Life is a Fragile Thing

What a week for our family. Less than a week after my last post about Memorial Day my sweet Grandma Miller passed away. It was one of those bitter sweet experiences. Of course it's hard for us to see my Grandpa be alone and we feel selfish for a bit and feel sad that she won't be around. More importantly though--we are all relieved that she is now out of a tremendous amount of pain. My Grandma Miller is one of those people who for an unknown reason to us right now has had to endure extreme physical trials throughout her life. She has been a hero of mine for truly enduring to the end when the end just never seemed to come!

We had some time the weekend before she died to spend with her while she was lucid and talkative (somewhat). It was good to have that memory of her: sense of humor FULLY in tact and heckling the physical therapist. Literally, less than 2 days before she died she was still using one of her greatest spiritual gifts: her humor. I'll always admire her for that. It's easy to become depressed with her type of chronic pain...but I think her humor kept her sane for all these years.

I had a very special experience with her on Sunday night and when I left the hospital I was filled with the Spirit knowing that I wouldn't see her again in this life but that it would be okay. I'm glad I heeded the prompting to go see her one last time. I can't imagine the regret that would have followed as I wondered why I felt like I should go visit her again. What a great moment we shared together. I will always treasure that as one of the sweetest experiences of my life. It's not something I would throw out there into blogging land because it's so sacred to me but it's something I'll share with Cole some day.

Her funeral service was absolutely perfect. The Spirit was so strong and there was a general understanding among everyone who was there that she was with us in spirit and was finally pain FREE. I think most of the emotion I felt at the funeral was one of an outpouring of the Heavenly Father's love for his children and of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How grateful I am for the knowledge we have that we'll see Grandma Miller again. She'll be as funny as ever and she will be waiting for us with open arms.

We've tried explaining to Cole to the best of his understanding where Grandma Miller is now and that she is safe and healthy and happy. He still prays for her every night and it's so sweet.

I have no doubt that because the Savior Jesus Christ made it possible for us to return to our Heavenly Father, everyone will have the gift of the Resurrection. Whether or not we end up with Him in the end is up to us...but are all given the chance. I think everyone needs things like this in their lives once in a while to keep their perspective in check. Our time on earth is so short. It seems so consuming and definitive but there truly is so much more. So much to look forward to and to work towards.

Goodbye for now, Grandma. Until we meet again. I love you.

Ila June Lloyd Miller
Ila June Lloyd Miller 1930 ~ 2009 Ila June Lloyd Miller, 78, passed away June 1, 2009 in Bountiful, UT.Born June 14, 1930 in Sutherland, UT, to Myrtle Carter and Allen Lloyd. A member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Served a mission for the Family History Center in Salt Lake City. Married William Russell Miller, Sept. 7, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple. Five children: Allan (Dorothy), Colleen Cole (Scott), Gary (Laurie), Christy and Craig (Gina). Survived by her husband and children, 16 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Blanche Parry and Gloria Jeppson; brothers Eugene, Eldon, Robert and Melvin. Preceded in death by parents, Allen W Lloyd and Myrtle Carter, sister Margaret Lea, and brothers, Clark, Delbert and Dean. Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 5, at 11 a.m., at the Orchard 10th Ward Chapel, 3317 South 800 West, Bountiful, UT 84010. Viewing Thursday June 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment at the Tooele City Cemetery. Directors Independent Funeral Service.