March 22, 2020, was a very bittersweet day. As you know, that was the day we blessed our girls. As the day progressed, we found ourselves in a heart breaking moment in time. That day we lost an incredible soul. Grandma Luana, Nate’s grandma, was the sweetest, caring, very stubborn but very inspired, hysterical, determined, loving over all, women I have ever known.
When I first met grandma, she welcomed me with open arms into the family, literally. She was a hugger. LOVED to give hugs! She always reminded me of my Grandma Joanne, and if anyone knows mine and my grandma’s relationship, knows how deeply I love and care for her. That is exactly how I feel about GG Luana. My heart just breaks knowing that She won’t be walking through the front door of my in-laws house anymore. It’s extremely surreal.
I have only known her for the last 10 years but my life has been heavily influenced by her since day one. I have so many memories of GG. Disneyland, camping up at the property, our cruise, all through Nate’s mission, family dinners, all major family events. She barely missed anything, she was always there. One that stands out in my mind is when we were having family dinner at Rob & Natalie’s house and Sawyer and Gage climbed up on GG’s lap and she started reading them a story and all of them were just laughing away! The boys really loved GG and her wonderful kookiness!
She adored the twins. Absolutely ADORED them. I can’t even tell you how many times that I would walk in the room and find Jordie snuggling up to GG. And She would always be able to put Lex to sleep, even when I couldn’t. She definitely had that magic touch. For every great grandchild she crocheted blessing bibs, crocheted collars and painted onesies. Everything was so unique and original from her.
My favorite of all time are the Christmas ornaments that she tatted (a lost art) that I am grateful I get to display every year.
In 2015, Nate’s family, with GG, came to spend Thanksgiving with us down in AZ. One of our friends that we met while we were living there didn’t have any plans for the holiday so he came and had Thanksgiving dinner with all of us. Just the other day, He was talking to my husband when he heard the news and he described her perfectly. He said that she was hilarious and so loving. That’s exactly who she was. She loved everyone from the moment she met them, it didn’t matter who it was! Her contagious laugh and smile will be missed so much!
Another fun fact! She also made the best Lemon Meringue Pies. Nate absolutely loved them! I was eager to have Grandma teach me her ways this summer and make these pies and it breaks my heart that she physically won’t be here to do that. Hopefully she will be watching over me when I try and get through that process! 🤞🏼🤞🏼
But overall, her love for the gospel, for her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ was absolutely inspiring. She ate, slept and breathed the teachings of Christ. And her personality would prove that. She has so many perspectives, knew so much about the gospel, and loved to share His words to anyone and everyone. She was so passionate. Truly something I strive for and sometimes struggle with, but it all came so natural to her. She had an amazing spirit. I take great pride in knowing that we will see her again; Families are eternal.
We will soon lay her to rest. It will never be goodbye. She is still so close, just beyond the veil and will live forever in our hearts. 💕
Until we meet again GG! 🌈🌟 We love you so much!
Create your own sunshine ☀️
Love always, Britt 💋
Simply Staker's 