A Time for Goodbyes

Rinar's grandmother passed away on Thursday morning. She was 94 years old. Over the past ten years her whole world has been closing in on her. By the time she died, she couldn't see, couldn't really hear, and couldn't remember anything. Death was such a release for her.  But still, knowing that this is really a good thing, it still makes me sad to know she is gone. We really loved her. She was such a rock for Rinar's family and for the community in Laie, Hawaii. Fortunately, the funeral isn't until the end of the month, so Rinar should be able to go and say goodbye.

We went to St. George this weekend. I really wanted to do a mini vacation but we ended up doing the same old stuff. Oh well. The little kids stayed with Nordel so that they could play together. I stayed with my grandmother. Raef and Zach joined me. And then Rinar stayed at his mom's house with Noelle. Margaret was visiting Linda, which was why we split up into so many groups. 

I was able to have a nice visit with my grandmother. She is getting very old and very frail very quickly. It was hard to watch her try to stand up. Her poor body just makes her miserable right now. There is absolutely no bend in her feet, toes, ankles...nothing. She has a very hard time moving around at all. But grandma is as sharp as ever, although her voice does not always agree with her.  I felt myself getting a  bit teary watching her struggle so much. I know that my time with her is very short. I am really going to miss her when she is gone.  I have been so blessed to be able to spend so much time with her these past 20 years. I cherish all of the time and hope I have a little bit longer before she passes away and joins my grandpa on the other side of the veil.

Rinar and I were able to go to the St. George Arts Festival for a little while on Saturday. Linda and Noelle also came. It was really fun. They had live music that was enjoyable and the art was fantastic. We watched a group of 5 siblings perform on violin while they danced and clogged and sang. They were quite a bunch of performers. I was really impressed. Although the music was not terribly difficult to play, their stage presence was outstanding. After the festival we met up with Nordel's family for some bowling. Our kids had a blast and Harry was adamant that I watch him while he bowled. He told me that he wanted me to watch him forever. Oh, my heart.

On Sunday, we ate dinner at Lyf's house with all of his siblings. It was a lot of fun catching up with everyone. We ate elk roast with potatoes and carrots and played card games. The kids were able to spend a lot of time with their cousins.

I had hoped to go to Bryce Canyon National Park today on our way home but I checked the weather and it was supposed to be cold and windy. We were not prepared for those conditions. Instead, after a slow start we stopped in Cedar City to watch the movie "Cinderella". It was okay, but the kids seemed to enjoy it. Actually, everyone except Noelle enjoyed it. She was super fussy. Rinar held her in the hallway and she ended up falling asleep on his shoulder. That worked out okay, I guess. I suppose bad weather was good because it enabled us to have a wonderful visit with Rinar's cousin Jenny. She lives in Parowan and is deathly ill. Jenny just found out that she has cancer and it is spreading at a horrendous rate.  She found out a few months ago, but as a few weeks ago the doctor told her she has about a week to live. But after two weeks, she is still here. What a blessing it was for us to be able to visit with her. She seems to be in really good spirits. Maybe this is why she is still here. Her mother Carma is with her and she has had tons of visitors. Rinar's family is truly amazing. I don't think any of my family would do what they have done for her. I am in awe. We took this picture right before we left and said our goodbyes. I know that we will see her again.

I guess this past week has been a time for goodbyes.  Goodbye Jenny and Grandma C. We know we will see you soon. God be with you till we meet again.

Grandma is 90!

I feel like a reporter and that I have an obligation to get these pictures on the web as soon as possible for all to see, especially the family members who couldn't make it to Grandma's 9oth birthday extravaganza. And it was an extravaganza. I couldn't believe how many people were there. It is just a testimony to the fact that she is a very beloved woman.

We were not planning on coming to this. I had no idea it was this large of a gathering. Several (and I mean several) of Rinar's cousins stayed at our house here for a few days until the party today. They coaxed us into going. I didn't want to make an up and back trip. We had to go to church because Rinar was teaching Gospel Doctrine and then we had to drive back tonight because he has to work in the morning. But those charming cousins of his gave us the nudge we needed to make it happen.

Just as a side note here, you can really compare our house quite admirably with Grand Central Station. Isn't it nice to have a dear relative so close to the Las Vegas airport?

Which would explain why this morning Kehau, Beth, and Kimo came back from St. George to our house. They couldn't stay for the party but they did get to spend time with Grandma and do some fun things. They stopped by and Eli actually ran up to Uncle Kimo and gave him a great big hug. It was adorable.

Here is the first batch of Hawaiian saying Aloha, on their way back to paradise.

We made it up to St. George just in time. We had to stop at my Grandmother's house and pay her a visit. We were able to stay with her for about an hour and it was really nice to have that time with her.

After we polished off what was left of dinner, since we were the last ones to arrive at the party, they did a little program for Grandma Lillian. The four sisters started it off with some kind of song. I don't remember what it was, but that is probably because I am tired and I have two frantically hungry babies cooing at me in eager anticipation of the next bite.

Okay, actually I don't think I can blame it on my babies since one of them is being held in this picture. I am totally busted.

Alright, I was just really tired. But I am sure it was fabulous.

This is just a partial picture of all of the family that was here for the impromptu celebration.

This is Lillian's sister Marion. I don't know if I spelled that right, but it was cool that she came down for this. She even quoted Rush Limbaugh. I knew I loved her from the moment I saw her.

Dallin and Kawai sang a song with a Ukulele. I am not sure if he wrote the tune or not. I should have asked, but I was tired. Regardless, it sounded awesome.

Preston was impressed!

You see, Kenji and Monica. You did make it onto my blog!

Lyf, BJ, and Harry. Our cuz BJ even changed Harry's diaper. This guy was in the army. He is tough! Lyf has never changed Harry's diaper. I'm just sayin'.

Scrambling for the family photo. I was in the photo so I don't have a picture. But it was a little nutty. Julia didn't it make it because she was sleeping.

Rinar, Eli, and Grandma Lillian.

Her kids with their spouses. I was amazed that 8 of her 16 kids were at this party.

The paparrazzi. I think there will be a lot of versions of that last pictures. We have got it covered people.

Aislinn holding Jessica. Can I get an "AAAAHHHHHH!"

There you go...8 of her kids.

Do you notice that us chicks here are color coordinated? Cool purple gals.

These are the cousins that crashed our pad. Yep, all of them were at our house. I still have no idea how many it actually was. Maybe I will count it sometime...or maybe not.

In conclusion, I just want to say that I am truly amazed at this woman. I don't really know her that well, but what I do know is that she has created a legacy of wonderful people who love her dearly. She has led an incredible life full of sacrifice and love and raised children that have raised their own wonderful children, and so on. To the world, Grandma Lillian may not seem like much. But her influence truly has rippled across the globe.

I am reminded of the poem by William Ross Wallace...

Blessings on the hand of women!

Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,

And the sacred song is mingled

With the worship in the sky--

Mingles where no tempest darkens,

Rainbows evermore are hurled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

If there was ever a woman who has truly rocked the world, she is the embodiment of it. Oh that I may aspire to be such a woman.

Happy Birthday Grandma Lillian.