Grandpa Eugene Grant "Mo" Morris holding me when I was just a baby, January 7, 1980
Grandma Alice Jean Gardner Morris holding me that same day
We had a wonderful lesson in Relief Society today that brought back a memory that I haven't thought about in a long time. Since this is my journal these days, I thought I'd share it here. Hopefully I never forget this wonderful experience.
In the summer of 1999 my grandfather was very sick. He had been in and out of the hospital a few times, I believe he had problems with his kidneys. As I was still "a kid," much of what was going on wasn't shared with me, but I know my family was very worried. I remember going to visit Grandpa & Grandma that summer. Going there was usually a very fun experience, because Grandma spoiled us...there was always treats and small gifts, and so many fun things to look at. This time was the hardest time being there that I remember. Grandpa was very sick, and when we went in his room to see him, that wasn't my grandpa lying in the bed. He was so sick that he couldn't even talk to us. It seemed that he didn't even know that we were there. I remember that my uncle Bruce came over at the same time, bringing Grandpa Gatorade, and my dad and Bruce decided to give Grandpa a blessing. I don't remember the blessing at all, but the experience changed my life. After the blessing, Grandpa came back. He was able to sit up and talk to us. What had started out a very grim visit turned into a delightful one, being able to see Grandpa have some strength. I know with all my heart that the Priesthood power that my dad and Bruce hold gave my Grandpa that strength to give us that chance to be with him that day, and I'm so thankful for that power from God. I know that God bestows the Priesthood to all men who are worthy enough to use it the way he desires, and after this experience I can attest that I have seen that power with my own eyes, and it really works.
We left Grandpa & Grandma's house in much better spirits. About a week later the extended family gathered in Page, Arizona for our yearly Lake Powell trip. We had all debated about whether or not to go with Grandpa being so sick. This was one of the first times Grandpa couldn't go, and it was bittersweet as Lake Powell was a favorite for him. We all decided that Grandpa would want us to go, and our Uncle Mike & Aunt Mindy stayed behind to help take care of him and to be there for Grandma. We appreciated this, because they loved Powell just as much as all of us. My dad and us 4 kids drove most of the night and slept the rest of it in the car, and that Saturday morning we met up with the rest at a family at the motel they were staying in. I remember I was so excited to see my cousins, and perplexed by the sad look on their faces when I saw them. We were devastated to find out that our beloved Grandpa Mo had passed away the night before. We all wanted to turn around and head home, but the decision was made, with Mike & Mindy's encouragement, to stay and make the best out of the week, as a tribute to Grandpa. It was a wonderful week. We did do the usual water sports and games, but what made it so memorable is how much we talked about Grandpa and shared memories. We have so many, with lots of them at Lake Powell. It was like a week long memorial service. We did leave a bit early and head to California for the memorial and burial. It was a blessing to be with family at such a time.
We have a loving Heavenly Father, who knows us each by name, and takes care of us. He extends tender mercies to us so that we can endure the trials and tribulations of this life. I am so thankful that I was able to witness the power of God on behalf of my Grandpa, and to see him strong one last time before he returned to Heavenly Father. I'm thankful for the divine design of families to help us get through the difficult times. I'm thankful for the knowledge of the plan of salvation, and to know with a surety that I will see my Grandpa and Grandma again, as well as all my beloved family members who have already left this mortal existence. I am so thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brings me so much joy and peace.
I love you very much, Grandpa and Grandma Morris, and I will be with you again in a season.
When I think of this time, I also think of my aunt Mindy. She is the baby girl of the family and therefore has the closest relationship with her parents, in my opinion. She was there when Grandpa passed away, she took care of Grandma for many years, and she still takes care of her baby brother, amazing Uncle Brent, who has Downs Syndrome. She has always been "Fun Aunt Mindy" to all of us cousins and I just wanted to tell her much I love her!
Mindy with me and my cousins Scott & Jason, 1981If anyone who reads this can remember any more details about this time, I would appreciate you sharing them in the comments or email me. My memory is not always very reliable, and I know that I have forgotten a lot. Thank you.
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