The Ericksons: Grandma Phelps' Memorial Service

My Grandma Phelps passed away on February 6th of this year. Although we had been anticipating her passing, it still happened much quicker than we expected, and how can you ever really prepare to lose someone? It was still a difficult time, especially knowing my Dad hadn't been able to celebrate one more birthday with her. My Dad was my Grandma's birthday present! February 15th. It has been something so special for them to share over the years. You can imagine the tender mercy it was when Sam (Michelle and Josh's little one) was born that next week, on February 15th. It really felt as though Heavenly Father reached out to my Dad and our family to remind us of the great plan of happiness He has created for all us, enabling us to be together as families forever. I can only imagine Grandma on the other side, pushing for Sam to be born those 2 weeks early - to send a message of love to my Dad.

Her viewing and memorial service were planned for that very weekend. Another act of mercy - having the service that weekend enabled my entire little family to be able to drive up and not only be there for Grandma's services, but also for my brother-in-law Matthew's mission farewell. It was to be an emotional weekend - and believe you me - it did not disappoint.

There is something healing and comforting about being together as a family when someone leaves this world. Of course there are feelings of grief and sadness - but I know that I was overcome with even greater feelings of love and gratitude. Love felt from family and friends and gratitude for the knowledge that my Grandma still lives - she's returned home to a loving Heavenly Father and family, including her first born son, who have gone before her; gratitude for the knowledge that I, too, will see her again when we are all called home.

It was amazing to see so much of the family reunited, I even met family for the first time! Grandma would have been overwhelmed to see all who came to remember her! She was loved by so many. The service itself was incredible. Margo, Calleen and my Dad all spoke - each sharing a different perspective on Grandma and her life. We laughed, we cried, and we were all inspired to remember the joy with which Grandma lived her life.

There are far more photos we took of extended family and friends, but here is smaller selection of some of my favorites - not only from the weekend but from the photos we grandchildren gathered to display at her memorial service.

I am still moved to tears thinking about Grandma not being here. I miss her dearly. My fondest memories of her are from my younger years when she would play for hours with us - board games (Sorry), card games (Old Maid), drawing silly pictures, and eating her banana chocolate chip cookies. Grandma, we love and miss you!

Thankfully we were all able to be together one last time over the Christmas holiday.

Some of my favorite photos ever of me and Grandma at the Phelps reunion in 2010.

After the Memorial Service, we all gathered at the clubhouse where Grandma and Grandpa live to rest, mingle, reminisce and watch Grandma and Grandpa's 50th wedding anniversary video (tear jerker for sure).