Thursday, November 19, 2009

Im still here!

Wow it has been a long time. I actually have a lot of good reasons.
#1. Our computer has a virus and I cannot get on the internet. We ordered a mac about a month ago and it is just going to be delivered tommorow! WAHOO!!!! I kept thinking that I couldn't do a post without pics but what the heck.
#2. We have been living with my mom and dad and up until last week they didn't even have high speed internet and so it was painful to even go online.
#3. I am lazy!
Ok.. So really a lot has been going on. It has been hard to even think about posting let alone anything. As I said before we have been living with my mom and dad. We are going to buy a house. In fact we put an offer in on a house and the inspection fell through. We were bummed but there was a reason we are supposed to be here right now.
My grandpa Pack was diagnosed with cancer 8 years ago. It was devastating. I was living with them at the time. He was 62. I am super super close with my Grandma and Grandpa. Spence and I lived with them for 3 summers and I lived with them for a year before I met Spencer. There are only 6 grandkids in the family, 4 of which are me and my siblings so we are like there kids. I spent my childhood living just down the road from them. I rode my bike over there almost everyday in the summer. My grandpa and grandma pack are not like grandparents... they are like parents. I remember the night my mom told me that my grandpa had cancer. It was aweful. His oncologist said that it was a very aggresive cancer but that they would give radiation a shot. He went through radiation and the cancer went into remission. He was able to see me get married have 2 kids and I consider that such a blessing. My girls absloutly adore him and he absloutly adores them.
A month ago Spencer's grandpa Hinman died at the age of 96. He has been apart from his dear wife for 10 years and so we were so happy he was finally able to be with her. The funeral was so beautiful and I really came to appreciate the life he lived. His love of the gospel and family has been passed through the generations and it made me realize how lucky I am to be part of his family. Grandpa Hinman requested that I sing "Goin Home" at his funeral and I considered that a very special honor. After the funeral was over my mom informed me that my Grandpa Packs cancer had spread to his bones and that it wouldn't be long.
It has been the hardest month for me. I have spent every day at the hospital watching him go downhill. It is heartbreaking to see my grandma suffer. He is only 70 and they were just starting to enjoy there retirement together. She has not left his side. She is the most amazing woman I know. Anyway It has also been the most treasured month of my life. I have had the chance to tell him exactly how much he means to me and how much I love him. What a blessing. I know it won't be long and he will be reunited with his little girl he lost at the young age of 2 and that brings me so much comfort. I have come to understand that his time on earth is coming to an end and he has more work to do on the other side.
I am so grateful that house fell through and that we can be here for my parents and they can be here for us. Everything happens for a reason. I am so grateful for the relationship I have had with my Grandpa and for the amazing memories I have. I am so grateful that he has been so close with Spencer. He has often said that he loves him like a son. I am grateful for the special bond he has had with my girls. I know that they will not remember him in this life but I will be able to tell them all kinds of stories when they are older. But most of all I am especially grateful for the plan of salvation and the knowledge I have that families are forever.



This picture was taken a few weeks ago. When we were saying goodbye we put Ella on his bed so he could give her a cuddle and she instantly fell asleep. My grandma said it was because he was so close to heaven right now that it soothed her.

Here are a few more pictures of him and my girls that I will cherish forever. I have a million more on my computer. These are just a few I found on my moms laptop.








8 comments:

The Brandleys said...

Gladto know you didn't fall off the face of the earth! Hope you are getting all the comfort you need right now! My grandma died last fall of cancer and It was the greatest blessing to be able to sit with her day after day, during her last week. Cherish this time with your Grandpa!

Chris said...

Kelsey, I had no idea - please give my love to your mom and grandma and to each of you during this time. He is a very good man and I know this must be very hard for all of you. My prayers are with you.

Melissa Ekman said...

Kelsey,
I am so sorry. I can't imagine what you are going through. You are so lucky to have such a strong relationship with your grandparents. They are very special.

cindy said...

Kelsey, I have been thinking about you guys for a few weeks now and have been keeping you in my prayers. You have one of the best families I know and I'm honored to be able to call you friends. Your Grandpa and Grandma have touched so many peoples lives and I know that they leave a great legacy in their family, most of all in your mom and in each of you. Take care. Love you guys!

Mark and Hilary said...

Oh Kelsey! I'm totally bawling for you (& maybe a little for me) right now. I lost my grampa this summer & I wasn't able to see him before he passed away. Things DO happen for a reason & I'm glad you have this time with your family so close. I wish you the best & hope things go well in your family and with your house & everything else!

Collette and Kevin said...

kels, i had no idea! what a blessing that you've been able to be so close and spend that time with g-pack! you and your family are in my prayers. we love you all!

ashley b said...

Kelsey, I am so sorry to hear that about your grandpa. I loved watching him and your grandma together when we did your family pictures. Let me know if there is anything I can do. {glad you are back, I love your blog!}

Crystal HW said...

You are right..things happen for a reason. Sometimes you do not know the reason, and sometimes you do.

Best wishes in entering the next part of your lives.