Saying Goodbye to Grandma Pratt

On Sunday July 3rd my beautiful Grandma, Elizabeth Lane Pratt, passed away unexpectedly due to complications from diabetes.

This is me with her and my Grandpa when I was Teya's age.

My Grandma moved from Virginia out to Utah when I was 4 or 5 and lived less than 10 minutes from us all growing up.  We would go to visit her almost every Sunday and spent just about every Christmas eve, Thanksgiving, Easter and 4th of July I can remember at her house. She was my grandma and the embodiment of everything that makes the word grandma dear and special.

I loved her house, I loved her cooking. I loved her hugs, they were full bodied and completely enveloped me. I loved sleeping over at her house and seeing her in her pretty night gowns. I loved that she shared my affection for fudge and Breyer's ice cream. I loved how she made everything so beautiful. 

She moved back to Virginia a few years after Taber and I got married and the last time I saw her was about 5 or 6 years ago at my sister's wedding. Still, even at 71 she was active on Facebook and faithfully read my blog, leaving comments and always making me feel loved and cared about.

 This is a picture of her and my Grandpa taken about 10 months ago. He is 20 years older than her and never imagined she'd leave this earth before he did. He is heartbroken without her but I know that this time apart will make their reunion that much sweeter when they are together again in heaven.

 I was able to fly out for the funeral and I'm so glad I could be there with my mom and so many of our family to say goodbye.

My mom and her siblings did an amazing job putting together the funeral and everything went perfectly.

 Two of my sisters were also able to fly out from Utah and the three of us sang together at the funeral. This is us with my cousin Ricky that I haven't seen in 17 years. It was so nice to see all of our Virginia relatives.

 And this is us with Ricky and Mckenna, my aunt's gorgeous little daughter she adopted 2 years ago. It was my first time meeting her and she is such a sweet and darling little lady.

 Also got to see my cousin Jackie who lived with us in Utah for a a couple years when I was 12. I haven't seen or talked to her in 17 years as well so it was a sweet and tear filled reunion.

I was only there for 2 days but I'm so glad I got to see everyone and give my grandpa loves and hugs.

 Also glad my aunts and uncles and mom and sisters got to see this little guy. He was a ray of sunshine during a difficult time and everybody enjoyed his cheesy smiles and squishy chubs. 

getting held by Aunite Sarah

Loves from my mom and Aunt Cathy

I'm so so glad I got to be there to say goodbye and soak in the warmth and love from my amazing family in Virginia. I'll miss you Grandma. I'm glad I know I'll see you again. Until then, all my love.