Monday, March 11, 2013

The World Lost a Great Lady Last Night

The world lost a GREAT lady last night - my sweet G'ma O.
Josephine Genevive Fogliani Oxborrow
November 27, 1914 to March 10, 2013, 98 years young.

The last time I saw her was three weeks ago today. John & I had gone down over Presidents Day weekend. We sat in the study with her just chatting about random things. I loved just chatting with her. John had to return home on Saturday evening. I stayed until Monday. Sunday night, I went up to her house with Mom to tuck her in and say good-night. When we opened her bedroom door, she was kneeling by her bed saying her nightly prayers. We closed the door. When she finished a minute later, she called for us to come in. I wish I could print on paper that picture in my mind of her on her knees. That was a tender moment for me; one I will always cherish.

This photo was taken August 13 and is the last photo I have with her. We've been down several times since then, but didn't take any more photos. Wish we had.

Here are some of my favorites:
 John snuggled up to G'ma. It was a mutual adoration between those two.
 Memorial Day weekend in Lund. She's stylin' in her pink and white.
 OXFEST 08 in Moab.
We rented an RV in July of 2009 and stopped in Mesquite en route to California. G'ma came out to inspect our rig.
 G'ma and her little dog Shadow.
 G'ma playing harmonica at her 95th birthday party, with all my brothers.
 Happy 95th G'ma.
I'm pretty sure G'ma and John were teasing each other about something right before this picture. He loved to tease her and she always had a quick response.
This picture was taken after an evening of listening to G'ma play the harmonica and her organ. Jake tried the harmonica too, which endeared him to G'ma.
After we rented a travel trailer and explored Utah, we ended our trip in Mesquite. G'ma in her classic pink striped shirt and sunglasses.
Like father, like son. Before he left on his mission, Jake wanted to visit G'ma one last time. I'm glad he'll always have this photo with her.
 Thanksgiving at G'ma O's house.
 My sweet grandmas.
I love this one of John helping G'ma up the stairs. This was one month before she fell and broke her leg and wrist.
 I blogged about spending the week with G'ma after her fall/surgery. I enjoyed every minute with her.
 I love how she's cradling John's face.
G'ma O - my champ and super hero. I love you. You will be missed!!!!!!!!

5 comments:

stars.for.asterisks said...

lovely photos! i only met her the one time, but i'm so glad i did. even after her fall she was smiling and cracking jokes. i wish i knew her better. <3

Matthew and Jill Smith Family said...

Michelle... that was the sweetest thing ever!! Glad you took the time to do that!

Rachel Lybbert said...

I'm so sorry, Michelle. I know how special she was to you. My prayers are with you and your family!

karen said...

Have you ever seen a hotter looking woman in her nineties? Me neither! She is the most beautiful woman and age did nothing to her. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside! Those three million herbal supplements and remedies had to of done something:) I will never forget going down to Mesquite to see my cousin and finding out he and your grandma were friends!

Jennifer P.S. said...

I remember you talking about her and visiting her when we were roommates--and bringing back delicious oranges from her house! I'm so sorry . . .