Grandma Dodee

I've been trying to write this post for a number of days but just can't seem to find the right words to begin.

My Dad's mom, whom we call Dodee, passed away on March 9th. She had cancer of her blood cells, and was diagnosed a little over two years ago. She was given one to two years to live at that time. She lived a little over the maximum amount of time, and lived well. 

The Monday before she passed away she walked into the Doctor's office and was told there was nothing left to do for her. They gave her three to four weeks, she lived five more days. We all agreed that Dodee doesn't like to sit still, she's busy. So I don't think she would have put up with a drawn out process at the end...to many things to get to on the other side.

Dodee (and Papa) lived a full life. Never ceasing to serve everyone in their pathway. Two days before she passed, Dodee's bishop visited her. She said, "Bishop, I hope you're not here to release me from my calling." Three weeks ago, Dodee was serving in the temple. The night she came home from the Doctor, knowing she was going to die soon, she got to work putting together a menu for the next single's dinner; which wasn't for another month but she wanted to make sure she passed the torch to the next leader with as little stress as possible. I share these experiences because this describes Dodee's life. I have watched her throw party after party, visit the elderly, constantly serving others, for so many years. She found the meaning of life and she found it through giving of herself to others. 

I love Dodee and I miss her greatly. I'm so grateful to be her grand-daughter, to be able to benefit from the legacy she has left us. To follow her example and walk the path that ultimately our Savior walked.

Lastly, I'm so grateful that my parents were able to help me get to Utah. To echo what my brother said, some of the most spiritual experiences have been my two grandparents funerals. No better time to renew perspective and strengthen our desire to live more righteously.

My sis Erika, cousins Brooke and Jamie.

Every December, Dodee hosted a bake day for the ladies in the family. We made hundreds (to add to the 6,000 she made) of cookies. We all went home with enough to give away to neighbors and friends. In Dodee's obituary, the last line read, "...in lieu of flowers, bake some cookies and give them away."

So we thought it would be a good idea, in lieu of the grandchildren's flower arrangement, to bake cookies for the guests at the viewing. It was a fun way for us cousins to reminisce the many memories baking with Dodee, and to share her tradition with others.

At the viewing with my amazing Papa. I just wanted to hug him constantly. He's such a great guy!

 I don't know why but every time I watch the pallbearer's, I'm a bit overwhelmed. I just love
seeing these men perform this last service for their loved one. 

My immediate family doesn't get together very often. It was great to be with everyone,
missing Amber Lee and kids, Chad, and Doug and my kids.

I love this picture so much. Papa and all his kids.

Ended the day of the funeral exactly how Dodee would have wanted to. The family got together at Trent and Amy's where we were able to hang out with cousins we haven't been able to spend time with in such a long time. 

My wonderful parents.

My Dad at Dodee's grave. My heart just aches for him.

Dodee cookies for the guests at the viewing.

We attended the temple Friday afternoon.  We only have one more sibling to join us in the temple!
This was special because Dodee and Papa served in the Jordan River Temple every Friday since 1998.
No better place to feel closer to Dodee and to end off our week to celebrate her life.

My sweet Grandma Hammond opened her home to our whole family and we barely got to see her.
Very happy to have her attend the temple with us. I love Grannie Rae.