Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Update

Well, I've had a bit of an emotional shift since my last post... after I wrote the post I was visiting with the Ohio Suite-Smiths who had returned to be with family. Tatum and Max had both fallen asleep watching a movie (they had been up since 2 am SLC time); but it was 1 o'clock or so and I just had the overwhelming feeling that I wanted to be somewhere else. I wanted to be at my grandmas... Even though there
really wasn't anything for me to do there; I just wanted to take in the experience. Danny was skiing, and so I was pretty much flying solo...

I went to her place and by the time I got there, it was less than 30 minutes later that she passed. I was in the room, with other family members by her beside. My mom was cheering her on as she labored for breath... "You can do it, Mom!" my mother whispered to her... and "Love at Home" was playing in the background.

And just before her final breath, she got a HUGE grin on her face... the kind she used to get when she'd see my grandpa.

I can honestly say that I have a huge testimony of eternal families and the life after.... it was amazing!!!


Anyway, a lot has happened since that Saturday a week ago... the funeral service was a week ago Wed. It was beautiful; I almost felt guilty crying because it was such a huge celebration of such an amazing lady.

I am so blessed...

So, I'll get back to the stories and tales of life with Mr. Mangum, but for now, just one more post about an amazing a life changing experience.

6 comments:

Marie {Make and Takes} said...

I am sorry for you Suite, but it seems a good thing for your Grandma. I love her smile as she seemed to be ready to see her eternal mate.

I love you and hope you are well.

Cicely said...

That was sweet Sabrena.

Shy Little Violets said...

K, this is a super emotional topic for me as i'm not sure how I feel about death. My sister has terminal cancer and is going to leave us soon and i'm so afraid of what I might feel. I'm so glad you shared this experience.

It's Melinda Ward from highschool, just thought i'd say hello and let you know I peek in on you from time to time. Love your hair, I did the same thing around the same time you did. Talk to you soon!

Sabrena Suite-Mangum said...

Hey You!
I am so glad you found me... I'm going to have a mini SHS reunion sometime, I'll have to get your info so we can keep in touch.

But I just want to let you know that I am so sorry to hear about your sister... I can't even pretend to imagine how difficult that must be. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry...

I think each of us look at death, and passing, differently. But I can just tell you from experience that there are people on the other side waiting for our loved ones... there's this poem that my father read to me years ago when I lost my other grandma... it's called "Gone from my Sight" I think, and it totally sums up how I feel about the whole process. Perhaps it might offer you some comfort. (I will try to track it down..)

Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you. As I said, you and your family will be in my prayers (and I ask any of those in the blogosphere that read this to do the same.)

suite

Shy Little Violets said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melissa: said...

Just beautiful Sabrena.