Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Grandma Nielson's funeral

We are so saddened to have said our goodbyes to our wonderful Grandma Nielson. What a beautiful person to have known and shared memories with. 
Grandma passed away while we were on our trip to Italy. She was at home surrounded by family just like she would've wanted it. 
On Thursday  we set out to Utah. I was worried about how our little Lilah would do but she did just fine. We decided to make a little stop in Vegas and she was able to stretch her legs and play with cousins









It was a little weird getting to grandma's house. I had never visited her home and her not be there. 


We were so lucky to have visited her and enjoyed her company only a few weeks back. 


But although it was sad for all of us, we knew that she wanted nothing more than to be back with grandpa. 


A little light had gone off inside of grandma. I think it was just that part of her heart was missing. After her stroke she relied on grandpa for help. No one could replace him. 


Many people came to her viewing to celebrate the life of a magnificent woman. 


And the only good thing that ever comes out of funerals is the family reunions. Lilah was able to meet her little cousins and hang out with her aunts and uncles. 


We spent the weekend at grandma's house. I tried to soak in as much of the little town of Benjamin as I could. It was so sad to think that maybe I would never be back. 


Every time we drove to grandma's, I always had this sense of peace and warmth. It was home away from home but better!


Grandma and grandpa were always so welcoming to all of their visitors and made you feel so loved. 


The farm was such a beautiful home, both inside and outside. 


The day of the funeral was filled with lots of tears and laughed. They talked about all of the amazing memories they shared with grandma and what an amazing gal she truly was. She always made sure you were fed while at her house. She loved playing board games. 


Her house was always clean and organized. She was a very talented lady who enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, playing the organ, along with many, many wonderful qualities. I think all of her grandchildren truly looked up to her. 


It was truly a beautiful funeral service. 


Even the weather was beautiful. 


Here's little Lilah being loved on by all of her cousins. 




The Stewarts


Grandma loved little Lilah and was able to cuddle her many times while she was a newborn. 


She came to her baby blessing and spent many other times at Marcia's holding this little girl. 


I loved how much she loved my little Lilah and I will make sure Lilah knows how much her great-grandmother adored her. 


I dressed Lilah in pink for the funeral service. I think grandma would've liked that. 



After the service the relief society prepared a dinner for the family. 


Lilah playing in the west room. 


I went around the house taking pictures of Lilah. I never want to forget this home. I loved coming here.


Lilah loved it too. There were always so many fun toys to play with. 


And it was always full of family and yummy food. 


Grandma loved her grand kids. She even had this playground made at her house! No wonder the kids love coming here. 






The fish pond. 






In the afternoon Lilah and I drove out to see Abuelita who was anxiously waiting to see her little girl. 


Oh Lilah, you are so loved!


I felt a little bad I had not bought Lilah any Easter stuff but when we got to my mom's house, Abuelita had done a little shopping. 


Lilah's cute outfit was also from her other grandma, what a loved little girl!


Lilah wasn't too sure about those eggs. I think it's because she does not like grass, hehe!



She eventually got the hang of it though.




Very serious business



Abuelita loves you so, so much Lilah! 




When we got there, my mom made us the yummiest fish tacos. She always loves to treat us with her yummy cooking. 


Lilah ate almost an entire taco by herself. 


We played and played until it was time to say goodbye. 


I wished we could've stayed a little longer. Whenever I go to a funeral, I remember how I should make a better effort to go and visit family. 
The next day we woke up early and headed home. It was a great drive. Lilah was sleepy for the first couple of hours which made it really easy. She was a dream for the rest of the drive. I want nothing more than to be a good momma to this little girl. I hope that I can give her a fun and memorable childhood. I love my little Lilah! 


We are going to miss Nanny so much! I learned so much from her. She taught me that it's always about family. I hope that one day I can be an exceptional grandma like her! 
Until we meet again sweet grandma Nielson!