The Ricks Family: August 2012

Well I made an unexpected trip to Utah. I usually visit every summer but since we had a family reunion in Nauvoo this year, I hadn't planned on making a trip. But my grandma passed away and plans changed. I lost both of my grandmas this year. I know death is part of life but to be frank it kinda sucks. I'm just so grateful to have the gospel in my life and to know that I will see and be with my family again someday.

My dad's mom passed away earlier in the year. I will miss visiting her but she hasn't been her usual self for a couple of years now and she had stopped taking her medication so we knew it was a matter of time before she passed away. Grandma Brough was a sweet and proper lady. I remember always watching The Secret Garden when I would visit. I loved that they grew Snap Dragons and I would play with the ones that fell off. She had a beautiful doll that she would delicately remove from its case and let me play with as long as I was gentle. Her house was always clean and I can remember the quiet ticking of the clock in the living room and the peace in her home.

My mom's mom passed away just a couple of weeks ago. It was strange going home and having family dinner but no grandma. My mom's parents live right behind them so I spent several years living close to them. Her death was unexpected. She had a brain hemorrhage and died the same day. It was however, the best funeral I have been to. It was great to hear so many stories that I hadn't heard before. On Facebook, several of us cousins shared our favorite memories of our grandma. I love how she put fake flowers on her bushes so they were always colorful. Or her love of duct tape. It could fix anything even large cracks on the walls. She was funny too but the quiet kind. She always sent out birthday cards and we found a small pile of cards she had already prepared for the August birthdays. Those cards will mean more than ever. It's moments like that when you realize all the little things you took for granted.

I will miss my grandmas but am glad to know I'll see them again and that families are forever. Here are some pictures of our visit. It was low key as we adjusted to life without grandma. We visited grandpa most every day and there is a lot to do at his house so my mom and her siblings have been working hard and in just the couple weeks I was there, it looks so different. We played with family and friends and just took it easy. That's the way I like it.