Utah Trip for Jordan's Grandpas' Funerals

I have to say I've been putting off writing this post. I remember when we moved to Houston and I told Jordan that it might be the last time he'd see his grandparents. I feel cruel now when I think back to that day. Jordan's Opa Ralph Gisseman and his Grandpa John Skeen passed away within 18 hours of each other at the same hospice care center. They both had had health struggles, but I think ultimately what brought these giants down was old age. It was such a shock to us all. Even as we were getting the phone calls about their decreasing health life still had to go on and it was hard to process everything. I'll never forget Jordan talking to his grandpas over Skype while they were on their way out of this world. It was a hard moment to watch and I could only hold Romney close to me for comfort. It was a struggle trying to decide if we were all going to be able to go back to Utah for the funeral, but in the end it all worked out.
Jordan was busy working a 24 hour shift the weekend we found out they both passed away and I was alone with the kids. The only time Jordan and I spent together that weekend was trying to find the least inexpensive flight on such short notice. I was so busy trying to plan everything, pack, and take care of the kids, I didn't really feel anything but stress. I flew out to Utah on a Saturday with the kids and Jordan would join us Monday night.
The morning of my flight was a miraculously non-stressful experience. Security wasn't busy at all and there was hardly a wait. While on the flight Olivia watched a movie on the IPad and I took care of Romney. We were in the very back of the plane, but that ended up working out just fine since there was a fantastic flight attendant back there that helped hold Romm while I got situated and helped Olivia grab things when I couldn't. She was such a nice person and such a boon to me on this trip! I wish I could remember her name so I could give her proper credit, but the plane isn't the only way that lady flies! She surely has the wings of an angel.

Jordan's parents met us at the airport and I was relieved to see them and grateful to be with them during this time. Holli and Dave have been wonderful parents to me and their family has adopted me as one of their own. For me, being at these funerals was so important. I loved Opa and Grandpa Goosey. I didn't grow up with grandpas in my life and these men filled that place in my heart. I'll always remember sitting by Opa listening to him tell me stories. Often he was content to sit back and watch, but he loved to visit and smile. He was a kind person and he loved his great grandchildren and I'm so glad he got to spend a little time with Olivia. Our last visit to Utah, we got to help him with his yard and garden. Olivia loved checking on the corn and tomatoes and Opa made sure that he was around to supervise. We had a nice lunch at their home complete with Creamies Popsicles. It wasn't ice cream out of a bowl, but I guess it was good enough for Opa.  

Grandpa Goosey was an equally exceptional person. He had a low voice that would rumble with excitement when you came to his house. He'd always put an arm around me, pull me in close for a hug and ask me how I was doing. Even if Jordan wasn't with me, he was always happy I was there and he had the best smile. Grandma Goosey ran the show, but Grandpa was always right there with her happy to be in her company. Most of my memories involve him asking me questions while I ate as many of Grandma Goosey's cookies as I could. He always had an interest in our well-being and he was cute with the grandchildren as well. I so wish he could've met Romney before leaving this world, but perhaps Romney is closer to him than we realize.

Being with family was just the medicine that we needed to get through this rough time. We shared many happy memories of these two gentlemen and connected with a lot of our family that we hadn't seen in some time. As I look back at these pictures, I feel so blessed to have so much family to rely on. Even my own parents took time to come to the funerals and help us out. It really shows me how love can connect us on such a deep level. You don't have to be blood to be family. We are all family in this world so long as we can feel love for one another. While we were there, we also had Romney given a name on the LDS church records and a blessing. My mother-in-law counted and there were fifty people in attendance at his blessing! Truly love abounds in this family!

The funerals were wonderful tributes to these men and I'm so glad I could participate. I sang a duet with Riley, my brother-in-law, while Jordan accompanied us on an arrangement of "Nearer, My God to Thee" that he created. I also sang "As I Have Loved You" with all of the grandchildren at Opa's funeral. Everywhere you turned, there was someone there to hug or chat with or get a smile from just when you needed it. These men had so many people come to their funerals. Their families alone could have attested to the love and praise these men had accumulated and freely gave back throughout their lives. This was truly a hard experience for our family to get through, but we had so much help! I'm grateful to my friend Kylie Skanchy for taking care of our pets while we were gone. I'm also grateful to my friend Stephanie Ritter for picking us up from the airport and bringing us such lovely flowers to brighten our home. And my last praises go to my friend Aimee Tellez for making us a delicious dinner the night we got back and cookies! Oh, and also Trace Stay for taking Jordan to the airport. When Jordan finally got into town, I think we all breathed a collective sigh of relief and gratitude that he was finally with his family during this time of grief. I could feel bonds of love being made and tightened. I could feel the beauty of the family and how important families are to this world. I could feel the joy of my own children as they lightened the mood with their smiles and fun attitudes. Currently, Romney is the only boy to carry on the family name of Gisseman. I am grateful that Oma and Grandma Goosey have so many people around them that love them and will help to comfort them and take care of their needs. Jordan's grandpas can rest easy knowing they will be well taken care of. These women were so admirable through all of this. While they openly admitted feelings of grief, they carried on with the faith that one day they would be reunited with their husbands. Their strength strengthened us all.

While our trip to Utah was not for pleasant circumstances, it was certainly pleasant being with all of our family. I hope we can see everyone again real soon, and I hope we can make good choices so we can truly have a forever family.