Grandma Seymour's Funeral

My grandmother passed away last month after living 84 long great years. It was pretty unexpected - she had a mild heart attack late January which she was recovering from. She then developed a blood clot on her brain stem which her doctor successfully removed. We all thought she was going to only be in the hospital for about 2 weeks and was healing well when she contracted pneumonia. She chose to go into hospice care and passed away peacefully at home a few days later while in her sleep.

My grandmother was an amazing person! She was the one who taught most of us kids how to play the piano. I remember driving out to Orange County with my family and being super nervous to play what I'd practiced the few weeks before. She loved to garden and they had an amazing garden in their backyard. We would all rush to her blackberry bushes when we got there to pick the ripe blackberries to eat. If any were left over she would make blackberry pie which was always delicious.

Jayde and I drove down in two cars with my two brothers, sister, cousin, and Bre (Thomas' fiance). It was about an 8 hour drive from St George, so not bad. Jayde did amazing in the car and loved playing with Bre pretty much the whole time.

Here is Jayde and my brother Thomas before the funeral.

The viewing was at the mortuary by their home. It was fun seeing all of the cousins and extended family we rarely see. There were beautiful flowers everywhere! During the day when things were slower we would all play games together and socialize.

Mike & Thomas arm wrestling to see who won the pile of cards they slapped in Egyptian Rat (Bre looking on).

The ceremony was in Visalia the next morning. It was a beautiful day, and Bill gave the dedicatory prayer at the gravesite. My grandpa said a few words thanking everyone for coming out.

My grandpa Seymour 

Here is the casket which was beautiful! Grandma's favorite flowers were roses (she had them all over her yard and house), so it was neat to see them adorned on her casket and so many around.

After the grave ceremony we went to the church for the funeral service. It was a very musical funeral with cousins singing and playing the piano. My aunt Sharlet and uncle Steve gave the eulogies which were very enlightening to me as I didn't know a ton about her background. At the end all of the grandchildren went up and sang "Families Can Be Together Forever". I was pretty emotional while we were singing, but tried to focus on my nephew Lincoln who was trying to pull down the flowers in front of him.

Thomas and Bree (who are getting married this April)

 All of my parents kids lined up in order from oldest to youngest.

Everyone in my family who could make it.  Tyson and Rikki were missed...and I think Katelyn is sleeping somewhere in her car seat.

Despite the sad circumstances, it was good to see my family again and spend time with them. I know one day we will all be reunited with my grandmother, and know she is happy and looking down on us all.