Saturday, November 3, 2007

A wonderful farewell...

Family & Friends,

Thank you so much to those of you who could join us on Saturday for Dad/Grandpa/Bob's funeral.

It was such a tender and honest memorial to a man who touched so many people's lives.

We met as a family - after the morning viewing - to say our goodbyes. Gene led us in a family prayer which put our hearts at rest.

The meeting was started with a song, sung by a dear friend of Grandpa's, Simon Bolivar. It was soft, yet powerful and set a nice tone for the meeting.

Steven gave the invocation. It was moving to watch him as he signed - his hands gently asking for comfort for the grieving and guidance for the speakers. It would have been apparent what he was saying by the very movements of his hands, face, and body and was confirmed by the words his wife Krista relayed.

Mark spoke next reflecting on the moments from Bob's life that he might want us to remember. Mark was humorous and sweet - and included many traits of Grandpa that had us all laughing and crying. It was tender to see him read his notes, smile with a memory, and then share those thoughts through his own tears and laughter.

Patti followed Mark reflecting on the life that Grandpa led. She touched on three things that she knew he would want remembered: 1) his love for Grandma, 2) his love of family and, 3) his unbelievable work ethic. She was right when she said that Grandpa 'would get as close to people as they would let him'.

The speaker portion of the program paused as we were treated to the amazing talent of Sarah Twiss (Mark's daughter). Playing Grandpa's favorite song, Clair de Lune, she guided our minds to experiences we had with him.

After Sarah we were treated - and I do mean treated - to remarks by Grandpa's younger brother Garth. Garth and Grandpa were the best of friends growing up, a bond that continued through their life. Garth touched on the man he knew, and the gospel that Grandpa cherished.

We sang as a congregation - a song which include the fitting lyrics - 'When such a friend from us departs, We hold forever in our hearts a sweet and hallowed memory'.

Doug, Patti's husband, closed the meeting and prepared us all to let go of Grandpa at his burial.

I am attaching the program for anyone who would like to see it but did not. We do have extra and if you would like a hard copy just let me know by sending an email or commenting below.

Also below is the life story video that was played at Grandpa's viewings. I am also hoping to get a copy of the video that was taken of his funeral so that anyone who is interested can watch it.

Thank you again for all your words, letters, calls, and shows of love. He was truly an amazing man, one who will be missed.

Best,
Shelly

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Services

Services in Utah

Friday, November 2nd
Viewing
6:00pm - 8:00pm
At the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home
646 E. 800 N.
Orem, Utah 84097

Saturday, November 3rd
Viewing
12:30pm - 1:40pm
Funeral
2:00pm
At the Timpanogos Park 1st Ward Building
1000 North Main Street
Orem, Utah 84057

Service in California

Saturday, November 10th
Memorial Service
10:00am
At the Glendora Stake Center
2121 East Route 66
Glendora, California 91740

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Next Phase of Life

Dear Friends and Family,

At 2:20am Grandma/Dad/Bob, as he said, 'went on to the next phase of his life'.

The funeral will be this weekend - and I will post more details as I can. We will also be calling with information.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Setback!!

Dear Family & Friends,

Unfortunately I do not have good news to write today.

At about 3:30am this morning (Friday) Grandpa/Dad/Bob went into respiratory failure again. He did not have a good day on Thursday and Grandma noticed his iratic breathing during the night. He collapsed and they called 9-1-1. Ann and Jeff were with them and helped take care of Grandma as well as taking shifts at the hospital.

He is back in the same hospital as before - in intermediate care. Upon arrival he was intubated and sedated. This is the same intensity of care that he was receiving almost two months ago.

Grandma/Mom/Joyce met with the Doctor this morning. They x-rayed Grandpa and found that his pneumonia is back and worse than before. This has all happened since he left the hospital as his x-rays on Tuesday were clear.

The Doctor wants to wait the weekend out to wait for test results before any decisions are made or any other options are explored.

Patti and Kaye flew up to Utah this morning and will be joined by Mark tomorrow (Saturday).

Given the amount of emotion and energy please contact one of the kids (Gene, Dory, Kaye, Patti, Mark or Steven) with questions rather than Grandma/Mom/Joyce...at least for the time being.

Please keep your thoughts, prayers, meditations with Grandpa/Dad/Bob.
Shelly

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

He's home!

Grandpa/Bob/Dad is home!

He came home from the hospital today and is doing well. Grandma and Kaye got the house ready and equipped for him to be there. Having Jeff there this week will be an added benefit - and blessing!

This site will be slow in regards to updates until I can show Grandma how to post on her own! Then she might very well surprise you with what she chooses to put up here!

Congrats Grandpa/Bob/Dad on your recovery!

Friday, October 19, 2007

Let Freedom Ring!


It would seem that freedom is lurking for Grandpa/Dad/Bob!

If his recovery continues to go as it has this week, we are looking at a release from rehab NEXT week! We are not sure of an exact date, but the rehab center staff have been quite impressed with Grandpa's progress and feel that he is at a place where he could continue to progress at home.

Isn't it amazing! To think of where we were almost two months ago! We are thrilled with this news.

He would have a home health nurse to help him out on a daily basis at home, and the family who are all pitching in to help out.

Kaye is headed up there this weekend for a few days. Grandma & Grandpa are then really excited because former 'Elder Walker', Jeff (Gene's son), is heading into town to keep them company. Then former 'Sister Mort', Ann (Patti's daughter), will come up for a week or two.

This means that there will be help for both Grandma & Grandpa!

More to come in the next few days!



(Please note: I am trying to update this as best I can with the information I get. If I miss something PLEASE let me know so that I can get it up! I would hate to leave out a visit, a piece of information, or a fun story! Thanks, Shelly)

Monday, October 15, 2007

Rehab!

Grandpa/Bob/Dad was moved into the rehab center this weekend!

He welcomes phone calls and is in his room before 10:00am and then after 4:00pm. He would LOVE to hear from anyone.

Contact Grandma/Joyce to get his room information and phone number.