Farewell Grandma Gussie

Who made us take this photo?  None of the silver-hairs on the back row are excited about it!

Aunt Jean, Aunt Pat and Grandma

Dear Grandma,

I sent you another letter this week, but it didn't reach you before you passed away.  You've conquered so many setbacks in the last few years, I was beginning to think you were immortal. 

You have been a great example in the gospel.  I love that you and Pa went to the temple together every week.  Whenever we talked, you were so sweet to ask me for the names (first and last) of the guys I was crushing on.  Little did I know you started putting their names on the prayer roll, in hopes that it would help find me a husband!!  Oh Grandma, if dating were only that simple..

Remember when....

-Tawna & I visited you over Spring Break.  Our classmates might have come back the next week with a better tan, but we had much fonder memories!

-We pigged out on chips with that Spicy Cheese Dip?  I could become a 'square bear' on that stuff, sorry it gave you heartburn!  

-I broke the doll you gave me?  Whoops...things were tense for a few years but I hope we're past that now! ;)

-we'd chat, laugh and giggle like school girls during our Sunday phone calls?  You brought so much clarity and purpose to my life.

-I was in the hospital and you called me every 2 hours (for probably 3 days) until I answered?  I hope I still have those VM's, they were so funny!

-You thought a raccoon ate your cat, Melissa, 'like she was a twinkie'.  Thanks for sharing, I can't eat anything little debbie-esque now!

-We both got so choked up during our phone call a few weeks ago that we couldn't spit out good bye?  I should've known it would be our last...

I'll always remember waking up to the sound of jet skis on the lake.  Oh..and that stuffed moose head above your stairs.  What was that, a Caribou?  It's enormous and it still freaks me out, as does the black bear skin in the living room!  I think I peed the bed one night because I was too scared to walk past all of Pa's woodland creatures in the dark to the bathroom (I was 7 and that's the story I'm sticking to)!  Lake Coeur d'Alene really is such a beautiful place, no wonder you and Pa wanted to retire there.

I'm sure Aunt Candi and Great Aunt Anne are with you.  What I wouldn't give to sit and listen to all your laughter!!  I'm really sorry but mostly sad that we broke our promises.  But we'll make them up to each other someday...and THAT'S a promise!

I'll miss our Sunday chats and being your Asian pen pal.  I was surprised to receive a letter a few days ago that you wrote on my birthday, you must've dropped it in the mail hours before your stroke.  I'll cherish it always.  'Love 'til the last counting'

Your favorite grandchild ;)

TABITHA

P.S. I forgot to send this picture in your letter, it's sitting on my desk.  I wish you could see Taiwan, the people are wonderful and it's so beautiful here!!