Mom

Today marks the third year of mom’s passing. I know as a family we all deal with this in our own way. There’s probably a lot of you that didn’t even realize it was today and that’s okay. Remembering the exact day isn’t important. My way to deal is to post a little something in her memory.

We all know she wasn’t perfect, but who is? She made her way through life doing everything the best way she knew how. I find myself saying and doing some things like her I vowed I never would. But I’ve realized it’s not so bad because it keeps me feeling close to her.

I have a lot of great memories about mom. A couple of favorites are her own unique understanding of clothing sizes. To her the size 16W meant 16 Wide not 16 Womens. Boy, ain’t that the truth! She once told me she had worn the same bra for 10 years. I believe it!

Anyone who visited with her that last week in the hospital knows how she had to struggle to breathe. This may sound odd, but it reminded me of my favorite part of the Book of Mormon. King Benjamin’s speech where he reminds us from where all things come and that the very next breath we take is possible because our Heavenly Father allows it to be. That has a whole new meaning to me now.

One of my favorite memories took place her last night here on earth. It’s watching Dad holding Mom’s hand as she slipped away. As painful as the whole experience was I felt a sense of peace because I knew they would one day be together again. I’m so grateful to be part of an eternal family.

Mom did a lot of quiet service for others that was not known or noticed by many. Most of that service was done while she was in great physical pain. She was pioneer stock who toughed out many things. I’m not nearly as tough as she was.

I want to share one last memory. The October before she died she wanted to see her cousin Alene who lives in Salt Lake. They had grown up together in Lehi and were quite close. So Deena and I gave her a ride up there. She was so appreciative that we would do this for her. In fact she sent a little note in the mail after thanking us. But really we should have been thanking her. To sit and listen to the two of them talk about their experiences growing up, the trouble they got into and where life in general had taken them was priceless. They had us laughing our heads off one minute and tearing up the next. Talk about a couple of characters! I miss you mom!

A few days after Mom’s passing Nancy Batchelor sent me an email with a quote I wanted to share.

Your mother is always with you…she’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she’s the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not well. Your mother lives inside your laughter. And she’s crystallized in every teardrop. She’s the place you came from, your first home; and she’s the map you follow with every step you take. Nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space….not even death.

Since Easter is approaching I thought I’d share a few pics from one of the Easter egg hunt/dying events of long ago at Mom and Dad’s house.