Grandma LaRue's Funeral

This funeral for my grandma was the very first funeral I have been to. I was very apprehensive about the whole thing especially with it being open casket. But the experience was wonderful and I loved being able to honor my sweet grandma and spend time thinking of her. Most of all, I loved being with my big and little family mourning her passing, sharing memories, laughing, crying, and feeling the bond we have. We all came together because of the love we have for one amazing women! The love we feel for her and the love she has for us unites my whole family together. Walking into her viewing and being together with family was the closet I have felt to heaven. It was a sacred and spiritual experience. In a way, it was the celestial kingdom right there in that relief society. This whole experience, especially with it being so close to Easter, has reminded me of eternal families and the great power of the atonement. It is because of HIM that I can be reunited with each member of my family. I kept on thinking over and over throughout the funeral "because of him death has no sting and the grave no victory". That means more to me know than it ever has before. 

Favorite Funeral Moments

1. My favorite moment was gathering around my grandmas casket with just my siblings and parents. It was our last goodbye before they closed the casket. We cried, held hands, and told her how much we love her. I felt her so, so close in that moment. 

2. Singing "Families can be together forever" with all my cousins at her memorial. During the song my grandpa teared up as he looked at each one of his grandchildren. 

3. Sitting next to my grandpa while sharing experiences/memories of grandma LaRue. My grandpa's brother, Gordon, stood up and said "this is a celebration of all your posterity and the wonderful life you have lived". My grandpa looked at his brother with teary eyes and it was a tender moment.

4. At the luncheon we all shared memories of grandma. I loved hearing all my cousins memories and realizing that she loved us all so much. Each one of us had a relationship with her and loved her best. We were all her favorite. What an amazing grandma.

5. Going into her house and feeling so close to her. 

6. After the viewing I felt so much peace and happiness. I was so nervous about saying my goodbyes but it ended up being such a positive experience. I loved being with my cousins and being connected by our love for grandma

My grandma was one amazing women who had the ability to make you feel so special and loved. She was funny, spontaneous, silly, competitive, and always up for fun. She would stay up so late playing games with us cousins and would never go to bed before us (she could never miss out). 

"the worth of souls is great un the sight of God" D&C 18:10. My grandma always made you feel and believe you were better than you were. That you were smarter, faster, stronger, more musical, and overall better than you ever could be. The "worth of souls" was great unto her and she never let someone come into her life without them feeling important (especially her family). I don't know how she did it but everyone single grandchild and child loved and adored her immensely. She was all of our favorites!!