Summer Update on Glen!

I recently did a whole series on what my family is up to this summer and never got to Glen, so here is his update... (Other updates can be found here...   Ellie,   Adam, Emma,  Cami , Spencer)

Glen had a birthday in June and Emma made him this beautiful cake!   

White chocolate raspberry is one of his favorite flavor combinations and it was quite tasty!   

Most of my family are big Brandon Sanderson fans and Glen is no exception.  He doesn't have a lot of spare time for reading currently, so it took him a good 6 months to get through his latest, "Wind and Truth."  Glen was very proud and happy to finish up that 1500 page tome!  

Back in mid-June, Glen's family had an impromptu family reunion in Colorado!  His parents are both in failing health and when his family realized that a couple of the out of town siblings were going to be there at the same time, they decided to make it an official gathering and see if they could get the whole crew at once.   Most of his five siblings don't love to travel, so it had been 7 years since the last time they were all together and there was no way Glen was going to miss that!  He flew straight from a business trip in San Diego to Colorado for approximately 36 hours.  

They spent time at both their Mom's and Dad's homes...

And even recreated this iconic G family pyramid picture...old person style!   

Here's a grandkid version of it from the early 2000's.   

It sounded like the trip was a great experience and a joy for them to be all together again.  

In addition to the work and church stuff that keeps him busy on a day -to -day basis, he also still loves to fish, play Magic the Gathering with Spence and Adam (and Garrett when he's in town), go golfing when he's got a buddy to play with, play disc golf with Spence, and play Pokemon Go.  He's been playing Pokemon Go long enough that he's reached the top level and is basically an expert.   He also walks with me most mornings, which is a habit/tradition that I love...time to connect and exercise together at the same time!  

Glen's a good one and I'm glad he's mine!  

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Back to Reality

Alas, after all the excitement of August and early September ended, real life hit hot and heavy!    Here are a few of the lowlights (along with corresponding photos)...

1.  After less than two weeks at home with us, it was time for BYU to begin and for  Adam to get  settled into his apartment. That itself wasn't bad, but his time at home was just too short and  included forking out boatloads of money to buy a computer, phone, new shoes, and all the other stuff he didn't have or need for the last two years.  Plus tuition, rent, and all that kind of good stuff.  Yes, we are feeling a little cash poor now. 

2.  A bad haircut for Denali.  We let her get matted once again (bringing her to Idaho contributed pretty significantly to that) and the groomer had to shave her. I daresay she was mad at us afterward and kept giving us the side-eye!    Curly haired dogs that don't shed are not for the lazy! 

3. Adam getting a kidney stone (yes, really) the first week of school.  We think it had to do with the fact that he was on a bike the last transfer of his mission, which meant he was chronically a bit under-hydrated.  Add to that that he ran a half-marathon and climbed Mount Timp within 2 weeks of being home and we think he just overtaxed his body.  It was a ROUGH first week and half of school until he finally passed it.   Poor kid!  You are definitely not supposed to get kidney stones when you're not even 22 yet!    (the picture is of me holding up the strainer I got from Dollar Tree to help catch the stone)

4.  Glen spent a week in Colorado to help his Mom, who was in rehab recovering from a fall she'd recently had,  and he ALSO got a kidney stone.  Totally not kidding.  It had probably been 15ish years since his last one, so this was completely unexpected and somewhat ironic timing getting it so close to Adam's.  He was MISERABLE and yes, that would be two ER trips in 2 weeks' time...how exciting.   Thankfully we have better insurance with  his new job, so that's good at least. 

5. A weird eye thing for me--going on two weeks now.  I can't wear any make-up or moisturizer without irritating it more, so it's getting annoying and a little embarrassing.  I *think* it may be caused by using a vitamin C serum I got on clearance at Costco, but it hasn't gone away yet after not using it (or any products) for several days, so who knows?!   

Don't worry...more updates coming soon....

My Dad: Moments Not to Forget

Early in June, my Dad was placed on hospice care.

