Mom's /grandma's passing three years ago

December 11, 2007

Dear Family,

Dad wanted me to take a minute to just share some thoughts of mom on this day, the 11th of December, three years since she passed away. Dad and I were talking at the table, the other night, how mom passed away with humility and “enduring to the end.”

Some things that you might not know about mom in her last couple of months on this earth, is her incredible missionary spirit.(This was while the bed was in the family room, and I know her whole life.) Each and every person that came into this home, she shared the gospel in some way shape or another. Jane, the person that would come in on a daily basis to help me with mom, and come in a couple of nights a week to let me sleep, mom never missed a beat with her. On Sundays, she would turn on BYU TV and have her sit with her to listen to “Music and the Spoken Word.” In fact, I think she had the TV on BYU TV at all times, unless it was time for Jeopardy and Ken Jennings. Anyway, Jane did not leave this home, not knowing about the church. All of mom’s physical therapists, doctors, etc, she somehow shared the gospel with. She would hand out pass along cards, For the Strength of Youth., etc. I’m sure somewhere in there she gave out Books of Mormon. One of her physical therapists was Jewish and they talked and talked about each others religions. It was neat to listen to.

I guess the thing that sticks out to me the most, and I think you all got this from sisters in our ward, is that in the beginning of the week before her passing, Mom fulfilled her assignment as Visiting Teaching Supervisor by calling all the sisters on her route for a report. Many sisters, after hearing a week later that she had passed away, wished so bad that they had told her that they had done 100 percent VT, when here she was fulfilling her calling 100 percent.

Mom and Dad live so close to the spirit that when Dad gave mom a blessing the night before she passed away and released her, she knew it was the right time. She knew where she wanted to die and she was ready. She was not afraid. I hope I can follow that same pattern.

I love you all for who you are and for your wonderful examples. You’re the best. We’re having “Hawaiian Haystacks” tonight. I also made mom’s fudge, too. I don’t know whose happier, Travis or Dad.

Love, Tammy