How far is Heaven?

I have been thinking a lot about my Grandma lately. Yesterday was one year since she has been gone. I really wanted to do a post about her but haven't quite figured out how to properly do it. She was such a marvelous person and I don't quite have the words to sum her up. I wanted to post the slide show that was made for her funeral but I can't get the movie to copy to my blog.

I miss her greatly and so do all of her family. But I smile every time I think about her in heaven with her sweet husband and child. I am also very grateful for her example in my life. She will always stand as a beacon of light and truth in my life. I know that heaven is not far for I feel her spirit still in my life. Grandma, if you can read blogs in heaven, I love you. Thank you for your heritage of love, service, light, and truth. Until we meet again, I will keep your legacy going as many others will as well! I love you!!!

My Grandmother.

My Grandmother and my Great Grandmother.
Vonnie May Furniss Bowen and Sadie Ann Furniss.

My Grandmother as a teenager

My grandparents came to visit my family in
Germany when I was blessed. They also visited the Swiss temple while there.

My Uncle Deans Wedding.
From Left to Right: Nolan, Vicki, Brent, Grandma, Grandpa, Clea, Beverly, Ned.
Uncle Dean and Aunt Carolee are in front.

My Mom with her Polyester pants with her siblings.
From left to Right: Dean, Clea, Nolan, Beverly, and Brent. A wonderful
picture of my Grandpa. In almost all the pictures we have of
him, he is in bibs!

I wish I could get these pictures bigger, but I don't know how too. The top left is of my Grandmother with her oldest child, Nolan. She looks so happy in this picture. The next one I don't know about but the bottom picture is of my grandparents with their youngest child, Dean.

My Grandma was a teacher! Are you surprised?
This was her first class. I knew it ran in our blood.

My Grandma with her favorite cousin. She is the girl in the middle of the ones standing!

My Grandmother at her family reunion. This picture sums up my Grandma. Wisdom, love, devotion; this is a face of a well lived life.

My Grandparents before going on a mission to South Africa.

My Grandparents

The Grandchildren at Grandpa Bowen's Funeral.
I am in the front in the turquoise dress. I was 6 years old.

My Grandparents and their children in 1991.
From Left to Right: Dean, Nolan, Grandma, Grandpa, Brent, Beverly, and Clea

Grandma and Gavin. I LOVE this picture!

Grandma and all the great grandchildren in 2006.
There are many that are not included in this picture.

My Grandparents when my mom was a baby.
L to R: Nolan, Grandma holding Clea, Grandpa, and Brent

The whole family got together for a picture in 1984. L to R: Back Row; Jeff, Brent, Lyle, Grandpa, Nolan, Ned, Dean, Chad. Middle Row; Kerri, Vicki w/ Clayton, Clea w/ Todd, Grandma w/ Michele, Beverly w/ Heidi, Carolee w/ Devin, Krisit w/ Ryan. Front Row; Dallin, Brian, Julie, Eric, Tyler.

My Grandmother before going to serve a family history mission in Chicago.