Gramps

 On the Morning of Friday February 1st, my sweet Grandpa Berle J. Bell passed away at age 84.  It was an unexpected passing.  Just two weeks prior, Grandpa was doing great - still working at his little job at the super wash in town.  He got sick with the flu and couldn't get better and the week he passed they took him to the hospital to learn that he had congestive heart failure and blood clots in his lungs, among other things.  The morning he passed, was the day they were planning to send him home from the hospital.

Grandpa was never a man of many words, but when he did speak, you couldn't help but feel his love.  He had a tender heart, and a genuine care for people, especially his family.  I never doubted how much Grandpa loved me.  His smile lit up the room and he always greeted me with a big hug.  He was a simple, content, loving man who lived a full life.  While I feel a void in my heart with his passing, I know he's happy & I can't help but feel joy when thinking of the friends and family he's been reunited with. --He was the only Grandpa I've had most of my life (My other grandfather passed when I was in 5th grade) and I will truly miss him.  Love ya Gramps!

When hearing of the passing, we packed as quickly as possible and got on the road to Vernal.  We were able to spend the weekend with all of my Mom's extended family.  I was impressed by the many people who came to show their love, all of which brought food.  We had enough food from people in the wards & community to feed about 50 of us for 3 days it was so amazing.  People we're so generous.

We had a family viewing on Sunday night as Grandpa didn't want an open casket viewing.  Then Monday a public condolences prior to the funeral.  It was a sunny Winter day, the kids let off balloons following the grave dedication.

I'm grateful we were there to celebrate such a wonderful example!