Dodee's Week

I have been trying to figure out how I wanted to do our post about Dodee. It as been such a good, sad, happy, spiritual, numbing, exhausting, loving, experience. Really, I think we have all experienced every emotion out there.

Dodee was such a good example of what a grandma, mother, sister, aunt, and friend should be. And I would say she was a friend to all. When I first met Dodee she instantly treated my like one of her own. I always felt welcomed and loved in their home. And that love was passed down to my children, who adored their Dodee and loved any excuse to get to see her or go to one of her many parties, which always involved Dodee Food.

Dodee is also an example of what a marriage should be. This goes both ways. Papa stayed by Dodee's side up to her last breath. You could feel the love he had for her.

When Dodee decided to go on hospice I was lucky enough to be her nurse. This was a first for me-taking care of a loved one. I loved the opportunity to get to serve her and repay some of the kindness she has shown me the  last 13 years. Although, it was a lot more difficult taking care of someone you love and once again every emotion was experienced.

We were given 5 days to say goodbye to our Dodee. Her home was a constant stream of loved ones and friends. Everyone got to say goodbye either in person or by phone or face time. I hope Dodee could feel the love everyone had for her and realize how many lives she had blessed. It was kind of like a week long party at Dodee's house, which is just how Dodee would have wanted it.

Dodee passed away at home on Saturday the 9th of March surrounded by family. Trent, the girls, and I were able to be there. I won't go into all the details, but Trent said it was one of the most amazing, spiritual moments in his life. Soon more family came and, once again, another family gathering occurred and, once again, every emotion experienced.

To honor Dodee, the cousins got together on the day of her viewing and made tons and tons of Dodee Cookies. They were given away at the viewing. Once again, just how Dodee would have wanted it.

The cookies were delicious and Dodee looked beautiful. Tears were shed again. And Papa was still by Dodee's side.

The funeral was one of the best I have been to. Each speaker did a fabulous job and had their own different personality in it. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day either.

After the funeral we had the Jensen clan up to our house. Some of the cousins we hadn't seen in years. It was such a good ending to the week. We reminisced, caught up with each other, laughed, ate, played, and relaxed. And again, just how Dodee would have wanted it.

And can you believe what has resulted from this:

This.

 Which isn't even all of Dodee and Papa's posterity.

And not even everyone that was in our house.

This week of celebrating was one of the best week's of our lives. It was filled with ups and downs. We will miss our Dodee, but we are comforted with the knowledge that we will see her again and that we have another guardian angel to watch over us.

Hopefully we can all follow Dodee's example by loving unconditionally, serving others, and being committed to the Gospel.

We love you Dodee!