Grandpa Neibaur

Around the middle of July, I got a sad phone call from my mom saying that Grandpa Neibaur had been diagnosed with pancreatic stage 4 cancer. He was given a maximum of 6 mos to live, but gratefully the cancer was located on the tail of the pancreas. This meant he wouldn't be in a lot of pain. Huge blessing from what I have heard.

So after we had moved to Nampa, we went to a family reunion with the Bares and Hebdon's at Bear Lake at a nice cabin there. Then we were able to visit at Arimo for a few days and visit Grandpa and Grandma Neibaur. 

It is very hard for me to grasp the idea that my grandpa is dying. I love him so much and just think the world of him. He's been such a tremendous example of love, righteous use of the priesthood, fatherhood, devotion to his wife....and a testimony of the Gospel, Christ, temples, and gratitude for America. 

Because our family is so big, it's hard to coordinate visits. But we were able to go with Kevin's family and mom for a few hours on a Sunday. Grandpa shared some stories of growing up, playing football, courting grandma. He shared some fun stories. One was my mom was born in the waiting room, waiting for another lady to deliver. He was charged with a delivery room bill, and challenged it. Haha, baby number 4, and she just couldn't wait to come into the world!! 

He was doing well, but after awhile he got tired. Grandma came home from church so we wanted to visit for awhile.

It was so nice to see her come up the stairs of her home in Bancroft with a big smile on her face. I introduced myself, she has had some form of dementia for years and has often needed reminding who I was. She smiled big at me and said, I know you're Krystell. I started to cry, and gave her a big hug. It was a sweet tender miracle for me, during a time of sadness. One of the saddest parts of Grandpa dying is leaving her behind alone, where her world is already so confusing. He is the one things she can always count on. 

Grandpa has expressed concern for her and wants to make sure she is getting cared for after he has passed on. 

Mortality os hard sometimes. It's hard to let people go and move on. The only thing that softens the blow is believing God's plan and Eternal families.