Grandmama Hodges : November activities...lots of events

We stated the month of November with a visit to our mission friends in San Diego.

We attended the Marine Corps Ball with everyone we had served with at MCRD.

We also had several other very wonderful experiences while we were there. We attended the sealing of one of our marines to his wife and child. It meant so much to us to be able to share their special day.

While in San Diego, I received a text message from the marine above sharing his testimony of praying to know that Heavenly Father was aware of him and how he felt Jim and I showing up in his line at the grocery store and talking to him about the church at MCRD was Heavenly Father's way of letting him know He was aware of him. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton and we were able to get together and catch up over dinner.

We spent Veteran's Day morning with President Jon Schmitt and his wife Sister Alexis Schmitt. It was so great to see them.

We attended the LDS graduates reception and I took this picture of Brother Bullick looking at Jim.
I love it!
He was standing at attention while the new Marines were singing the Marine Corps hymn.

Unfortunately, while we were in San Diego enjoying our visit, I received word that my youngest sister, Lisa, was found dead in her apartment on November 9th, two days after my Dad turned 87. We headed home one day early and quickly turned around and flew to New Jersey for the funeral.

Cindy (my other sister) really had a hard time as she and my father had to arrange the funeral, etc.
I did the program and helped as much as I could. The picture below is Dad with Brother Jones, his stake president, as well as his friend.

Dad and my brother, Dan at the graveyard. Lisa is buried near, my stepmother, Jane and my step-sister, Laurie.

Betsi, my step-sister who lives with Dad and has helped him so much after the death of her mother.

My brother, Tim and his girlfriend, Kathy.
I was so thankful for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and the blessing of a belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Amy came up to New Jersey from Maryland and her children were so good as she helped and was supportive. Some even sang, "I am a Child of God" at the funeral service. My Dad said that watching his great grandchildren sing made him cry.

Dad really enjoyed explaining his various
inventions and projects with Amy, Jim and
the great grandchildren.

My dear friend Elayne brought me the sweet
sister statue. It is so lovely.

Next was Thanksgiving.
Becky and family came to share the holiday with us.