For a long time I have wanted to see my Grandma Julie(Tanner) in Arizona. She has Alzheimer's and has been in the final stages for a few years now. I last saw her in March of 2008 and we all thought it wouldn't be much longer.
When I was younger I had a great relationship with her. I owe a lot of who I am to her. Including my faith. She would always tease me about every boy I dated and that I was only to marry a blonde haired, blue eyed boy who would give her a blonde hair, blue eyed great-granddaughter. (Bryan is brown with hazel-green eyes.)
When Grace was born I was ecstatic that she had blue eyes. All the others have mommy's brown. Her eyes stayed a beautiful blue and she grew out the lightest blonde hair!
I would tell Bryan, all the time, that Grandma Julie was still around waiting for her little blonde-hair, blue eyed girl.
So finally, after receiving a message from my Aunt that grandma was fading and I should go see her ... I told Bryan we were leaving no matter what it cost. (Remember, we are still unemployed... but now have all the time in the world for a road trip!)
The kiddos played at Grandma Bakers and my mom flew down to babysit the older 3 while we visited Grandma Julie.
We took Grace to meet her great grandma on January 14th. It was bitter-sweet. When we got there she looked beautiful and peaceful. Grace was well behaved, as always, and I was able to introduce the two. Grandma actually reacted to what I told her about Grace. I jokingly told Grace to tell grandma to go home. She walked over to her and said, with out hesitation, "Grandma, go home, now."
After we were there for a while I asked Bryan if he could give grandma a priesthood blessing. It was beautiful. I really felt the spirit in the room and I knew that it was her there with us, too. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for us all, even if we may never understand it. I am thankful for the family that takes care of her day and night. I am thankful for my Aunt who does all she can to help in grandmas needs. I am especially thankful for grandma's influence in my life.
After we left I met up with my cousin and I met her son for the first time. What a cutie pie he was! I didn't get any pictures, I guess I was too excited to see my cousin again! But this is Grace before we met up at the park.
Back at Grandma Bakers... there was mass food, family and the fire pit was going! I ended up with a huge headache and by the next morning I was sick as a dog. We kept vacationing on and sent the kids outside to play all day. At one point they were all riding bikes in the street. Even daddy. Scott, Elijah and Grace were chasing them up and down the road.
It was a great trip, even though I came home very sick. The kids were good, the company was great and I was finally able to introduce Grace to her Great Grandma Julie... and to say goodbye for the final time.
By the way, the new bridge is heaven sent for those with car sickness. Bryan and Elijah do not mix well with the roads going through the dam!
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