We are becoming slackers! We were late reporting on Easter and we find ourselves behind again this week. Late or not, I couldn't let the events of last week pass without a post. We had planned on last weekend being a very fun, relaxing weekend with Allis and Em. What we didn't plan on was Grandma Orton passing away. Allis and Em came down on Friday and we got the call that Grandma had passed some time that afternoon. This may sound bad, but in a way Grandma's passing actually made the weekend better. Let me explain. Friday night we went to a Colbie Caillat concert at Tuacahn. The concert was great, but the music wasn't the best part. Tuacahn is located in a little canyon at the base of Red Mountain in Ivins, which is where Grandma grew up. Grandma told me many times that she didn't think there could possibly be any more beautiful mountain in the world than Red Mountain. The best part of that concert was sitting at the foot of that mountain and thinking about Grandma. I feel so lucky to have lived by Grandma for these past 4 years. Prior to those 4 years my most prominent memory of Grandma includes me being forced to eat the following; A LARGE piece of roast that was literally 80% fat, 1 whole cooked onion, 1 whole raw onion, a whole tomato, and a burnt piece of toast. Picture that plate. Needless to say it's not a great memory. In the past 4 years I got to know a much different side of Grandma. I came to know her as a faithful, loving, beautiful, sweet lady. Now my most prominent memory of Grandma is of her telling me about the day she and Grandpa were engaged and the early days of their marriage. She loved him so much, and missed him every day she was without him. That is, of course, why her passing is not such a sad thing. She spoke of the afterlife with such faith and conviction, never once questioning that she would see Grandpa and her two little ones again. I am so grateful for her example. St. George won't be the same without her. Another thing that comes to mind when I think of Grandma is thriftiness. Here is a little skit that I think grandma would have appreciated and some pictures of the rest of the weekend.
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5 comments:
Your grandma Orton and our grandma Garner have a lot in common. I'll never forget the shrimp salad I had to gag down once at her house.
I love that amphitheater. Such a great place for a concert. Maybe I should buy that book. I hope I have enough time to read it all.
Mike said it was a really nice funeral and had a great time with everyone. He didn't like coming back to the snow here. He was telling me some of the stories people told at the funeral. Aren't grandparents amazing?
The first thing I ever saw at Tuachan was that play about the pioneers (sorry, can't remember what it was called) but it was one of the coolest plays I've ever seen in that gorgeous setting.
We are very sorry to hear about your Grandma, Greg. Even if our Grandparents are old, it still is hard to see them go. We've been thinking about you guys.
Glad the concert was fun. Obviously, it was no Kenny Rogers. Who I saw at Tuachan in the 2nd row!!! He totally could of spit on me. But I'm glad he didn't because I never would have been able to bathe ever again. And pretty much...all of you would have suffered my stench!
What a sweet post and wonderful tribute to your Grandma. Isn't it great that we have the gospel and know what happens after death? Not that it's ever nice losing someone you love, but it makes it easier to deal with.
Justin and I loved that SNL too. So hilarious!
I am sorry to hear about your grandma - but your right in your positive attitude. I remember you telling me the story about the raw onion - maybe she did it so you would always have a funny story to tell about her ;) Those pics of the concert are gorgous! I miss St. George a lot, especially when it's April and snowing outside. I am coming down there this weekend so the weather better be good!
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