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

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

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)

Dad/Bob Update: From Patti

An excerpt from an email from Patti:

Dad is doing so much better!!! We know that we have witnessed a miracle. Saturday morning, I talked to Dr. Bishop (Dad's Doctor's partner that has cared for Dad a lot) and asked him if this is the miracle of modern medicine. He said ,"Yes, but there has been a lot of faith and prayers along with the medical aspect to bring your Dad to this point."

We talked about 10 minutes and I feel so blessed that Dad could be under the care of such wonderful physicians, nurses, therapists but most of all I'm grateful that Dad has faith and that he has willingly born this burden, knowing all along that he is not alone. The Lord has blessed him dearly and our dear Mom as been such a trooper.

The cards, letters, calls, visits, thoughts and prayers have been very sustaining. Thank you ever so much.

Dad and Mom are blessed with the family coming in from short stays to long stays. It's interesting to see how each family member weaves in their own unique style of love and support. Shell has been very nurturing and Dad said he is going to miss their great visits.

Mark was able to come on Saturday on his way home from Denver. He brought Gene down from the airport and now Gene will be here for the week. Dad is bound to rebound even more with Gene's help on food patrol!! Dad has lost about 14 pounds this last month, plus he was down to start with, so he looks a little skinny!! Dad's feeding tube is out and so there's a new challenge.

The menu is all pureed foods, Dad can handle the fruit and puddings, but he passes on pureed pork chops, turkey etc. It makes me want to gag too!!!

Well folks, I just wanted to record some of our events and didn't mean to get carried away, but luckily you all know me!! It has been a very rich and full week!! I appreciate sharing these highlights with you. We leave for New York in about an hour!! We are looking forward to a wonderful trip. I love you all and appreciate all you do to bless my life and my family.

Most gratefully,
Patti

More to come!

I have so much to share and so much to tell - but so little time! My kids and I came home from Utah today. It was hard to say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa, but I think I can trust them with Gene (wink, wink)!

More to come in the way of posts as Grandma/Mom/Joyce and Gene report. Plus I have a video and a couple of pictures to upload when I have a chance.

All my best,
Shelly