Grandma Whipple

Two and a half weeks ago we lost my Grandma Whipple. It happened fairly unexpectedly (although she was 84) which left us all shocked, and happened the day we were getting home from a quick family trip to Southern California. So the last few weeks have been a whirl-wind. And I've wanted to write about my dear Grandma since it happened, and I could have found the time, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to say. Her death has taken me a while to process. But I think I'm there...

My Grandma was so full of love for others and so full of courage. She truly loved her family and friends. And she was courageous. She Never said an unkind word about others. Like never. She was quiet, she wasn't one to draw attention to herself, but she was the first to love and accept those who were different and those who were outcast. I want to be like that.

She was a book keeper for several places as an adult. She was smart and wasn't afraid to learn new things, in fact she sought learning. At 84 she was a facebooker. :) I want to be like that.

She loved her family and loved to cook for them. That's something I could stand to work on. Not the loving part, just the cooking part. Her name was Norma Lou. I love that her name was Norma Lou.

She loved the Gospel and wanted her family to be eternal. She wasn't raised in a very religious home but she wanted that for her family. Through her diligence she has affected generations with a equal love for the Gospel. I want to be like that.

She was pretty and elegant. She loved nice things. She knew how to work and did all the days of her life. I want to be like that. She is a wonderful example for me. I didn't realize till I was sitting at the funeral that all my life she's been quietly teaching me by example how to be an elect woman of God. I'm so very lucky to have had that.

My Grandma loved Sol and Ruby. We spent a few days with them here and there over the past few years and both she and my Grandpa have shown so much love for my children. The last time I saw her was this fall. We went to their home to help them pick apples. Sol of course talked their ears off, but they didn't seem bothered or tired by it at all. Instead they just smiled and loved him for it. My Grandma tended to miss Ruby. My Grandma had become very small the last few years and quite weak and my miss Ruby is a solid little girl. But Grandma would wrap her arms around Ruby's waist and carry her to and fro to keep her out of trouble and happy. I will cherish that memory of our last visit. Golden fall sunshine, the smell of apples, and love love love.

I love you much my dear Grandma.