Grandma Christensen Passed

Yesterday I received a phone call from my dad saying that my Grandma Christensen had passed away. She took a nap yesterday and didn't wake up. I cried. I cried not only because I was sad to have her leave, but because this woman was such a heroe to me. I looked up to her in so many ways. I also cried because I thought about all the activity going on in Heaven! I can just imagine the line waiting to give her a hug! And I cried because I truly believe that now she can see. She can see her husband who she has longed for all these years. She can see my mom and my babies. She can see her sons and daughter. There is no more suffering for her. Her prayers are finally answered. (she has been praying to die for at least 20 years now!) I will never forget all that this beautiful woman has taught me. I think about all the times of just sitting in the living room and listening to her stories. Man, do I wish I would have had a recorder with me. I remember her teaching me how to make bread. I sure do wish I could do it like she did it. I remember all the nights sitting at the kitchen table eating bread and milk with a slice of cheese, onion, and ham. I remember her fear of bridges and think about it every time I have to cross a bridge. I remember her stubborness and thanks to her I am so stubborn! Out of all the grandkids, great grandkids, and great great grandkids, I am the only one she ever spanked. I asked her why one time and she said, "because you are the most stubborn child I have ever met!" Thanks to you Grandma!!! I know I just blogged about her hands in my last blog but I will forever remember those beautiful hands. Oh how I hope that my hands will look like hers when I am old! I am so thankful for the opportunity of being able to live with her. There are not many of us that can say that we actually had our own room at Grandma's house. But I can and I am so happy for that. The times we shared during that year I will always cherish. She loved my mom and my dad and it broke her heart that they were divorced. During that time she never said a bad word about either of them. I'm sure that wasn't easy since I was such a trash talker! Grandma always taught us to keep a Temple recommend. She said it would be one of our dearest treasures. She was sure right! I remember driving around in the red car. I was so embarrassed that I actually layed down in the back seat so nobody would know I was in that car. Just the other day I told Tevita how much I wish that red car was still around so he could see what a cool car my Grandma used to drive! When Grandma first met Braxton she held his hand close to her heart. She said, "I wish I could see this little guy but I can feel that he has hands that will take him somewhere. He has the hands of somebody who is strong and hard working but will also play the piano!" I know that as she is up in Heaven she will be smiling down at my son. For that I am grateful! When Grandma first met Tevita she whispered to me that him and her were friends in Heaven before they came here. I wonder if she will find his family and get acquainted with them! I know this is such a long post but I think it is important to get my feelings out about her. I know that I could have done more. I know that I could have visited more. For that, I am sorry. To my Aunt Shirlene, thank you so much for always being Grandma's "right hand man!" She loved you so much and was lucky to have such a great daughter in law. I hope that Grandma had a great reunion with all her family. She taught us so much here and deserves to be happy! She touched so many lives and will be forever remembered! I love you Grandma!