Thinking of Grandma

Today would have been my Grandma Warner's 91st birthday.

With Charlie in 2006.

She passed away in May and I have been wanting to write some thoughts I've had. I wrote a "Memories of Grandma" talk for her funeral, so I won't repeat all those here.

My other grandma, my mom's mom, died before I was born. (I can't wait to one day meet the woman who raised Linda Warner!) So I grew up as the granddaughter of these three characters:

Grandpa Poole, Grandma Warner, Grandpa Warner

They were a constant presence in my life--my friends all know them from many a Sunday dinner or ballet recital. They were so present I often took them for granted; they seemed like part of the backdrop as I starred in my life. But in their constancy was a steadiness and a goodness that influenced me more than those humble people would ever guess.

This is how I'll always think of Grandpa and Grandma.
They were married 69 years and died 6 weeks apart.

I never would have guessed that Grandma would outlive my grandpas. She had a myriad of serious health problems and really struggled for the last decade of her life. There were many times when she was on her deathbed and I'd fly out to say goodbye--only to have her rise from the ashes like a Pheonix. She was so ready and willing to end her suffering in this life--Grandma had as sure a testimony of Heaven and eternal families and Jesus Christ as anyone I've ever known. She didn't fear death at all. She had no reason to.

Grandma's kids.
My dad, at 6'4, is the shortest son.

In spite of being in a lot of pain, Grandma never complained. She only wanted to hear about you. Every time I'm sick at all, all I want to do is moan and groan. I always think about Grandma during those times and I admire her even more.

The granddaughters. (Sorry Brooke.)

I was close to Grandma. She was as savvy as they come and always made me feel like a million bucks. She always wanted to know everything about my life--especially when I was dating. She was so eager for me to find a wonderful guy to marry, and then when I married Tyler and moved away, she was so eager for me to move back to Utah. She always made me feel guilty about that.



My three grandparents all died within fifteen months of each other. They dropped like flies. I was very lucky to have them for 30 years. They were all in their 90's, so I was relatively prepared for them to pass on. I thought, "No one can keep grandparents forever, I'm just so blessed to have had such wonderful ones. I love them dearly, but I can let them go."

My grandpa's burials were so cold and snowy.
Grandma got the most beautiful spring day.
It was perfect for her.

So it has surprised me how much I've missed Grandma these past six months. I miss her when I think "I should call Grandma." I miss her when I go to Utah and don't go visit like I did every single time. I missed her on my anniversary when I thought about my wedding day and how determined Grandma was to be in the temple with me even though it was so hard for her to get out. And I miss her today.

Grandma planned her own funeral and wanted this cute little 97-year-old man to do a musical number on the marimba. We were all nervous but it was AWESOME.

My grandma was solid. She knew what she believed and she lived it. I am a better person because of her and my grandpas. They left me a rich heritage that I hold dear. I have a lot to live up to.