Grandma Ostler

Nellie Nadine Ostler

January 5, 1934- July 28, 2008

Excerpts from Dan's 8 page Journal entry about his grandma's passing:

Thursday July 24th Grandma Ostler was taken to the Hospital after becoming feverish and completely non responsive. Once there, the doctor's decided she had pneumonia and some other infections. While in the hospital this first night she had a heart attack and on Friday morning dad received a phone call that she had stopped breathing. With her “directive not to resuscitate” the doctor told him that most likely she would not be alive by the time he got to the hospital. Family members were called and everyone traveled to the Tri Cities. As each family member arrived we felt blessed to find Grandma alive and still in the hospital.

Grandma was completely non-responsive and lay in bed virtually comatose. We were told that this was it and to take advantage of every second with her because they would be our last.

We stayed till about 4 in the morning before going home to sleep. We returned 3 hours later refreshed and ready to stay with her for the day. With the family fully gathered, we reminisced about Grandma’s life and legacy. I can’t say enough about how rich and rewarding these several hours were. They were moments of quiet reflection and honorary tribute, mingled with laughter and fun with the recounting of each of our memories.

Late Saturday morning a nurse came into talk to us about taking grandma home or admitting her to a hospice care house. The family quickly decided she belonged at home for her final moments on earth. Home is at Dad's house as she has lived with our family for the last 15 years. I would consider her to be more of a mom than a grandma to me. Grandma Ostler had the single biggest effect on the shaping of my character and life, my life's habits and personality traits, my testimony and commitment to following the Saviors example, with the exception of only one person. Namely my dad Lee Ostler.

For the next few days family members sat by her bed side. Everyone only getting 1 hour of sleep here or there. By Sunday most of the out of town extended family had to leave. It was heartbreaking to watch her children say goodbye to her for the last time.

We took shifts so that someone us by her side at all times throughout the entire weekend.

Monday night came upon us and we geared up for another long night. At about 10:15 pm Scott left the house. He was going to go home and get his first full nights sleep since last Thursday. Delene would be back at 2am to fill a shift. Stacey and I were to stay with Grandma until Delene returned.

When Scott left, but before Dad went to bed, and before Ryan or Linda went home, our family all happened to gather around grandma for a while.

With all of the hustle of the day gone, With all of the children sleeping, With nothing but the quiet of the night and the stillness of the tired home, we gathered around grandma and pondered. Slowly and naturally a quiet conversation stirred among us about the sacredness and significance of Grandmas life.

As we shared a few more stories and memories of her great life, heartfelt comments were made about the amazing legacy this woman has left. We talked about how amazing it was that Grandma raised 7 children who each had solid testimonies, married in the temple, went on missions, graduated from college with advanced degrees, and who largely had proven to pass those values on to the 3rd generation.

As the sentiments continued, and as the spirit was soft and peaceful, we witnessed grandma take her last breath. The room stood still. Time froze. Hearts lurched into our throats, and stomachs tied in knots. It was the moment we had been preparing for, yet I am not certain we were fully prepared. Many minutes of sacred and special time were had this evening. One of which was that we circled around Grandma for prayer and I offered a word of prayer on behalf of the group. Besides the family prayer, believe it or not there were still untold stories and memories that were unfolded which made us cry and laugh. We continued talking, praying, and saying our goodbyes to this loved woman.

As a tribute to my grandmother let me say this – “You are the one woman in my life who most perfectly filled the role of matriarch, mother, and mom. It wasn’t just “grandma” for you. You took on a different kind of role with me and I will never forget it. I love you beyond your understanding. I thank you for your testimony and example. I thank you for your dedication to following the Lord and his commandments. I thank you for teaching me the importance of prayer and scripture study. I thank you for loving me and teaching me. I can never repay you, but I promise to pass on your Legacy to my children. My children will miss out by not having you to directly influence them, but – I will do my best in proxy. I love you”

May God Rest Her Soul. And may God be with ME until we meet again. For she is truly with Him in his mansions above. Of this I am certain.

I love you Grandma. Forever and Always. Thank you for your Legacy and your Love.