna, Idaho.
This is how I will always remember my Grandma - on a snowmobile at Yellow Pine.
We love you Grandma... and we will see you again!
Save us a place at the Genealogy table, and this time, its my turn to go out first.
Here's our cute little Mario, Jessie, and Tigger getting ready to beg for sugar from the neighbors.
And this little guy was so excited, he couldn't even stand still for the picture.
But we got one more shot out of the oldest two.
She had quite a bit of help blowing out the candles.
I apparently put a trick candle on the cake.... though I swear I didn't realize what it was!
Last Monday we carved the pumpkins (ahead of Halloween night, this year... cause we are on top of things like that and all...)
Thomas (who had celebrated his birthday at school that day and wore his birthday crown for the rest of the evening) posing with the pumpkin creations.
Our spooky pumpkins by night.