This move was emotionally wrenching and somewhat unexpected, but ultimately proved to be a blessing for my family.   The hospice company provided items that made him staying at home more comfortable than it would have been otherwise and it was a relief not have to take him back and forth to the hospital so regularly.    In addition, the nurse's and CNA's regular visits to help with his care significantly reduced the day-to-day burden of those living at my parents' house. 

In the weeks following the hospital stay when  the doctor first suggested that he be placed on hospice care, my Dad's health seemed to improve.  For the next few weeks, he had more energy and was more interactive than he'd been in a long time.   Our family gathered together for Father's Day, presented him with a booklet of memories and notes that people had sent to him, and took family pictures.   It was a tender time and we were grateful to be able to spend that time together.  

Shortly thereafter, the out-of-towners went home and our daily lives kicked into full gear.   I had YW camp and a roadtrip to Alabama with Cami that kept me busy, but I helped  my Mom research and decide on a funeral home, helped facilitate communication with my Dad's family, and helped in person as much as I possibly could.  

On Thursday, July 7th I took off with Cami and Lucie to Alabama.   These pictures were taken the morning I left and were the last pictures I have of him awake...

  Along the way, we stopped in Denver to visit Glen's family....

 

and in Oklahoma City to visit my Uncle Bobby and Aunt Mary...

  I kept in touch with my family several times a day along the way.  On Friday, the report was that he was eating better and actually keeping food down.   They were hopeful that this might help his energy level.  However, on Saturday, they reported that he had a low-grade fever and seemed fatigued. We arrived to Birmingham on Saturday night, still hopeful that the fever was a fluke and that he'd bounce back.   Then on Sunday, things started going downhill quickly.  I enjoyed being in Birmingham with Cami, Lucie, and Garrett as much as I could, but I was starting to get worried about him passing while I was away. 

On Monday, things were even worse.  He'd started experiencing some pain (something  that had been only fleeting up until that point) and the pain meds were knocking him out so much that he was barely waking at all. It was a catch-22. Every time they reduced the meds, he moaned in pain.   With the meds, he slept peacefully, but wouldn't eat or drink.  I was scheduled to come home on Tuesday anyway, but moved my ticket up a few hours to get home as soon as I could. 

I arrived to the SLC airport on Tuesday afternoon, at the same time as my sister, Kristina, arriving from California.  We rushed to see my Dad.  We were relieved to have arrived when we did, but, unfortunately, we were never able to interact with him again.   He looked like he'd aged 20 years in the four days I'd been gone and it honestly didn't even look like Dad anymore.  It was clear the end was close.  We stayed nearby him that evening and talked as a family (everyone but Pete and Matt were there).  He now required round-the-clock care with someone to shift his position, check his oxygen levels and heartrate,  and administer medications when necessary.  Kristina and I decided we'd take the next night's shift, so we headed home to get a good night's rest that night.   Neither of us slept much.

I got the phone call the next morning that he'd passed around 6:40am.  😢

Next came the real whirlwind.  I accompanied my Mom to the funeral home we'd picked out to work out all the details. I wrote the obituary (with the input of several of my siblings).  I helped my Mom dress my Dad for the casket. I created and printed the funeral programs. I wrote and delivered a talk at the funeral.   And I didn't sleep much.

  Here are some of the  moments I don't want to forget:  

• The night before his funeral, there was a gorgeous full double rainbow visible from my house and my parents' house.  It totally felt like a love note from Dad. 💗
  
  
  
  
  

• My kids were able to gather from their various locations and be present for a few hours for the funeral. Cami and Lucie flew in from Birmingham.  Spence took the day off of work and came up.  Adam took a day off from his FSY counselor job and we picked him up from Ephraim.  Ellie was a participant at FSY at BYU for the week, so we checked her out for the day and brought her home.  Emma is still home with us for another couple weeks before fall semester at BYU begins, so she was the only one who didn't have far to come. 
  
