Until We Meet Again

My dear sweet Grandma Jean passed away Tuesday night.

She had not been doing well for a while, and it suddenly picked up. I was lucky enough to be in the town she lived last weekend, and so I got to see her and say goodbye. 

It was sad to have to say goodbye, but what really got me was how miserable she must have been. I am glad she now no longer has to endure that.

My grandpa is also getting old and frail, but this picture was taken just days before his wife's passing:

I just love them!

The story of the night of her passing it very sweet. My uncles and other family members had given my grandma many priesthood blessings to keep her here to stay with her husband a little longer. That night after dinner they decided to give her another blessing. This one was a little different. They released her from all previous blessings. They knew she was uncomfortable and that it most likely her time to go home to our Heavenly Father. 

After the blessing all of her children and other family members that were there sat around her bed singing hymns. She passed away while they were singing "Come, Come ye Saints." What I love about that is that there is a line in the song that says,

"And should we die before our journey's through,

Happy Day! All is well!

We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;

with the just, we shall dwell!"

My grandma's journey was through, but she is still now dwelling with the just. She is now free from toil and sorrow too. And she deserves it.

A few things I will always remember about my grandma:

• Her calm voice
• Her extensive sea shell collection (of which I was lucky to get once piece from when she moved a couple months ago)
• Her patience with my grandpa, especially when he started getting dementia 
• Her love of ALL her grandchildren, including her step-grandchildren, of which I technically am (although I have not known any grandma on that side other than her)
• Her love that included her Book of Birthdays. She never missed one. With over 70 grandchildren.
• Her strong testimony of the Savior.
• Her faith to go to Zaire, Africa with my grandpa as a mission president and open up that mission. 

I am so happy that families are forever. 

So instead of pouting about this, I'm just gonna say,

See you later, Grandma...

Hutchings Cousin Gathering, 2008

Hutch Fam Reunion, 2007

Dropping off my brother at the Missionary Training Center, 2003

Hutchings Family Reunion, 2003

Grandma and Grandpa visit, 1990

My baby blessing, 1988

My Beautiful Grandma Jean

I love you Grandma!