4 Generations...

My Grandma is Genevieve Prete (Butler was her maiden name) She is turning 86 years old August 23rd 2012. My sweet Grandma has vascular dementia. She lives in a Care home in Cardston. My Grandma is one of the most loved woman in my life. She is so special to me. Growing up she was so fun, and I loved spending time with her. My Grandma always looked beautiful. She always had her hair and makeup done, wore a nice dress or outfit and had matching jewellery. She loved jewellery and had a huge selection! (back in the day she wore a nice curly brown wig lol)She was a great cook and baker, and made the BEST pies! Coconut cream pie was her speciality! Sooo dang good! My Grandma kept amazing journals along with pictures and I remember several occasions looking at her journals with her while she read them to me. My Grandma was very talented at the piano, she would play by ear and was so good! I still can hear the songs she would play in my mind. When she would occasionally hit a wrong key, she would say, "Oh shoot." haha. My Grandma had a beautiful singing voice as well, and would sing with me when I was a little girl. My Grandma was very affectionate, always giving hugs and kisses. She often wore an apron. She hates cats! Like seriously, gets sooo freaked out, it's actually kind of funny to witness. She had her first 5 children in 5 years...then another 4. I remember she wore red and pink lipstick, and blue eyeshadow often. She always had long beautiful well kept nails, and super soft silky hands, which I loved to hold. My Grandma loved to laugh and smile. She is so kind and loving to all. My Grandma would often send me a Birthday card and always write a sweet note to me. This was special, since her and my Grandpa have 36 Grandchildren! My Grandma had a really strong testimony of our Savior and His Gospel. I remember her sharing it with me on several occasions and always being a good example to me. She was able to serve 2 missions with my Grandpa, one to Africa and one to Arizona. The Grandma I knew as a little girl, and up to before my Mission in 2005 is very different to the Grandma I know now. It makes me cry thinking about it. When I go to see her, she no longer knows my name, but I can see in her eyes she knows I'm family. She still gives me a kiss and a hug, but she can't have conversations with me anymore, read me her journals, play piano and sing, or bake any pies. She lives in a small room, and sleeps on a single bed. My Aunt Alanna lives in Cardston and takes care of Grandma, visiting her almost every day and bringing her out of the Care Home. It makes me really sad to see her so different. It is a terrible disease that has taken over her brain. But I can keep the memories, and I know that one day when I see her in Heaven, she will be how she used to be. I love my Grandma sooo much, and I'm so grateful that I always expressed my love for her growing up and for the special relationship that we shared. In the recent years, we have sat down at the piano together, but this time I'm the one playing the hymns, and we sing together. Interesting that she still can carry a tune and will sing along with her to whatever song you are singing! I have many precious moments with my Grandma, and I will love her forever. This month, I got to go down to Cardston with my Mom and Aunt Jeanine. We were able to get a 4 Generations picture which was really important to my Mom and I!

I have never seen my Grandma so expressive and happy in the last 5 years until I saw her with Jayna! She really loves babies, and seems to come alive when she's with them. It was really cool to see. She was talking to Jayna in small sentences and totally attentive to her. I will never forget it.

Love you forever, my sweet Grandma Prete!