My heart is heavy

My sisters brought their babies and were both in town this weekend for my grandma's funeral services. It was such a special time where we were able to bond together even more as a family through the love that we all share for my grandma. It was truly a beautiful day and although many tears were shed because we will miss her loving smile and kisses... we are happy for her and are so grateful for the gift of eternal families. The funeral was Friday... Sara and Miles left to return to California on Saturday and we took Julie and Ruby to the airport on Monday headed to New York... It never gets any easier to let them go after time spent together... I wish we all lived closer... My heart is so heavy today because just last night we received some heart breaking news... Julie called in tears asking me to find she and her husband Richie the earliest flights home to Utah because her sweet mother in law had just passed away... their family was in complete shock and my heart just filled with love, worry and hope for Richie's family. Susan Williams is only my mom's age... mid fifties... she had surgery last week... while Julie was here in town she wanted to visit her but Susan was not feeling up to it and they were just able to talk over the phone a few times. She seemed to be doing better as the days went by but last night she took a turn for the worse and a blood clot took her life. Ruby who is Julie's baby girl is her only grandchild... she has a young family... one daughter and two sons. Her youngest son just returned home from a mission and is engaged to be married in December... She had so much life ahead of her and was taken so quickly.... It is hard to understand... I was able to get to know Susan more than usual because when Julie would come to town we'd split time with Julie with them.... so a few times we'd meet in the middle for lunch or drop Julie off at their house in Heber... or they'd come up to my mom's house to visit Julie and Ruby there.... Susan was humble and quiet, so kind hearted, generous, and loving. Ruby's one year old birthday party was at my house and it was so easy to see how much Susan adored her.... With my grandma it just seemed right that she passed away, she lived such a long happy life and her health was failing, we knew the end was coming and were able to spend time making sure she knew we loved her... Susan's passing came too soon and too sudden. I think of all the things that she will not be here for and my heart just breaks. My faith does not waiver though, and I know that all of our lives are in our Heavenly Father's hands and that He has a plan for us... He must have needed her home! I know that prayer is a great source of comfort! My sister Sara and I talked on the phone last night and she reminded me of one of the talks that President Monson gave during this most recent General conference about living life now and not waiting for tomorrow to love or to forgive or to change... what a comfort this gospel is!! With my grandma we were lucky to spend final days with her it brought lots of comfort but we may not know when other loved ones final days may be and I have a new resolution that just as President Monson counseled I want to be quick to forgive and let those I love know it by word and action, to try to live every day the right way! I know that this is how my dear brother in law Richie's mom was living and I hope that this knowledge and the knowledge of the gospel brings their family peace through the difficult days ahead! We love you Richie, Julie, Ruby, Richard, Whitney, Steve, Micah, and Chelsea... your sweet loving family is in our prayers...