I Will Remember You

I try not to write a lot on my blog, but I hope you'll humor me with this one. On July 3rd I learned that my Grandma Furness had unexpectedly passed away and consequently traveled to Idaho for her funeral the following Tuesday. There were so many memories of Grandma that flooded my mind over the time I spent in Idaho with family mourning her departure. She came to almost every recital, performance, and milestone in my life--and Grandma did this for every grandchild she could. I think I've been avoiding this entry for days because what do you say about someone like that and how do you put into words the joy they've given you and the sorrow you feel at their passing? I think the best tribute she can be given is to see the values and principles she embodied manifest in the lives of her posterity. That way, her sweet influence is magnified and expanded to everyone we come in contact with. I had the privilege of performing a final time for Grandma at her funeral with my husband Blaine's help on the violin. We performed a medley of Amazing Grace/As Now We Take the Sacrament/and How Great Thou Art. I know she heard it, and it was an amazing experience. . .

There was a scripture shared by her dear friend and a former teacher of mine Annette Hunter and I think for those of you who didn't have the opportunity to meet her--this would let you know what she was like.
"10 Who can find a viruous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 12 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. . .25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Proverbs 31:10-20, 25-29

I realized a couple of days ago what my very last interaction with Grandma Furness had been. She was passing through the TriCities on her way to a wedding inthe Seattle area and dropped by for an hour to visit. We chatted and enjoyed our time but the last thing I remember is her sitting in the car looking out the window at my little boy waving at his Great Grandma with a grin on his face. I'll always remember that. I love you Grandma. . .