She was our dog for a minute. Her name was Mona. Sierra slept with her every night. My friend Stacey signed her over to Sierra on Sierra's birthday. She got all the things she need to care for her on her birthday. We went to Utah to help care for baby Navy and to attend my Grandma Hair's funeral. It was fall break. Stacey was headed to Yellowstone so she boarded her at a boarding place called Pet Particulars. When we got home on a Saturday Sierra wanted her dog back. She freaked out at me and begged me to go get her. I didn't know where the boarding place was or the name of it. She wanted to just drive around Fruita and find her. I was sick and I didn't know where to start. I tried calling Stacey multiple times but she didn't have service. 

Then we got a call Monday morning from Aaron, Stacey's husband. The boarding place burnt down. Mona inhaled a lot of smoke. They said she was at the Vet ER. We could go and see her. She was still alive. I was afraid at what we would see. I thought she would be covered in burns. She wasn't. I was relieved, but Sierra wasn't. She cried and told me Mona looked worse than she thought. We visited her a few more times but ultimately they had to put her down a week later. Sierra's heart was broken. It still is. 

Things I want to remember about Mona; she was such an obedient dog, she loved Sierra fiercely, she loved raw eggs. I would give her one when no one was looking. Everyone thought I hated her, she was scared of me, but I kinda miss her too. 

GRANDMA HAIR's FUNERAL

My cousin Anjanelle Harold Kendrick wrote the following. I could not have written it better, so I stole it.

My grandmother, Mary Weller Hair passed away last month. I've neglected to post it ignoring the reality that she really is gone. I don't want to really accept that she's not going to be there when I swing by in Orem to say hello, stop for a late-night sleepover on our trek through the state. Her home was my home away from home anytime I needed it. I don't want to face the reality that I no longer have grandparents on this earth to cheer me on, hug me and tell me I'm loved and am doing enough. I have been so fortunate to have grandparents for so long that always did just that. My grandma was the kind of person I could relate to, she always had great things to be engaged in! I knew if I wanted to spend time with her I may as well grab a cloth and start cleaning the windows alongside her. Some of my favorite memories are working alongside Grandma, whether it was gathering nuts or flowers, or cleaning up the flowerbed or house I loved it! She never expected it, and she was always sure to show her gratitude with some token of appreciation. As hard of a worker as she was she knew how to have a good time too. She knew how to throw a party and everyone would be invited. She made sure to have one before her and Grandpa left this earth too - she didn't want everyone just coming for a funeral - she wanted to see them and be there! She loved any invitation to do something fun but could also enjoy in a quiet evening watching something on KBYU or Hallmark and some homemade treat she'd let me make in her kitchen with Aunt Ruth.

She'd exclaim, "Oh my heart!" with any amount of thought or generosity shown her. She was extremely appreciative! She'd get excited, absolutely thrilled over the smallest of things. That's what made it so fun to give to her - you knew she just loved it and you! However, she'd return the kindness 10-fold each time. But as much as you felt she loved the item you gave her if you knew my grandma you knew that material possession had no real worth she'd part with it without any thought if she knew someone else could find joy in it. I remember visiting her home when I was young, I complimented some Easter decor she had on her shelf. Within a few minutes, she had gathered and wrapped each glass figurine for me and told me to take them home to decorate my room. She had no problem parting with anything. She'd offer you a warm plate of food no matter how short your visit. I always knew where my grandmother stood in her faith. She was stalwart, unmoveable. She sacrificed, she served, and she trusted that the Lord would provide in time of need, whatever those may be. She never feared that He wouldn't. She bore testimony to me that a bountiful basket was provided to your family each time a new baby was born - and I saw that was true. She had 17 children! She would know. They never had a lot of money growing up, but they never went without. They had each other and still do - those 17 kids have been a rock to me my whole life. The Hair family provided me with a huge family of love, good times and musical memories. I consider it a huge honor and privilege to be counted among the posterity of this noble woman. I love you Grandma - thank you for always being there for me, for your continual faith in me, for always opening your home and arms to me and my family. You are dearly missed already but you'll always be a part of who I am and how I live.