  
  

• All 18 grandkids (and Lucie) sang, "Families Can Be Together Forever" and Lucie had a huge smile and waved at people the whole way through.   She was quite the charmer and it was light-hearted levity for a serious occasion. {I really, really wish we had a picture of this}
  

• My talk was entitled, "Life Lessons I Learned from My Dad." I was the last family speaker and a lot of my content was mentioned by other people before I got to it, thus I was tasked with trying to think on my feet and embellish on what I'd written down.  Thinking on my feet is NOT my strong suit, but I think it went okay.

• Emma sang, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and did an absolutely beautiful job! 

• Glen and Tom sang, "The Lord is My Shepherd."   It was a lovely arrangement and they did great!
  
  
• Cami gave the closing prayer in French.  My Dad  always loved to hear people pray in their mission languages and I think he would have LOVED it! 
  

• The funeral went longer than we expected, but it was great to hear from so many people sharing memories of him. 

• The cemetery where he was buried was literally across the street from the church where his funeral service was held. 
  
  
• I loved how the programs turned out.  I didn't think I would have the time to make them myself, but ultimately I knew I would be disappointed by anyone else making them.   It was therapeutic to step away from writing my talk and the busy-ness for a bit and use my creative side. 
  
  
• His casket was BYU blue and had BYU emblems along the side.  It was very Dad and we know he would have approved (though he was 100% in denial that he was dying until a few days before he passed). 
  
  

• My Dad served in the US Army when I was a small child and was given military honors at his burial.  Military honors meant a flag was draped over his casket that was then folded and presented to Mom; they also played Taps and did a 21-gun salute.  This was a very meaningful experience and I think it meant a lot to my Mom and all of us kids.
  
  
  
  
• Right before the military did the 21-gun salute at the burial, Isaiah (my 6-year-old nephew) asked loudly and with great concern in his voice, "Why are they going to shoot Grandpa?!"   😆
  
  

• A luncheon was held at the church after the burial.  The food was delicious and, very fittingly, they served Mountain Dew for the drinks.
  
  
  
  
• It was amazing to see so many long-lost friends and relatives in the few weeks before he passed and at the funeral.  There were some I don't think I'd seen in 30-ish years or so.  These visits lit my Dad up like a little kid and we loved seeing him joke around and reminisce with old friends.  
  Brother Charlesworth was from our ward in Minnesota...
  
  

• I've had a house full of guests (I think we were up to 18 at one point) and, though my house is a disaster, it was a delight to have so many loved ones surrounding us during this crazy time.  Our house is just starting to empty out now and it feels too quiet.  
  

• My Mom and sister have been sick.   I think they were running on adrenaline for so long and now that that's worn off, their bodies are crying out for rest. 

We've appreciated every card, every text (even if I haven't responded), every FB message, and every hug.  Thank you to so many who have extended their love to us at this time.

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Here are a few more pictures we don't want to get lost in the shuffle: 

The flowers my Mom received...

Maybe the last picture with Dad, Matt, and Pete...

Great-Uncle Nate and Lucie

Lauren, Emma, Mom, Ellie, and McKenzie

The viewing... we thought the world map hanging there was very appropriate.   

My Mom and her sisters...

Glen's brother came to the funeral and his Dad drove in from Denver for it...

I LOVE this picture of Spence and I from right after the burial...

Lucie saying goodbye to Adam for the next two years.  Adam leaves on his mission in about 3-weeks. 

Another "see you in two" picture....

Adam was only home for a few hours before he needed to get back to his FSY counselor job, but that didn't stop him from putting together some Legos with his cousin, Jesus! 

 

We love having young nieces and nephews to dote on...

 

 

 After the luncheon was over, we took Ellie back to Provo and Adam back to Ephraim. 

Emma bidding Cami and Lucie farewell before they took off back to Alabama....

Our last family pictures--taken Father's Day 2022...

Stephen Crain

1949-2022

WE MISS YOU, DAD!

Between Alaska and Camp

 Letter to Cami:   June 25, 2017

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Hi, Cami!

