It was March 5th when Garry began to get worse. He had just rejoiced about the news of Kim's promotion to Major on the 1st, and Pam, Dana, and John had just left from their weekend visit with us. Jason and Christina came on the 8th to tell him goodbye. He had a very good day and was smiling and greeting loved ones, as the veil was so thin. He spoke the names of his mother, grandfather, and brother Phil. He even tossed his handkerchief at the end of the bed.
Rhoda came over to be with me and sat with him until 4:00 a.m. I gave him morphine every hour then went back to bed. Then I heard Rhoda ask, "What are you doing?" So I went back in to hear him say, "Just want to say my prayers." He got out of bed and knelt down and prayed, then gave me a hug when we got him back to bed. He then slept calm and peaceful until 9:00, without gasping for air as he had done before. Right after my Relief Society President had called to check on him, he began his labored breathing and drew his last breath at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 9th.
Rhoda and I were in shock, but peace and the comforting spirit was with us as it had been for days. I felt happiness for Garry reuniting with his family, but felt much sorrow at his passing. Garry's hospice nurse, Julie, came at 10:00 and called Eckersells Mortuary. After they left and closed the door, it was as though I had closed a 50-year-old beautiful chapter of my life. I felt so empty and yet so at peace with the Father's will. I pray every day to sustain the peace and comfort we all felt.
So many ward members stopped by that afternoon on their way home from church. Rhoda stayed with me and Carma and Jim brought us some food. After calling all the kids we had many visitors and phone calls. Cindy and Pam arrived that evening. It was so sweet of the girls to be with me all that week. They read Garry's mission journals and we reminisced lots of his life stories. Kim's family arrived on the 13th and we all went over to the funeral home to see Garry. Pam fixed his hair and they had him looking so good.
We had the viewing on Friday night and it was a very good turnout. The floral arrangements were beautiful with his dad's boots and Jed's cowboy hat by the casket. The girls did a beautiful display of his life with a slideshow video of all his precious pictures that was shown at his last birthday party. Merinda played her harp for an hour before the funeral while friends came through the line. Everything was so perfect. The program was outlined as he had wanted and carried out perfectly.
Each of our boys talked, and Pam and Cindy gave his life sketch. Cindy and Craig sang "We're Thanking You" and Nolan played his guitar. The grandkids sang "The Test" and prayers were given by Coleen and Carma. Kim played his bagpipes as we left the chapel and also when we got to the cemetery in Bates. It was a cold day, but oh so beautiful with lots of snow.
He was laid to rest on the last row west (facing east) near the Bowen fence line that was owned by Grandpa David Bowen who donated the cemetery ground. We were so blessed to have him as long as we did. How we will all miss him.
Rhoda came over to be with me and sat with him until 4:00 a.m. I gave him morphine every hour then went back to bed. Then I heard Rhoda ask, "What are you doing?" So I went back in to hear him say, "Just want to say my prayers." He got out of bed and knelt down and prayed, then gave me a hug when we got him back to bed. He then slept calm and peaceful until 9:00, without gasping for air as he had done before. Right after my Relief Society President had called to check on him, he began his labored breathing and drew his last breath at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 9th.
Rhoda and I were in shock, but peace and the comforting spirit was with us as it had been for days. I felt happiness for Garry reuniting with his family, but felt much sorrow at his passing. Garry's hospice nurse, Julie, came at 10:00 and called Eckersells Mortuary. After they left and closed the door, it was as though I had closed a 50-year-old beautiful chapter of my life. I felt so empty and yet so at peace with the Father's will. I pray every day to sustain the peace and comfort we all felt.
So many ward members stopped by that afternoon on their way home from church. Rhoda stayed with me and Carma and Jim brought us some food. After calling all the kids we had many visitors and phone calls. Cindy and Pam arrived that evening. It was so sweet of the girls to be with me all that week. They read Garry's mission journals and we reminisced lots of his life stories. Kim's family arrived on the 13th and we all went over to the funeral home to see Garry. Pam fixed his hair and they had him looking so good.
We had the viewing on Friday night and it was a very good turnout. The floral arrangements were beautiful with his dad's boots and Jed's cowboy hat by the casket. The girls did a beautiful display of his life with a slideshow video of all his precious pictures that was shown at his last birthday party. Merinda played her harp for an hour before the funeral while friends came through the line. Everything was so perfect. The program was outlined as he had wanted and carried out perfectly.
He was laid to rest on the last row west (facing east) near the Bowen fence line that was owned by Grandpa David Bowen who donated the cemetery ground. We were so blessed to have him as long as we did. How we will all miss him.
No comments:
Post a Comment