Sacramento

The passing of Ryan's dad was a blessing. He has been so ill for so long. But, it is difficult to lose your dad, even when it is past time. Neil was a fantastic father and grandfather. I see so many similarities to Ryan. Two of my favorite things about Ryan are his sense of humor and his work ethic, which I am sure he either inherited or learned from his dad.

Neil was special to me, too. He married and sealed Ryan to me in the temple. He had just been diagnosed with alzheimer's (which later was changed to dementia), but was still able to perform the ceremony, and did so beautifully. He also made the trip to Utah later to witness Emily's sealing. Neil and Cherry made considerable sacrifice to be with us that weekend, and I have very fond memories of the time they spent in our home.

The sadness I feel mostly is for Ryan to lose his dad. And for my children to have not known their amazing grandfather. He will be missed.

Grandpa Neil's services were held in Sacramento. We went up last Tuesday and stayed in a two bedroom suite at the Residence Inn. Totally worth the splurge because everybody slept great. All Ryan's siblings were reunited for the first time since Grandpa's 80th birthday party in Columbus, Ohio, nearly 5 years ago. It was so fun to be together! Grandma Cherry took my hand and said "I just thank Neil for bringing all my sweet children to me." It reminded me we need to make more effort to be with her,  especially now that she has lost her sweetheart. She told the bishop who conducted Neil's funeral that Neil had been a "pefect husband". They had such a beautiful relationship. Truly celestial. I admire them so much.