Life

 I've been holding off on this post because I wasn't sure what to write.  Worried I wouldn't be able to eloquently write what I want to say.  So here it goes.  Back in November Mike's mom was diagnosed with cancer.  It was so hard to see her in so much pain as she struggled with this disease.  She was so strong and didn't complain.  Even though she was struggling she would serve others tirelessly.  

Starting in January things weren't looking as good and she started having to be in the hospital off and on.  At the beginning of February she was admitted into the ICU.  Her oxygen was very low and they were having a hard time figuring out how to get it up.  After some tests they found out she had a pneumonia people with weakened immune systems get sometimes.  She was so sick and in a lot of pain.  Yet she still smiled.  It was amazing to see Mike's dad serve her tirelessly.  He constantly was by her side ready to help at a moments notice.  He would always tell her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her.  If Dad ever left the room Mom would ask where he was and when she could see him she was ok.  Their love was amazing to witness.  

After about 3 weeks in the ICU they decided to move her to Promise Hospital to start recovering.  She seemed to be doing better.  I was able to spend one evening with her and watch 'Pride and Prejudice' together.  One of our favorite shows.  We sat and talked and enjoyed each others company.  I got to rub her sore foot and leg.  It was a wonderful night and I'm so glad I was able to spend this time with her.  

After a little bit in this hospital she started having issues again.  Her nose began to bleed and it wouldn't stop.    She was again admitted into the ICU.  The ICU doctor told Mike's dad that he felt there was nothing else they could do for her and felt it would be best to put her on hospice.  Mike and I went to meet with the oncologist with Dad and as he showed us the tumors all over her body we all knew they could do no more to help her.  It was hard news to hear.  

On Friday,  March 9, 2012, Mom was sent home in an ambulance to start on hospice.  It was wonderful to have her home again.  As they were unloading her out of the ambulance the grandkids were out there ready to say hello.  She smiled and waved at them.  She was so happy to see all her babies and be home.  This lovely sign was put on the gas station sign for the day she came home.  

 

We spent all day by her bedside.  Holding her hands.  Giving her kisses and talking to her.  It was wonderful to just be with her.  We cherished each moment we had with her.  That night we took turns staying up with her.  Saturday morning me, Sara, and Amy got her dressed in a beautiful nightgown and rub lotion on her feet, legs, and hands.  She looked beautiful.  Her parents came and visited.  Then the Stake President came and stopped by.  After he left Dad was holding Mom saying a prayer with her.  After the prayer we were all standing around her bed and she took her last breath.  

How much I miss her.  How much I love her.  She left an amazing legacy for all of us.  She had a wonderful testimony of the gospel.  She served tirelessly.  She was and is an amazing woman!  I have been so blessed to have her as my mother-in-law.  She taught me so much.  Things I miss the most about her are our long talks we'd have when we got together.  We'd sit for hours and just talk.  I miss her laugh and 'the look' she'd give all the time.  I miss seeing her studying her scriptures when I'd walk down the stairs in the morning when we were visiting.  She would always tell me to leave the kids with her and let me go back to sleep.  She would always make us a yummy breakfast.  I miss her hugs and her kisses.  I miss hearing her voice.  I miss getting advice from her.  I miss her weekly calls.  I miss her asking how my calling is going and what she can do to help me with it.  I miss her smile.  I miss her text messages that always made me laugh.  I miss her calling Mike a twit when he was being silly.  I miss so much about her.  

I love that I can feel her when I most need it.  I love that I can go to the temple and feel her there.  I love that her legacy can continue on through all of us.  I'm so grateful for the gospel.  I'm grateful for The Comforter and for those that have been praying for us.  I truly could feel the prayer from so many.  I'm so grateful for the Savior, for His Atonement, and His Resurrection.  I'm so grateful for The Plan of Salvation and the hope and joy it brings to our lives.  I'm so grateful for countless tender mercies.  Here are some pictures of the week.

Mike on our way to the viewing.  I love him!

Thomas on the way to the viewing.  

Mom touch so many people's lives.  The line at the viewing was constantly out the door.  

One of Amanda's friends gave her these neat flowers

A small amount of the get well cards

The table the Stake Relief Society set up for her.  

More of the table

Elder Perry came to the viewing.  It was such and honor to meet him and his cute wife.  

The room was constantly packed and full

The table the volleyball team set up for her

The table that we set up as a family

There were so many flowers

Dad did so well talking with everyone

This was the beautiful floral arrangement for the casket.  Lavender was her favorite color.

More pictures of the amazing number of people who's life she touched.

Things that were of great importance in her life

More floral arrangements 

Mike stood by his dad all night

Thomas and Jacky

Again the line was wrapping around the building

So many beautiful flowers

Ethan and Amanda

More from the volleyball team

Mayli made this for Grandma 

I love being a part of this family!

The grandkids practicing their song, 'I Love to See the Temple'

The men practicing their song, 'Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy'

The funeral service was beautiful.  The Spirit was so strong.  There were so many people there to honor her.  The chapel was full and the gym was full all the way back to the stage.  It was amazing.  Elder Jensen from the Quorum of the 70 came on assignment from the 1st presidency.  He gave a wonderful talk and it was so great to hear that the prophet, his counselors, and the quorum of the 12 apostles were mindful of us and praying for us.  It was a beautiful service.  

The girls with their flowers from Grandma

It was a gorgeous day.  

The family

Mike and I

My sweet girls

This is a lovely plaque the scholarship board gave us.  And a beautiful floral arrangement from Mike's work.  

The beautiful arrangement I got to take home.  I loved it!

The school put this up in Morgan in honor of Mom.  She touched so many peoples lives.

I miss her so much but know that I will get to see her again.  I love you Sherie Wright!  Because the Savior is risen, on hard days this give me great comfort!