In Loving Memory of my Grandma

Helen Morris Bell 1923 - 2009

This post is in memory of my grandma, Helen Morris Bell. She passed away Saturday, January 17th. My grandma was an amazing woman. She lived a long, fulfilling life that was full of love. These are some things that I remember and love about my Grandma:

Her sweet hugs
Christmas at her house when we were little-- I got my 3rd Cabbage Patch doll there-- a boy!
The way her grass (California grass) was different than Utah grass
The green cuckoo clock in her kitchen and the green hanging lamp in her living room.
The roses in her yard and the impeccable-ness of her yard
Her 'pink' bathroom and the 'jewels' on the back splash in her tub
The shag carpet in her bedrooms
The way she would ooohh and sigh hard, after a good laugh
Bubble gum in her purse every time she came to visit
Crossword puzzles- she loved them! I inherited this love of doing crossword puzzles from her and have a book with me every time we take a road trip
Her roast dinners every Sunday we were there to visit
Her being so proud every time we went to church with her when we came to visit
Her handwriting and her letters-- she always made cute little smiley faces
Her voice; and her saying, "Bye-bye sweetie" when we would leave.
Her and my Papa standing on the porch waving to us as we would drive away

A picture of my mom and grandma at my grandma and papa's 60th wedding anniversary


Makenna playing "Peas Porridge Hot" with my papa

My grandma was diagnosed with terminal cancer the second week in December. The doctors kept changing their minds about how long they thought she had, and they finally said 1-2 months. My dad immediately went out to CA and stayed with her. While she was out there she decided that she didn't want to do chemo. She didn't want to be sick the last months of he life from chemo and she had made peace with her plot and wanted to live the best she could with the time she had left, and get ready for the next step in her life. Over the weeks that followed, she had good and bad days, as to be expected. We decided to go out to see her the week after Christmas. It was a last minute decision, but I am so glad we went. My grandma was happy to see us and alert and we still herself. She was funny! She's always had such a great sense of humor and been very witty. She was just like that when we were there. My brother Rob, always teases her about being his favorite grandson, because he looks a lot like her brother. He was there, while we were there and she said, "Yes, that Morris line sure does have some good genes. They're all so handsome!" Then she looked over at Brett and said, "I'm sorry you didn't get any of those Morris genes." It was so funny. Then as we were leaving she looked at me and said, "You've always been such a beautiful girl; you look just like your grandma." At this time I was pretty teary, so I didn't laugh very hard. She took me by the shoulders and asked, "Did you get that?" Just to make sure I got the joke. It was so good to say good bye and tell her how much we loved her. She was so sweet with the kids. She waned to kiss them and touch their hair and faces. What a sweet time.

A week after we had visited she passed away. So, one week after her death, we drove back out to CA. The 2nd time in 2 weeks. The kids did great-- they love road trips. All we need is a little Harry Potter and they're good to go. Brett's brother gave him all the HP books on CD, so that is what we listen to and the kids love it.

The funeral was beautiful; hard, but so wonderful. The spirit was there and we were all comforted and so grateful to know of His plan. My poor papa was not able to attend the funeral. The first time we were there to visit my grandma before she died, he had 2 heart attacks within 5 days. They diagnosed him with congestive heart failure. He was not well enough to come. He was heartbroken. The night before the funeral my dad and his sisters were there. He became very emotional while talking about what was going to be said and done at the funeral and then said, "You tell them we had a wonderful love affair." Isn't that just so sweet? They had known each other since the 3rd grade....known each other for about 75 years of their lives! Can you imagine?

Papa had an angioplasty (his choice) this morning and did better than expected. He is still not out of the woods and we'll have to see what the coming days and weeks bring.

I wanted to thank all my friends and family for being so supportive and concerned during this time. I will miss my grandma. All 4 of my grandparents have been such a huge part of my life and I count myself blessed that they have been in my life for this long time.