This past weekend I was so absorbed by my own stress. I was feeling down because of work, strained friendships and all the cleaning and organizing that I wanted to accomplish. Graydon and I also started building a new shelving unit and became frustrated by the lack of instructions in the box. I was feeling so overwhelmed by the stressors that were facing me come Monday at work and the lesson we would have to teach on Sunday.
While we were figuring out our shelving unit, we got a call from Graydon's mom. It was not good news. Graydon's amazing grandmother had been taken to the emergency room. I have never been so amazed by Graydon as when I saw the immediate rush of concern flood over him and take an immediate hold of his priorities. "Let's go". We stopped building our shelving unit. We pet Lucy and gave her a bone. We grabbed some water, hopped in the car and arrived in Layton within 30 minutes.
Graydon and I were able to see Grandma Polly in the last moments of her life. While I stood there watching the family and Grandpa Charles near his sweetheart, I began admonishing myself for all the little things that I stressed over during the day. Who cares if the furniture didn't come with directions? Why should I worry about work when it will be there for me on Monday? Why in the world did I waste my energy on being offended? I grabbed Graydon's hand tightly and allowed all the memories of our 5 years together to rush over me. I thought of all the times we spent with his family and my family. I thought about the first time I met Grandma Polly at our high school graduation. I smiled as I thought about the immediate love she showed me even before I was a part of the family. The entire room was filled with an indescribable warmth. My heart felt like it would overflow with so much love even though we were so sad to see Grandma Polly go.
I am so grateful for the gospel and for eternal families. I cannot imagine an afterlife without my darling or my amazing family and friends. I know that the gospel brings happiness if we follow the teachings of Christ and live our life serving other people. I hope that I can live my life in a way that my own Grandma and Grandma Polly would be proud of.
Graydon says he imagines that our grandmothers have been able to meet our children. I hope they put in a good word for us :) I love Graydon so much and know that the love we share for each other can surpass any trial as long as we stay faithful in the gospel. Although I am so sad to have said goodbye to an amazing woman, I am so grateful for Grandma Polly's example and what she did for her family.
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