Sunday, January 4, 2009

The Greatest Granny of Them All

Today I embark upon my new blog adventure! I'm kind of excited, and kind of horrified, because let's face it ... I am among the technologically challenged. But I love seeing all of your lives and mostly I would really love a way to just give the thoughts puttering around in my head away!!!

We are so blessed. I have to say, I can see the tender mercies of the Lord in my life and in the lives of my family. The Double B and I have possibly the two greatest kids ever and the best parents imaginable. And I have been blessed to have one of the most wonderful granny's to ever live as my Grandma. She died yesterday. And I got to have her as a steadying influence in my life for almost 26 years. She was quirky in a way that few people are quirky! She was adorable, demanding, strong in her testimony, loving like you wouldn't believe, funny, nervous, and the best most comfortable cuddle ever. I love her. I love her with all my heart! And I will miss her more then I can say. The Double B gave me a blessing that I would be able to think of all the wonderful times we had with her, and that is what I want to focus on. Some favorite memories: driving up to salt lake with her as a kid and practicing my reading on all the billboards. She would listen forever! But maybe it was a clever plan on her part to have me STOP TALKING ... for at least a few seconds. We would always sing "side by side." Grandma, I hope you'll always be by my side! Whenever you can be. I loved performing for her. I think she carried the program for "The Foreigner" around forever. She made me feel so good about myself. I remember sitting on her lawn to watch the parachute guy at the Ute Stampede. Having her tell me how wonderful her family was. In fact, the last time I talked to her she told me again how blessed she was, how good her family was, how precious I was to her. She was trying to track down my mom, cause apparently she thought I always knew where my mom was!!! She always gave me my Mary Dawn update. she was SO proud of her kids and grand kids. I love to think of the two of us watching "South Pacific." She loved Emile, I loved the Sexy Lieutenant. We were both happy. Once I watched "The Fugitive" with her and she almost squoze my arm off!! She was hilarious in those situations. I am so thankful for the few days I got to spend with her and Mary Dawn in Nephi earlier this year. A few days ago she called to brag that she was eating a chicken salad from Reed's that Aunt Mary Lou had taken her down for ... she knew how much I loved them, and just wanted me to know it was really yummy. I talked to her on the phone on New Year's day. She sounded better then she has in a long time. She had had the time of her life with the Holland's on New Year's Eve and was having so much fun with Sara and Lacey. She couldn't wait to come down and maybe we could go shopping. She wanted to know about "little K.J." and "little Olivia," and to tell them she loved them, and the Double B, too. And that she loved me.
My granny was so precious to me. I hate to think of her leaving us, but leave us she must ... I know the gospel is real and I know she is with my grandpa K.J. now. I'll bet she is SO relieved that SHE MADE IT. I know she passed the test. And dangit! She did it well. I'm honored to be one of her "little sh**"s.

I love you, grandma.

10 comments:

Ducksoup said...

marie you are making me bawl my eyes out right now, but so very well put and what a tribute to such a wonderful lady. i don't know what i'm going to do without her but just take it one moment at a time i guess. hope you know i love you too and how special you also were to grandma. she loved you and your children dearly and thought the world of you and your many talents. i'll see you soon. love mary dawn

Emily said...

Oh dear sweet Marie. I am so sorry for you and your family. My heart goes out to you!!

I am happy you have a blog though...I miss you!!! I sure hope I can see you next time I go to Utah! Love you lots! I hope you find comfort and peace. I am glad you are thinking positive with wonderful memories. (((HUGS)))

Wendy Bro. said...

I loved your blog! I'm sorry about your
sweet Grandma. That's the tough part of
this life, right? What a blessing to have
a Grandma for so many years, though. Take
care and know we love you!
Mama Wendy Bro

Morgan said...

what a wonderful, wise and inspirational woman she is. Because of her I can never eat another unwashed grape. (apparently unless completely scoured down to pulp one is ingesting foreign poop.) What a wonderful inspiration she is for a life well lived and loved and how wonderful that her legacy lives on in my favorite of her "little shits."
All my love to you and your family's way during this chapter in your lives. I pray that along with its challenges and tears the moments of joy and peace reign triumphant.
Mo

Tara said...

Your Grandma sounds like a wonderful person. My heart goes out to you at this time of loss. I'm glad that you have a blog now I'm looking forward to hearing more about you and your family. I loved the happy memories you had with your grandma and know they will be a strength to you as you go on without her for a while. I love you and am so thankful for your friendship and example.
Tara

Tamari said...

That was a wonderful tribute to your granny and it touched me deeply. I am happy you started this blog, I love and adore you so much and this a great way to keep in touch amidst our busy lives.

I am retiring from theater for a bit to focus on home and family more and so that means I am making more time for my friends as well. We need to plan a play day or dinner or something after Singing in the Rain closes.

You need to come see Roger in that show if you can. He and the leads (Kyle and Taz) learned how to tap for the show and they are doing so well and have worked so hard. You need to behold THE Roger Dunbar as Don Lockwood, pretty awesome! Kay, I am writing a novel I need to shut up! Love you and talk to you soon!! :)

RoseAnna said...

Miss Marie. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandma. Lots of love coming your way from us. Love you guys!!

Megan said...

Marie we are praying for you and I hope to be there on Friday. Keep thinking of the good, and that's what will last forever in your mind. She is a beautiful person and you are part of her beauty and carry it with you. Love you.

Kamille said...

Welcome to the blogosphere. I love your epitaph to your grandmother. I find that my blog is a great place to put thoughts and feelings down and for my friends to feel like they still know what's happening in my life. I hope you enjoy blogging as much as I do!

The Farnsworths said...

Yea, Marie! I am so glad you have a blog! I can't wait to see all the fun and cute pictures you'll post of your wonderful, charming family!
I've been thinking about you all week and haven't come over. I loved hearing more about your grandma, thanks for posting that. I knew she was such a sweet lady when I met her and I could tell you have a close bond with her. My heart goes out to you and your family as you heal from the loss.
It's always hard to loose loved ones. Thank goodness for the atonement and the peace it can bring to your soul, if you use it! My prayers and thoughts are with you!
I love you, my dear friend! Thanks for being so fun to talk to and there to listen to me and make me feel special!

We need to hang out more! Seriously, if you need any extra help "unofficially" with YW I'm there in a heartbeat! I miss being in there, and I know how demanding it can be.:) So, I'm available for any support you may need.:)

Much love!!