A Loss In the Family

I just wanted to post and let you all know that our Grandma Leppert passed away on Saturday, February 28th, at approximately 7:30 pm. She was at home and surrounded by part of the family. It was a comfortable and quiet passing.

As the family gathered together tonight to plan for the funeral service, we were discussing some things that had happened surrounding her passing. Unfortunately, we were out of town for another obligation, but just hearing of it gave us comfort.

Just before Grandma passed on, Michelle (a cousin of ours, also an NAC) had been taking care of her. She had gone in frequently to check on Grandma, and she would just sit there and be with her. On one check, she apparently came out of the room in a hurry, which is when the rest of the family present knew she was gone. She said that at that moment, when she walked into the room, she saw for just a fleeting moment Grandpa Leppert sitting next to Grandma. He was there to take her home. :)

Also, Deniez (daughter of Grandma Leppert), said she saw what she thought to be smoke in the doorway to Grandma's room. She later realized it was her parents leaving together. :)

Today at church, Shauna said that Grandma was there with her. Rob (Shauna's fiance) said that he saw Grandma and knew that she is comfortable where she is.

All of these miraculous things happened, and it just confirms exactly what I know to be true. I know that we can be families forever. The end of life does not signify the end of relationships. I know that I will see her again, as well as the rest of those who have passed on before me. I am so incredibly lucky to have that comfort in my life, to know that Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us. And best of all, I get to be with my husband and daughter (and hopefully more children, if we're blessed with more) for eternity. I know unequivically that the gospel is true, and that we have a prophet on the Earth today, President Thomas S. Monson, and that he leads the church as Heavenly Father desires.

Though Grandma Leppert will be missed, I know that she is always with us. She and Grandpa are out making the rounds now. :)

She was so humble! Prior to her death, she expressed some fear and hesitation of dying. She said that she did not feel worthy to receive celestial glory. She is one of the most worthy people I have ever known, and it struck me that she was so humble about her impending departure. She faithfully attended the temple when physically able, she paid her tithing, she was sealed to her family in the temple, the list goes on! Even still, she thought she wasn't worthy. However, I know that she and Grandpa Leppert will be with us in the temple. :) I had the distinct impression tonight while at her house that George and I need to make our temple attendance more of a priority, and to go more often. Life always has a way of getting in the way (Satan, anyone??), but we have to just push him out of our way and not make excuses for why we're too busy.

Funeral services for Grandma Leppert will be this Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 at the Sitka chapel (808 E. Sitka). Viewing will be at 10:30 am in the Relief Society room. I have been asked to help dress her prior to the viewing. I'm sure this will be a tough task, but I'm so grateful that I was asked by my mother-in-law. There's nowhere else I'd rather be than with her at that time. What a humbling experience!

So, if you had the privilege of knowing Helen LaVoy Leppert, or even if you didn't, please feel free to come join us on Saturday to share in her love. If you didn't know her, you sure missed out!! :)

We love you, Nana!

This is Grandma Leppert holding Madeleine at her blessing on June 4, 2006. Madeleine was #27 great-grandchild for her, and she called her #27. Because she had over 30 greats, she called them all by number because names were difficult to recall. LOL