On January 18th 2017 ( mom's birthday) I received a call from Bertha asking me if I would come down and help her with mom as both she and mom had been quite sick. She said she got up that morning and the spirit kept telling her to call me and ask me to come help out. I was going to drive but felt very strongly I needed to fly instead. I was able to get a ticket for that afternoon. Joseph drove me to the airport. As I sat on the plane waiting for the plane to take off it was the first time that day I was able to catch my breath, and I wondered why it was so important that the spirit wanted me there. My plan was to stay as long as it took for mom to get better. Never once did I think I was going to be saying goodbye to our dear mother.
Myself with mom
Bertha and I with mom
On Thursday we took mom to the Dr. and he ordered a echo cardiogram to be done on Friday.
They came to the home to do it and while the tech was doing it, Bertha and I stood in the darkened room watching the monitor. I leaned over to Bertha and asked if she had a DNR in place because it was in that moment that we both realized that mom didn't have much time left in mortality. I called Arthur and asked him to come when he could and then we called the rest of the family letting them know if they could come to visit they should. Most of what took place is written in my journal for posterity, so I won't write it here but here is an exert from our family facebook page that I wrote:
Friday night with priesthood holders in the family that were here to assist (Kevin, Mark, Jim), Arthur gave mom a priesthood blessing. In the blessing she was told that she has lived a good and faithful life and that Heavenly Father loves her dearly and is watching over her at this time. That she has blessed the lives of many, especially her family. He blessed her that she would be able to enjoy her family in the time that she has left. Then when the time comes Heavenly Father would come and get her, that she would pass peacefully. Appreciate everyone who has been able to come and visit. Grateful for the sweet videos, it is really touching to show them to her. Also got permission for Logan, Levi and Jim to administer the sacrament to grandma. A nice experience.
In the early hours of January 23rd our dear mom passed through the veil and was welcomed home. Bertha and I were present and are witnesses to the great joy that took place when the veil parted. It was very sacred.
Jamie, Katherine, Ashley, Keith, Mckenzie and Elizabeth practicing "Over the Rainbow" one of moms favorite songs.
We all gathered at Cheryl's home for a family dinner and the grandchildren practiced their music. They sang "Homeward Bound". In my minds eye I saw dad with his arm around mom watching the family, grinning from ear to ear. He was so pleased to see the family preparing to honor our mother and grandmother.
Such a beautiful spirit throughout this time.
The grandchildren that were able to come to the funeral by age.
At the funeral
Practicing before.
The pall bearers.
The siblings.
The DeLeeuws
Keyes and Joseph
Audrey, Keith and myself
Sisters
The headstone with the Escalante mountain. Dad's favorite mountain to paint.
