100... and So Much More!

Saturday was a special day. Tanner and I returned from scout camp early, so we could go to a celebration for Grandma Veibell's 100th Birthday. 

Throughout my life, I have many memories of Grandma Veibell. The first I remember was our first trip to Grandpa and Grandma's home in Garland, Utah. I remember that my siblings were curious about what their new house would be like. I couldn't remember the old house, no matter how hard I tried, so I was also anxious to see their new home.

Photo in Garland Home

One of my dearest memories of Grandma was about one of her bowling trophies. For some time, the trophy was on the television, where a child my age could handle it and admire it's beauty. I remember the way it glistened in my hands. Some time later, it was moved to the top of the piano. Perhaps I was the reason the trophy was moved. 

Beside Grandma's trophy, another of my favorite memories was her cube calendar. Made with four cubes (each a little more than an inch wide) the calendar had the date, as well as the day of the week and month. Grandma faithfully changed the date each day.

Grandma always carried her Polaroid camera. The day that I got to hold the photo as it developed was the day that I knew I had matured. I was able to watch the magic happen before my eyes, as the photo slowly appeared. 

As I grew, the memories also changed. I remember Thanksgiving days in the Cornish house. As Grandma cooked wonderful meals, we built castles with her large sponges, played pick up sticks, and even rolled marbles down the marble ramp. While the aroma of the food was amazing, her cooking was even better.

My first memory bowling with Grandma was in Tremonton. She gave me pointers and taught us secrets to roll the ball all the way down the alley without the ball ending in the gutter. I never thought the day would come when I could roll strikes like she did.

One of the grandest memories was the day that I reached Grandma's height. She made me feel so grown up. 

Before my mission, I had the opportunity to live with Grandma and Grandpa while I worked at Presto Products with Grandpa. Each day Grandma had a lunch prepared for me. Perhaps Grandpa wanted me to be more self-sufficient because he often encouraged her to let me make my own lunches. No matter what he was trying to teach me, I did gain gratitude. I realized how fortunate I was to have a pre-packaged lunch each day. I really enjoyed her roast beef sandwiches and the cookies were always a welcomed treat.

While living at their house, I wanted to learn to play the piano. Every once in a while, I practiced. It must have been painful for Grandpa to hear such a inadequate musician. I remember one time, as I was playing my favorite song, "Angel Lullaby" (from My Turn on Earth) Grandpa said, "You should be learning from your mistakes. Every time you play it, you mess up in the same spot." Grandma always seemed happy to have her beautiful upright piano played and only shared nice comments. Although, for a perfectionist, it was difficult to hear Grandpa's comment. Throughout my life, I've pondered on the importance of learning from my mistakes (I'm glad he shared it with me).

During the more recent years, it became more difficult to visit Grandpa and Grandma. We began our own family and had to work in visits to all our family members, on both sides. Every time we visited, it was special to see Grandma cook meals for my children. Another of my favorite meals that Grandma provided was cold cereal - I enjoyed watching my own children devour cold cereal at Grandma's. Besides home cooked meals and cold cereal, I loved her candy dish! 

The next two memories are difficult and I hesitate to write them:

Old Christmas Photo

When Kaneesha went to Utah State University in Logan, Utah, she had the opportunity to spend time with Grandma. While I knew time with Grandma was often filled with difficulties (as Grandma's memory and physical abilities became limited). I'm glad Kaneesha had the time to care for her and especially that she had the physical and emotional strength to help during such a difficult time. 

It was so hard for me to recognize that my amazingly strong little Grandmother could ever weaken. When Grandma moved to Orem, in June of this year (to be at a care facility closer to Julie) I visited her. On that day, after knocking on her door, I entered to see the look of horror in her eyes as she lay in her bed in the fetal position. She felt she had been abandoned in a strange place (even though she had been alone for only a few hours). I was filled with gratitude to have the opportunity to visit with her, calm her fears, and listen to her express her love for Grandpa as she shared memories of him. 

I love my Grandma. Every child should have such an amazing example in life. 

My heart was full of many mixed emotions when I heard the struggles Grandma was passing through today. Grandma left us today, at 100 years and a day. When I received the text informing that she left to be with her husband at 6:25 tonight, I was torn between missing her and gratitude that she could return to the family she has been away from for so long. I hope her loving Grandma was there to greet her.