We (I) have been so extremely blessed in my lifetime. Most people Steve and I's age's grandparents and sometimes even parents have passed away. I was lucky enough too not only know both of my fraternal grandparents, but I have known my Maternal Grandparents my entire life. Until two weeks ago.(Hence the lack of blogging)
I recieved a call from my parents last Saturday that my Grandpa Jensen passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was 87 years old, and full of life up until the last two days of his life. He was healthy, strong, had all of his wits and faculties about him. He was getting feeble as 87 isnt a young spring chicken anymore. They still drove and didnt have any old people disease. The other great thing is that they have been able too take care of themselves.
My Mom and Dad live one mile away from them, so they are able to go help them mow, shovel snow etc. Once a week my parents took them into to town to dinner, and my Dad has taken my Grandpa fishing every week in the summer. It has been a great thing having my folks there too take care of them indirectly.
My Grandmother has been the one that has been sick. So when he started not eating a getting wobbly and weak the few days before he died, my Grandmother was a little worried. My father and Uncle gave him a blessing last Saturday Evening. It was a blessing of peace and assurance that he had led a marvelous life. It was a blessing to reassure him that my Grandma would be ok. This blessing was at 5 o clock. He napped for several hours and at 7:54 PM my grandfather woke up, took two breaths, and was gone. Asleep in his chair. It was sweet and peaceful.
My grandmother told me that both of her prayers had been answered, even though you are never ready for anyone to die. She said that she prayed that Grandpa would go first, and she prayed that they wouldnt have to do a winter funeral. (Idaho winters are NOT fun!)
I went home for the week. Stephen and the kids joined me the day before the funeral. As the oldest grandchild I had lots of beautiful moments to serve my grandparents that week. I am grateful that I was able to be at home. The service was beautiful. Grandpa led a great life. He never judged a soul. He always made everyone feel great and he accepted everyone.
I got to help organize the service and order flowers. And spend some time with my grandfather alone at the mortuary. I will miss alot about my grandpa-but I will miss trying to smooth the wrinkles out of his hands, and I will miss playing with his big grandpa ears. I hear his laugh in my head everytime I think of him.
Here are the secret service agents---Darrin Preece, Dustin Preece, Travis Jensen, David Jensen, Jared Jensen, Logan Jensen, Curtis Pena, Brad Nuttal.
It had been snowing and raining all week I was there. The weather was beautiful for the funeral.
Here is Steve and I waiting for the Dedicatory Prayer.
It was a sad but good day. We will miss our Grandpa Jack
