The day we arrived in Sunny California, Shayne's Grandma Hunter passed away. We were terribly heart-broken and yet, relieved for her sake at the same time. She had suffered a stroke only 6 weeks earlier and it had been a whirlwind of doctors, nurses, and hospice care. The Dr. had said she could live for another 8-10 years in her condition because her heart was so strong and healthy. I think most of us were praying that a miracle would happen that would allow her to return to her beloved Husband and Father in Heaven quickly and with relatively little pain. On Thursday, August 2nd, Grandma awoke and was very lucid and conversational - she called her sister and told her to call her kids to let them know she was going to die that day. A good friend came to visit her and asked her what she was in need of and she asked for a doughnut! And bless that dear friend, she went to the store and came back (this was at least an hour round trip) to get her doughnuts. If I remember right, she ate 2 which sounds ridiculous when you consider she hadn't been even finishing a yogurt since the stroke(s). I guess it was her last meal and it was not typical of Grandma, so it makes us laugh to think of this. She passed away two days later surrounded by the family who could get there fast enough. I think that the moment she passed into Heaven, there must have been a HUGE celebration and a big-to-do that she had finally arrived. And I also giggle thinking about her saying, "My word, that dying bit took TOOO long!" The funeral was scheduled for the next weekend and family came from all over to celebrate this amazing woman. Since the first time I met Grandma (and Grandpa too) they were grandparents to me - I just didn't get to meet them till I was in my 20's! We named Hunter for their sake and it is such a blessing that all my boys were able to know their great-grandparents. Grandma Hunter was a do-er and a perfect example of Christlike love. Everyone was drawn to her because of her immediate and immense love of those around her. She loved her family dearly and left an amazing legacy of work, love, and devotion that I hope my boys will remember as they get older. She has been welcomed home to the loving arms of her Savior and Father in Heaven and her family and friends. She's happy, but there is a gapping hole in our lives - we will miss her immensely.
A couple years ago, she taught my boys how to make their own pies.
A few Christmas' ago, I made her a memory book of our family reunion. Oh, she cried and laughed upon receiving this - it was the best gift I ever gave her.
This is a picture from a year ago - an absolute favorite of mine.
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The funeral service was perfect. The family who spoke had us laughing and crying - sometimes at the same time. It truly was a celebration of her life.
After the funeral, Cole and his 2nd cousins took to "rescuing" this stray cat outside the chapel. They brought out bread crumbs and a bowl of water to help the poor guy. I thought it was sweet, but I also made him wash his hands REALLY GOOD.
I spent the afternoon after the funeral taking pics of her house - the way I remember it. I knew it was going to change quickly. Here is a quick view of the front of the house. I don't even know if that front door could open - all family, friends, and neighbors used the back door!
The back of the house (which was the front door)
Her raspberry patch. I took MANY pics trying to get the immensity of this "patch"!
Shayne's cousins Boyd and Wayne who came from Hawaii and Arizona. There were good times shared this weekend despite the sad circumstances.
Cousin Sarah enjoying Danny and Skye - this was the 2nd time they had met (the first was only a few weeks earlier at the family reunion).
Cole made some famous "Raspberry Stew" and served it to everyone. (smashed raspberries)
The stairs in her house - Grandma would be up and down these guys multiple times a day. Another reason her heart was sooo strong and healthy!
We love you Grandma. We miss you! XOXOXO
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