GFSRM

So, it's been a while. I have all intentions to update my blog posts from all the fun things we have been doing. Unfortunately Brandon is studying a LOT these days and his computer is the one with the pictures. So right now while he was distracted I stole it.

Yesterday I received the very VERY sad news that Grandpa Murphy passed away earlier that morning. I was supposed to run 10 miles, but had to cut it short after 5.6 because I wasn't feeling well. Maybe it was the pepper jack cheese I ate right beforehand, but I think it was a tiny tender mercy. Brandon had just picked me up and I was stepping into the car as my dad called. So I was able to be with Brandon and Cora instead of running on the trail. I had just gotten an email the night before about his health, and I thought "I need to call them this weekend". I'm so sorry I didn't get to say goodbye, but it seemed to be pretty quick and painless.

Grandpa's death embodies the hope we have in the resurrection and the plan of salvation. Ever since his stroke in 2004, his body and mind haven't been the same. I was just telling Brandon the other day that I remember him talking on the phone with my mom and dad about the business trips he would go on, and trips to other countries. While he tried to keep his mind active after the stroke, it wasn't the same. We hope and trust that now that he is freed from his imperfect body, he will feel more like himself. He can walk and run with the best of them now, and kneel without crushing his granddaughter (one of my more painful and funny memories of him). He got to see his mom and dad (I have vague memories of great grandpa Murphy), and he is probably up there giving all of our future kids advice. Cora woke up at like 4 AM Saturday morning laughing and talking to herself, and we said maybe she was talking to her friend as he went.

I LOVED that we got to spend a week with them in Utah in September. I was worried that Cora would be super underfoot, and get annoying. It's hard to have a little person around that much when you aren't used to them, trust me I have felt that way. But Cora and Grandpa just clicked! I have a few cute videos of them talking to each other. He even chased her a few times with his wheelchair, which was always terrifying to me knowing her tendency to stumble. But obviously nothing happened. They had a long talk one day, Cora just telling him everything about her day and he just soaked it in. I was so happy that they got along so well.

 Of course Cora was a stinker in the pictures... I'll tease her about this later.

I wish Grandpa could be around to spend time with more of our kids, but he needed to be rid of his body. He's free now, and Grandma told us to not be sad anymore and I am trying so hard! I will miss him, but we have so so so many memories of him to keep him going. I'll write up a list of them soon.

We love you grandma and grandpa! Keep stirring things up in heaven, and tell our kids that they can choose whatever major they want.