Grandpa Henry

The past couple of weeks have been extremely emotional for me. It started when I received an email from my aunt explaining to all the family that my Grandpa was not doing too well. He had been feeling really tired among other things. Several individuals from my family decided to make time in the upcoming weekend to go to Idaho to see him. In between the email and the time we got there, they admitted my grandpa to the hospital. He had pneumonia and some other complications.
I didn't like seeing him in the hospital, he's always been so energetic and able bodied that it was quite different to see him confined to a bed, but his spirit's were still high as always. He was crackin' jokes and telling stories like normal.
I'm so grateful that I was able to give him a hug that day and tell him that I love him. During the next few days, things physically took a turn for the worst and my grandpa passed away a few days later.
Receiving the news from my Dad brought me to tears (at work conveniently :). I started thinking about memories of him and stories that he's told me. My grandpa was a few months shy of 91 so I knew this day was coming in the near future, but it's still tough to hear that your grandpa is no longer here.
The funeral was wonderful. I know that might sound a little silly, but it was really one of the most peaceful and calm experiences I've had in a really long time. My grandpa was THE BEST example of how to live the gospel. Will I miss him, of course, but I KNOW I will see him again. I know that he lived his life the best he possibly could've.
One of my most cherished experiences with him was one night when he stayed up with me into the wee hours of the morning talking. This conversation happened during a time in my life when I really needed some guidance. I was able to tell him how much that conversation meant to me and the impact it had on my life. The whole reason we come to this earth is to be tested and he passed his test with flying colors and anyone who knew him would agree. It was nice to get together with family and celebrate his life. I didn't get a chance to talk with all of my cousins or other relatives the day of his funeral, but I've also never felt closer to them. My testimony has been strengthened through this experience and I believe it has a lot to do with the way that he lived his life and because of the example that he was. This has truly been a spiritual experience for me. Love you and miss you grandpa...until we meet again.

(My parents, Trent and I, and Grandma and Grandpa Henry)