Mom’s favorite pastimes as a child were playing with paper dolls by the hours, loved to read Nancy Drew Mysteries, and going to the movies with her friends whenever they could. She especially liked Betty Grable.
Hanging out with friends at Lake Mead is when she first met my dad. She had a cold. Dad would go out on dates and then come back to “hang out” with Mom. She married her sweet heart of 54 years in 1954.
Having way too much fun camping, fishing, square dancing, bowling and all around playing they decided it was time to start a family. Then the fun really began! Mom loved being a mother...and she was a mother to any child.
Mom took great pleasure in going on vacation! It did not really matter where she went, as long as she went somewhere. Mom took delight in our family trips to Disneyland, San Francisco, Hawaii with sisters and our cabin in Utah with friends. However, I think her greatest enjoyment were her cruise trips with Dad to Alaska.
Mom loved Christmas! As a family, we often cut a live tree. My mom found the biggest, fattest, whopping tree in the forest. My dad would stand next to the tree with his arms spread out and then upward and tell my mom that the tree could only be 'this wide' and 'this tall' but she would just smile and tell my dad she wanted 'that tree'. Our Christmas trees always took up the entire family room and the star would be hung about two feet below the top because the top was bent over from the ceiling.
Time flies, my sister and I grew up, and then miracles happen…8 to be exact! Mom became Grandma. Her life was ever changed now. Sleep-over’s, movies, playing games, lunch dates, combing hair, sharing stories, singing songs, shopping, laughter, secrets, gifts, unconditional love.
Mom’s illness over the past two months has brought our family even closer together. Extra hugs and kisses, patience, understanding, appreciation, sacrifice.
Mom has triumphed over the trials and challenges of this world. She was valiant, strong and courageous. We often called her the “energizer bunny”...she kept going and going.
President Thomas S. Monson said, "Through tears and trials, through fears and sorrows, through the heartache and loneliness of losing loved ones, there is assurance that life is everlasting. Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so."
I love you mom…I will miss you and look forward to seeing you again some day.
12 comments:
Oh Dawn, I'm terribly sorry and happy for you at the same time. I told Sherri I love funerals. We get to focus on life at it's most important places. And that is where the gospel is the purest. Most of this junk that surrounds us is just busy work. Your mom sounds like a wonderful person. I know you will miss her so much. I'm so happy that you and I both know what eternity means.
What a wonderful tribute to your mom. So very sorry for your loss. All good thoughts coming your way.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom...as is your life and that of your family. And you are such a wonderful daughter to her! Hugs...Sherri
(((Dawn))) I am so sorry for your loss, but how wonderful you have such treasured memories to comfort you. Your mom sounds like a wonderful lady, a blessing to her children and her grandchildren.
Dawn, my heart goes to you and your family at this sad but special time. It is so sad losing your Mum, she sounds like a great lady. Keep your special memories close to your heart and always smile with joy when thinking of her and know that she has not left you, she is now walking behind you and guiding you.
You have been missed and now we know why. Your mother was beautiful. It is a sad thing but you have some beautiful memories and it is a blessing to know that she is with the Lord. I pray God's comfort for you and your family.
oh my...i wanted to visit to thank you for your comments on my blog during my birthday week...i am so very sorry for your loss...your mother sounds so wonderful and is so beautiful...♥
I am saddened to hear about your mom. Isn't it wonderful we have the gospel to get us through these hard times....where do people go who don't? I hope your days are filled with MANY happy memories together with your mom.
I'm so sorry about the loss of your mother and pray that your family is comforted knowing she's with her Lord.
Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog!
Cathie
Dawn, I am just so sad for you to hear this news - so soon since we last posted. I am thinking of you at this time. You need to focus on all the happy times you have had with her over happier times and they will forever remain cherised. I too miss my mum so my thoughts are with you.
Dawn, I'm very sorry for your loss. I too was by my dad's side this past holiday season. Dad passed away on December 2nd. It is hard to see a parent go. You wrote and very nice tribute. You will have fond memories in your heart always. Peace be with you.
I am so sorry to hear such sad news. Your words about your mom are very touching and I can tell what a wonderful mom she was and how much you loved her.
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