Got a call from Brad on Friday. Dad was "actively dying." That sounds so strange. Oxymoron. Charlie and I packed for a few days and headed to Provo. Charlie dropped me off at Jamestown and I ran up to Dad's room. Time seemed to stop for the next 24 hours. The family came and went. So many grandchildren hoping to say "goodbye" in Grandpa's ear over the telephone. Yes, he hears you. Listening to his labored breathing was so much like Mom's during her last hours. In the quiet hours of early Saturday morning (1 to 2 am) singing softly his favorite hymns with Raelene, Karen, and Yvonne. (How Great Thou Art, Because I Have Been Given Much, and I Am a Child of God.) Melinda and Terice arriving at 2:00 am. Sun coming up one more time. So much love in the room. More breathing, breathing, breathing. At 5:45 Saturday evening, the last breath. He's yours now, Mom. So happy for you both!
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| Holding hands with the first man I loved. |
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| A kiss from Chelsea as promised after she said goodbye over the phone. |
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| Timmy Andersen saying goodbye to great-grandpa. |
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| You can have the room back, Jamestown. |
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