How has your week been? Are you back up and running with a new ipad yet? Hopefully you've been able to see the photos and videos we've shared over the last couple of weeks. If not, let me know what the last thing you got was and we will try to re-upload whatever you didn't receive.

So, we can't wait to hear about this upcoming transfer. We assume that you'll likely stay there since Soeur Wadsworth is going home and you're a STL, but who knows? Let me know if you think I should send all of your letters to the mission home this week just to be safe. I already mentioned this in my previous email, but please also let me know where you'd like me to send your next package to and if there's anything specific you'd like me to include in it. I can wait to send it until you hear officially where you'll be.

Dad's at the cabin in Idaho this weekend. It's been a little sad not to have him home on his birthday, but I think he's really enjoying the time he's been able to spend with his siblings. He comes home tomorrow.

 

Adam heads to scout camp bright and early tomorrow morning. Emma goes up to YW camp tomorrow afternoon and Ellie and I head up on Tuesday! It should be a fun week full of camping. I'm happy at least that the weather forecast doesn't look too horrible for my 5th YW camp in a row!

It was fun to officially meet Madeleine M. on Thursday.

 

 I felt bad because the only day she was available was the day our AC was getting replaced, which meant we were stuck at home in a stiflingly hot house, but she was a good sport and came anyway. She is beautiful and very prim and proper and we loved her British/French accent. She is doing much better health-wise and actually attended Julliard part-time this past semester. Apparently she still has to undergo regular treatment for her AML and travels back-and-forth quite a bit for that, but it was great to see her healthy enough for a visit! Spencer seemed to really enjoy meeting her too, and I enjoyed seeing Spence act "grown up" in her presence.

Here's your weekly update on everyone:


Dad--got home from Alaska, got sick with a bad cold (which made it hard for him to breathe), worked his tail off for two days, then took off for Idaho. We've seen very little of him this past week and will see even less of him this upcoming week. :( Hopefully it'll be a bit quieter after camps are over.

Me--I got all excited to start cooking again when we got home from vacation, but unfortunately the only thing cooking was us! Our AC broke while we were on vacation and it was 85° in here when we got home. It was a loooooooong couple of roasty toasty days, in which I forbade anyone from turning on the oven or stove. We've had a few homecooked meals since it was fixed on Thursday night, but I daresay our kitchen is feeling somewhat neglected currently.

Spence--I think he really enjoyed Alaska. He's been playing a lot of video games since he's been home and seemed to really enjoy Madeleine's visit on Thursday. He needs a purpose.

Emma--She loved Alaska and missed cooking even more than I did. When I finally gave the green light for using the stove/oven again, she went on a cooking super spree. She not only planned the menu for the next few days, but she also went to the grocery store and did all the shopping herself, and she's been making every item of food herself (until tonight, when I finally got to make something).

Adam--He's always been pretty mature for his age, but recently he's been extra mature. He still loves to make sure everyone is following the rules, including being the main enforcer of Ellie's medicine intake, but he also is calm and likes to make sure things are running smoothly. He doesn't complain when we ask him to help out and I've gotten several compliments lately on how mature/helpful he is. He's also quite the calm social presence as well. He's not girl-crazy, but loves to go to every dance and ask girls to dance for every slow song. He's also good at recruiting his friends to come and ask girls too.

Ellie--As usual, she's growing up fast. You will be surprised at how grown up she is when you get home. She talks about fashion and boys and music, and all other sorts of teen-agey type of things to talk about. She's also still a little obsessed with her dystopian novel du jour, which means we hear all about Divergent too! She wears high heels to church (now that her feet are SIZE 9!!!!!!) and loves to curl her hair.  

We love you and hope you're having a wonderful week! I was happy to hear that G. was happy with his MCAT score! Hope they're having a great trip to Italy!

LOVE YOU!!!!!

Love,
Mom


Here are another couple of random photos:

This one was taken on a Saturday morning hike with AnnaLisa from Carderock to Great Falls and back (about 7 miles).    

 

 

This was at a little swimming hole we went to with friends....