We really had the most wonderful Thanksgiving this year even though the circumstances that led to it were not so wonderful. We had originally planned on leaving the Friday before and visiting with my cousin in Philadelphia and then heading down to North Carolina to spend a week with Kam's Aunt. However, about a week before we got a call that Gramma Henrie was not doing well. She has been fighting Bone Cancer for the past two years and her fight is coming close to the end. With the downfall of Gramma's health it was decided that the whole family needed to be together and that we all needed the chance to say goodbye.
We boarded the airplane with much anticipation and very mixed feelings. I was so excited to see Kam's parents at the airport and just as excited to see the mountains and the familiar sites of "home." I don't think I realized how much I missed it all nor did I realize how far away Pittsburgh is. Visiting Gramma on Sunday was harder than I anticipated. Walking into Gramma's room was awkward. I didn't know how I was supposed to react to her frail form of skin and bones. I was taken aback by her responses of love and concern for us. She said that "this is so stupid...spending so much money to come see an old woman die" and later, she said, "It's a miracle," referring to us being there. I have never had the experience of being near someone so close the end of their mortal journey. It was a beautiful, spiritual experience for me. I have never been more reassured of God's love for each of us and the wonderful gift of eternity and eternal families that He has offered to us. Before leaving, Grampa and Gramma were both given a blessing, for Grampa, comfort and strength and for Gramma, a release from this mortal journey.
We were able to go back up to Logan on Thanksgiving day for dinner. The mood that day was different for me. I felt so much peace and love from my Father in Heaven. Before leaving we said "goodbye" for what could be the last time in this life. Gramma shared beautiful and uplifting things about each of us. She told us to take good care of the boys and that she would be watching over us. I shared my love and appreciation for the legacy and example that her life was. I hope that in some way I can find in myself some of her same attributes of unselfish and unwavering love.
During the rest of our visit we hung out with our family, did some Christmas shopping, and went to the temple. We also celebrated my daddy's birthday. We all went to breakfast together and then spent the whole day just hanging out. Later, we went to dinner with my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins to celebrate. We had a great time at dinner, at least until Braden got up from the table and threw-up all over the floor. We had to leave in a hurry and I was sorry to cut the evening short. It was such a great surprise to be able to spend the day with my daddy.
I am so grateful for my testimony of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful that my Father in Heaven shows me each day his love for me and how tenderly he teaches me of all the things I need to know, even when the lesson is hard to bear. I am grateful for a Savior who loves me enough to have suffered so I can live with Him and our Father again. And right now, I am most grateful for my family and the love and comforts they provide for me each and every day, even from so far away!
