Well, it has been a very eventful week. Last Friday as we were preparing our American Thanksgiving dinner, we got a call telling us that my mom was in the hospital. She had developed phemonia and was in serious condition. The doctor started her on antibiotics to help her, but it wasn't enough...soon enough...and by Saturday morning at 6:00 AM she had passed away. I am so grateful that I went down just a few weeks ago to see her with Kevin and Karla.
Little did I know that we would be back and burying her just three short weeks later!!
Doug and I quickly shuffled our work schedule for the next few days, talked with family and arranged a funeral date. We then booked our flights and headed to Utah!
We arrived in Salt Lake on Saturday evening and met up with Karla and her family. So good to see them again, and they always make us laugh, so it was good to be there!
Sunday morning early, Doug and I went up to Salt Lake City to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and to hear the 'Spoken Word'. What a wonderful experience, and to feel such a sweet spirit there. It was very good for me to be strengthened by the power of their music. When they sang "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again", I cried and cried, but it felt so good. I really am happy for my mom and I know that she is in a happier place now!
Sunday afternoon after church, Karla and I went over and cleaned out mom's belongings from her room at Orem Nursing and Rehab. Everybody was so kind there, saying how much they loved Gloria. We donated the majority of her things back to the nursing home. Karla had done such a good job of keeping current pictures of her family on her bulletin board...it was sad to now have to take them all down!
Karla, Bryan, Doug and I met with Berg Mortuary on Monday morning and they were tremendous!! They helped us plan this funeral every step of the way. Karla and I chose her casket which was a beautiful light burgundy color, with a lovely satin pattern inside. We thought she would like it!! Karla and I then had the privilege of dressing mom in her Temple Robes. Karla did her hair and I painted her nails...it was such a sweet experience to serve her in that way. She looked so beautiful!!
The viewing and funeral took place on Tuesday, November 27. It was so wonderful to see and meet with family that I hadn't seen for several years! My mom's sister, Aunt Betty and her husband, Clyde came with their son, David and his family. My father, Larry, has 3 living siblings, and they came...Gene, Paul and Marie with their spouses. Arlene and Ron came as well, and Brad's wife Michele and their daughter, Wendy and little Burton! Plus several cousins that knew my mom from years ago. It felt like heaven, with this grand reunion! So wonderful! I'm sure mom is having her own reunion as well.
The funeral services were short, but sweet. Kevin and Karla spoke and shared sweet memories, and then we sang John Denver's,"Country Roads". Kevin played his guitar and Karla and I joined him on the chorus... So fun!! Then I spoke sharing some thoughts and memories, and Doug followed up with a short spiritual message. I felt a special spirit there during the service, and I really think we gave a great tribute to our mother!
We then followed the hearse out to the Provo Cemetery, where she has a beautiful burial spot in the 'Angel Garden'. It was a lovely day, with the sun shining and the mountains creating a beautiful backdrop! We gathered together and bowed our heads as Kevin dedicated her grave. It was so good to see him in that "patriarchal role" blessing our Mother's grave. What a great experience!!
While we were in Utah we were able to go to Salt Lake and see the Christmas lights on Temple Square with Arlene and Ron. The lights go on forever and are gorgeous! The Tempe was beautiful shining so brightly through all the Christmas lights!
I am so grateful to have the gospel in my life, what would I do without knowing that I will see my mom again? It is so appropriate that she is buried in the 'Angel Garden'. I so look forward to that day when I will be reunited with that 'Angel Mother' of mine!! She had a difficult life, but through it all she gave to her posterity her example of great faith and perserverance!!
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