Bittersweet ending.

Getting the news of Grandma's death before school tonight left me trying to paint on a smile and trying to stay focused. My mom called me at 6:00 pm and said it's over. I'm convinced Ruth Rosalie Cox let go after learning of her late son, Edwin's, death last week and died of a broken heart. She lost her husband in '66 of a massive heart attack, outlived all of her siblings and 3 sons. She devoted her entire life to living the Gospel and performed more Temple work than all the LDS members I know combined. She raised 7 boys and loved all 37 grandchildren equally. Ruth Cox was proud to tell anyone who crossed her path about her seventy-something great-grandchildren. She taught me and many of her grandchildren how to quilt and in-turn she gave us an appreciation for it. I must teach my children about quilting in order to carry on her legacy. She will be missed immensely by all and I will treasure the love she gave me and the lessons she taught me. Thanks for being so special Grandma!

Saying goodbye to my Uncle Edwin & dealing with the passing of my dear Grandma Cox.

My Uncle Otis Edwin Cox passed early Wednesday morning last week at the age of 62. He was the 6th son born to Ruth and Otis Cox with my father being the 7th. He struggled with his health for the last 10 years or so. His ailments included emphysema and hemochromatosis which lead to major organ dysfunction. I was not close to him or any of my uncles for that matter, however, this is the 3rd uncle I have lost and it pains me to see my cousins hurt so badly. I cried today at the service for his 6 surviving children and Otis' grandchildren. I put my arm around a 7 year old boy named Cody, whom I'd just met before the service, because his little eyes cried and cried for his Grandpa. I cried about all the wonderful things said about my uncle and how it seemed he was very envolved with his immediate family. I cried when I heard he called my Grandma Cox (the Great-Link of the Cox family) every night to see how she was dispite how he felt. I found it very touching that the young son-in-laws felt compelled to say a word or two on the spot about how they would miss him and how he touched their lives. I am happy for my cousins Edwin Jr., Amy, the twins Cindy and Wendy, Tracy, and Becky. They have been blessed with a father that seemed he would give the shirt off his back for them and they have the many memories of the times he had.
Since my uncles death, my Grandma Cox's health has rapidly declined. Her mourning has set her passing in motion. My mom, Gabe Cox, stayed with her today while her cargiver, my Uncle Carson went to his brothers funeral. Carson is her eldest living son in his 70's and has waited on my Grandma hand and foot for many years now.
After the funeral today I learned that Hospice Crisis Care was called this morning and they will be with her until the end. I knew this time would come and I have had a long time to prepare myself for it but now that it's here I feel a great sadness and I'm finding it hard to stay as strong as she has always been. My Grandma is 91 and I'm off this evening to kiss her and hold her.

A Week with Paxman's

I think Beverly covered the trip but I have a few things to add. She forgot to mention all the baby animals Gretchen and I wanted to take home!

The softer side of Grant.

Gretchen and Baby Lamb.

This one's for Gram.

They did NOT want to bring these guys home from Bryce Canyon.

This baby was attached to me. I had no choice but to bring her home. Colorado River/Petra Beach.

The babies are so blonde!

Brielle Gretchen and Grant act like babies somethimes... Grand Canyon North Rim. (I loved the trees!)

I took over 200 pictures and this could go on for ever. Thank you Mom and Dad for taking us on the best whirlwind of our lives!