On January 7th, 2017 my Grandma Reid returned to her heavenly home. She lived a great long life and left a legacy of faith for her posterity to admire and aspire to. My grandma was a spiritual giant and a strong women. I will always remember my grandma as a women who loved music, genealogy, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and her family!! 
Something that touched my heart was learning that during the last several months of my grandma's life while she was at the nursing home, her sons that lived nearby would take turns going over there every night to read the scriptures, sing a hymn, say a prayer and tuck her into bed. What a tender example of love they showed to the mother who sacrificed so much of herself over the years for her family. No doubt that was probably the highlight of her day which then left her with peace in her heart each night.
Back in November, my grandma had fallen and her health declined so the family thought it was her final days. All of her children live in Utah with her except for my dad but he was able to have a good conversation with her over the phone. But to everyone's surprise she bounced back and continued on. My dad's siblings decided they wanted to get together for a day and so my parents decided they wanted to go and booked flights for the siblings get together set up for January 7th. When my dad arrived, he noticed my grandma didn't look too well and decided to change his plans and stay with her that night which would end up being her last. What a great blessing that my dad was able to be there along with several of his other siblings when my grandma returned to her Heavenly Father. Some might say it was just a coincidence that a sibling get together was planned so my parents just happened to be in Utah at the time of my grandma's death. But I believe it wasn't. I believe my grandma's life was preserved long enough to allow my dad to make a final visit and be there at her passing. I believe it is a testimony to me of a loving Heavenly Father and of his tender mercies.
After hearing about my grandma's death, I was torn about whether or not to leave my responsibilities at home and fly out to Utah for the funeral. I tried hard to convince myself that it was okay if I wasn't there. Before church started, I was in the middle of writing my dad a text telling him I wasn't coming when Craig walked in and told me I was going and that my dad was already looking for an airline ticket for me. I am grateful that Craig made the decision that I couldn't bring myself to do. He knew deep down I wanted to be there. And I did. I wanted to be there to honor and show my respect to the amazing person my grandmother was. I am forever grateful to her and the way she lived her life and raised her family because I got great aunts and uncles and cousins but most importantly a great dad because of it!!!
After the viewing and before the funeral started all of the family gathered together and we sang one of Grandma Reid's favorite songs "Families Can Be Together Forever"---a truly touching moment!
During the funeral service, one of my uncles talked about how my Grandma loved playing Bingo at the nursing home and she would save the treats that she won and tell her visitors to be sure and take a treat as they left. Hearing about that reminded me that for many many years I would always get a birthday card in the mail from my Grandma with a few dollars in it telling me to get a birthday treat!
Music was a very important part of my Grandmother's life. She loved the hymns of the church and she loved listening to her children and grandchildren sing. There was lots of music numbers at her funeral. My dad and his 6 brothers sang "How Great Thou Art" which was beautiful and the song they also sang at my grandpa's funeral many years ago.
My dad gave a wonderful dedicatory prayer at the gravesite and brother-in-law Tyler played his bagpipes which was calming and beautiful. I am sure my grandma loved that!
Living in Oklahoma for almost my whole life, I didn't get to see my grandma too frequently. We were actually planning a trip to Utah this summer which I was excited about knowing that my remaining grandparents were advancing in age. I was disappointed that I didn't get one more visit with her but know that she is so happy to be in the arms of her husband again after 23 years of living without him. I will look forward to visiting with her once again in heaven.
One of the things mentioned at my Grandma Reid's funeral was her mothering nature. When she was younger she would read books on parenting and motherhood and use those ideas in raising her kids. But it didn't stop there. She would continue her mothering efforts with her grandchildren. She could be blunt and would easily tell her children or grandchildren if they were doing something they shouldn't be doing. But her heart was in the right place. She loves her family so much and only wants us all to be in heaven together. And no doubt she will continue her mothering efforts while on the other side. Love you Grandma! Till we meet again!
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