Today my beautiful grandmothers' body will be placed in her grave. The funeral will be held this afternoon in her chapel and her spirit will certainly be present. Last night, as per her request, there was no viewing. Instead we gathered as family and participated in Family Home Evening. The opening prayer was given by my cousins husband, Brian. He invited the spirit and reminded me of the beauty in which grandmother portrayed. Afterward, Grandpa shared the lesson. He spoke of temple marriage and forever families. He explained that the clothing she will be buried in is the clothing she wore when she was in the temple. He showed us his love for his eternal companion as he spoke of her deep love for the Lord and her absolute faithfulness to the gospel. I had no idea but when Grandpa Cecil asked her to marry him she didn't say yes or no, she said where. Grandma saw life and choices as black or white, no gray. She aimed to consistently please the Lord in her choices. We then spent time talking about our memories and singing Primary songs. One of the memories that was shared epitomized Grandma's love of her children. My cousins wife, Christie, told us a story of when Grandma helped her put in perspective the "trials" of raising chldren. Christie's daughter Hailey had taken a piece of metal and etched her beautiful name on the only new piece of furniture they owned, the piano. It was devastating. How wise of Grandma to share with Christie a time when her daughter had written her name in the bathroom on the wall. The bathroom was the room with paint in it. Paint was very expensive and after they had finished building their home, they could not afford to paint. Some neighbors had left over paint and shared it with my Grandparents. My Grandmother used to spend time just sitting in the bathroom enjoying the beautiful color of the walls. One day her beautiful daughter used nail polish to write her name on the wall. It had devastated her. Her name stayed on the wall for many years. One day it she painted over it and as she did she cried. My Grandma loves her children. Thanks Christie for sharing with us. I loved hearing the perspective of the married in's. My other cousins wife, Amber, shared with us the day when she met Grandma. She lovingly called Grandma, Sister Hansen, to which Grandma said, "It's Grandma." This was Amber's second date with John and she let Grandma know that this was only her second date. Grandma replied, "It's Grandma!" Clayton and Anthony also took turns sharing memories. They remembered feeling her love when she would hug them and also just being at Grandma's house they felt of her lobe. Thanks to each of you that shared your memories.
We also sang "You are my sunshine", the song Grandma sang to each of us and many of us now sing to our children. It was a beautiful evening that ended in prayer and refreshments; cookies and ICE CREAM. Ice cream is a staple in the Hansen family. It seems to keep the blood flowing and life sain. Thanks Uncle James for the treats!!
My kids and I had spent the evening feeling love and experiencing the most wonderful Family Home Evening ever. We settled into their beds and we rested. Today will be beautiful. My Grandfather is speaking and each of their children are speaking. I will learn so much about Grandma that I never knew. I love you Grandma Nina.