Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Grandma Wanda

2011_08_07 097

(Photo from her 90th birthday party Aug 2011)

My last interaction with my Grandma happened on Saturday. We had a really nice day, and she was sassy and kind and very happy to see me, my sister, and aunts. Justin, Reuben, and Simeon came for a little bit in the early evening. The boys were timid, and Grandma was afraid they were scared of her because she was old, but they are timid around everyone for the first little bit. As Simeon thawed he started singing while he pushed a wheel chair around the room. So, she asked him to sing for her. We all sang "I am a child of God." Even though she was at the point in the evening where it was really hard for her to remember things, she sang every word with our little family, and made sure I knew she was glad I was bring them up right. That that song was important to know. And, I needed to keep them singing. She hoped I visited my dad often, and took those boys with me. It was a special moment, one that I will cherish.

She got very confused and scared after dinner. And I wanted to make sure she was in bed before I left because the attendants at the care center took a very long time to respond to things and grandma didn't understand the call button. First she was mad I wasn't taking her home with me. I explained that I didn't have a comfortable bed for her at my house, she didn't believe me. I told her I loved her, and she said, "Well, you say that but you sure aren't acting like it." Then she got a little more removed, and was upset I wouldn't take her upstairs so she could talk to Chester (her brother). After a while, I got her to calm down and get in bed, and I said, "Goodnight, I love you." She said, "You do? Who are you." "Brecken, your granddaughter." I said, and she responded, "Well, if you really are Brecken, then I love you too. I've been worrying about that girl for years. God is watching over me and you."

She passed away this afternoon, I'm sure there was a happy reunion on the other side of the veil. She was an amazing woman, and I'm very proud of her, and to be related to her.

4 comments:

Becki said...

Sorry to hear this Brecken...(and the whole Reasor family)...but I'm glad you were able to have a good visit with her and to be able to enjoy that evening with her!!! You and your family are in my thoughts!!! Prayers and comfort sent your way!!!

Lisa Brown said...

I know she was ready to go, but it is always hard to lose someone. I am sorry for your loss. I know Kevin is sad he won't be able to come to the funeral.

Kevin said...

I wish we still lived in Utah for the last part of her life so that we could see her more often. It's also too bad that we can't be at the funeral - but if there's a silver lining from a family history point of view: Alena was born on Grandma Wanda's birthday, Reasor was born 2 days after Grandpa Lee's birthday, and baby #3 will be born within a couple weeks of Grandma Wanda's passing.

I love the picture. It captures what I remember about her - observing others until she makes a witty/sassy comment.

Tammy Lorna said...

Oh Brecken, my heart is hurting for you. I know how much you loved her. I'm so glad you got to see her on Saturday and were able to share those moments with her.

Isn't it wonderful how even though her mind was slipping in and out there, she still knew that Heavenly Father was there, and her testimony was as strong as ever. I guess that says something about the kind of person she was and the kind of life she lived. Mind you, I could draw the same conclusions just from looking at you and the life you're leading too :)

Love you and am thinking of you now as always.
xoxo Tammy