— The death of my paternal grandparents, Leo and Stella Taylor — 1977 and 1978 —
The passing away of Grandfather and Grandmother Taylor were times of great sorrow for me and all those who loved them so much. Grandma Taylor suffered greatly with some form of intestinal cancer for several months before she passed away. She spent her last few weeks in American Fork Hospital, with my father and Grandpa Taylor visiting her almost daily. I happened to be home on May 17, 1977 when my father received a call from the hospital, telling him to get to the hospital quickly. We jumped in the car, rushed to Grandpa Taylor’s home to pick him up, and then sped to the hospital. I rushed into the hospital and into Grandma Taylor’s room while Dad was parking the car and helping Grandpa into the hospital. Grandma had already passed away when I arrived, and I was alone with her for several minutes before Dad and Grandpa arrived. What a touching, heart-rending scene it was to watch my sweet Grandpa mourn the loss of his sweetheart. I was so moved as I watched my father remove the wedding ring from Grandma’s now lifeless hand and say, “Michael, if you could only realize the hardships these hands have dealt with; the countless diapers they’ve changed, the countless meals they’ve prepared in the most impoverished circumstances, the countless tears they’ve wiped away.” Our sorrow was only appeased as we thought about the wonderful life this faithful matriarch had lived, and the countless acts of service that she had rendered.
My Grandfather Taylor missed Stella sorely, and he only lived another 18 months after her passing. He too suffered a lingering illness, being ravaged by prostate cancer and advancing age. My parents and I went over to see him in a nursing home the day before he died and it was depressing to see this great patriarch in such a debilitated state. He was wasted and gaunt. His passing the next day could only be seen as a blessing. I was a pall bearer at his funeral, and his service was a fitting tribute to a wonderful man and worthy son of God. I loved my grandparents dearly and their influence in my life will always be remembered, cherished, and felt.
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