My sweet Grandma, Gwen Jenks McCombs, passed away at the end of March. She was 94. She'd been without her husband for 37 years. She'd been dealing with the effects of a stroke and other health problems for 20 years. In spite of all of that, she was always cheerful and kind and interested in her family. And I'm so happy for her that she got to pass on and see what's happening on the other side. I bet she's having a great time over there!
It was such a blessing to go to her funeral. I had anticipated being homesick when we moved to Texas, but it was worse than I thought it would be. So it was a therapeutic to be able to go back shortly after moving here. And it was really a family reunion. I saw lots of cousins that I haven't seen in years.
I flew into SLC about an hour before my sister Abbie. Felicia picked us up, and we headed to Idaho together. There's not much in life better than being in the car with your sisters for three hours.
We went first to my aunt and uncle's house where there was so much food. Fried chicken for days. We happily ate it and chatted it up. My aunt and uncle are such friendly, relaxed hosts.
Then we headed to the funeral home for the viewing. It was a lovely time to chat. And there was a video playing with all of these pictures of my adorable Grandma that I had never seen before. Being at this family function alone (sans kiddos) was sort of shocking--so strange not being in charge of anybody else. I had long chats with three or four cousins and my Aunt Jan.
My mom's siblings sent some beautiful flowers. I think they are the tallest purple ones.
We went to my parents' house after this. It was snowing and slushy and freezing outside! That was one thing I did not miss about Utah/Idaho.
The next day we were at the church by 9 am practicing our girl cousin chorus piece: "I Wonder When He Comes Again." Can I just say we sounded amazing together! My mom chose the piece and accompanied us. It was so fun to sing together. It really felt like a tribute to my Grandma. I hope she enjoyed it.
The funeral service was so nice, a celebration of a truly good woman. I enjoyed hearing about how my Grandma made Aunt Jeanne wash clothes by hand even though they had a washing machine because how else was Jeanne supposed to learn how to work? Also, Grandma would talk to her best friend and sister Annie on the phone every single day. She would let grandkids have sleepovers with her, in her own bed, even the notorious bed-wetters. Some grandkids admitted to hiding snakes or mice in her room.
After the service, we had a meal and then we had to wait for the burial because another funeral was happening close to my grandma's plot. So lots of people shared memories while we waited. Those were fun to hear. Kidless as I was, I took it upon myself to take some pictures.
Here are some more from the cemetery. My sweet, petite, amazing grandma got a pink casket. I loved it. Weren't the flowers beautiful?
I'm so grateful for my grandma! She has always been loving and kind to me. I was glad for the chance to learn more about her. Isn't she cute? And I've always thought my Grandpa McCombs was quite good-looking.
At my parents' house, this was in the guest room. Since I'm from Texas now, it made me feel right at home:)
It was fun to say an extra day and be able to hang out with the Hall clan. Too bad Annie wasn't there to play with this girl.
Felicia took me back to SLC airport, and we got the traditional McCombs send off.
On the way we realized we were going to be early. Instead of waiting at the airport, Felicia was kind enough to stop with me at Julie's house. I'm glad I stopped to say hi. I'm so lucky to have and to have married into a wonderful family.
And I hope I'm making a wonderful family, too:) It was nice to come home to my little Texas family. And I really did feel happier and more settled here for having gone back for such a valuable visit.
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