Lessons from the Boop

October 06, 2011

Lessons from the Boop

Grandma Betty and Grandma Phyllis
College Graduation in Oklahoma

This last Friday, my Grandma Betty {Boop} passed away. Gma, as she was known in her letters and cards to us, had the same heart condition I was diagnosed with in July and they think it was a sudden heart attack that took her life. And what a life that was.

Grandma Betty served as a link to my mother, her daughter-in-law. They loved each other like blood relatives and she never treated us any different than her own. She always sent us a card on my mother's birthday, a trinket of faith on the day she died, and during Christmas, she took the time to pack boxes for KP, Samm, Ben and myself. Knitting and crocheting were just a couple of her many past times and Ethan was sent a blanket to welcome him into the world. We were so close, her and Grandpa Moose were on our wedding programs as grandparents and we were on her Obituary as grandchildren.

Yesterday, we traveled 4 hours to York, Nebraska to say goodbye. While sitting in the afternoon funeral, I looked around all the packed house. At only 71, she impacted so many folks in her life, that she filled the church in which she was so deeply involved.

More so now, than ever before, I know why: this was the happiest funeral I had ever been to.
Even after she was gone, she was inspiring me to do better.
Here are just a few things I took away:

1) Her philosophy was basically if you don't fill your day, you wasted a day. Each day is an opportunity to make a difference in a life, whether it be to your own or someone else's - these opportunities are blessings. I plan to fully adopt this!

2) She once told my Aunt Lauri, "she who dies with the most stuff, wins." After going to her house the day she passed away, seeing all the craft projects, souvenirs and photos from her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids, along with a lifetime of collections, Aunt Lauri said, "You won, Mom." I only hope I can pack a house with that much love for my family.

3) She was savvy. Techy, crafty and thrifty. My kind of woman. It is no wonder he and my mother got along so well.

4) My cousin Emily said it best when she said, she didn't waver or change herself for anyone. She dedicated herself and life to the Lord, lived by the golden rule and had as much fun as possible. She was amazing, graceful and classy.

Out of 4 Grandmothers, I only have one remaining. Thankfully, I was able to my Grandma Phil in Omaha briefly on this trip, along with my Aunt Angie and cousin Courtney. It was the first time Hutch had met them and they all fell in love!

Samantha, Ethan, Grandma Phil, Courtney, Ben & Me

With one of my Aunt Angie's! She is soo snuggly!

I also took the opportunity to talk to Benjamin about Heaven and God. Just one of the cute conversations we had:

Ben: Does every family know God?
Me: No, Ben. You have to invite him in your home and welcome him into your life. You have to choose to believe in him.
Ben: (Matter-of-factly) I DO.

At the cemetery looking for Aunt Buffy's grave.

With her two Grandsons.

Another:

Ben: Is Heaven scary?
Me: Oh no, not at all. All of the best things you can think of are in Heaven.
Ben: Everything?
Me: Sure! That is one of the reasons Heaven is so amazing.
Ben: Whoa, there are playgrounds in Heaven?!
Me: Yep. :)

If you know this kid - he knows how to make you laugh!

Back to the Boop.
Just like any funeral of a loved one, you have to look on the bright side. On this one beautiful day, she brought us all together again - just like a grandmother would love.