Monday, May 24, 2010

4 Years and Feeling Different

It has been 4 years today that my mom has been gone. Finally this year I don't really feel like she is too far away. For some reason I am able to remember her and am thankful for her instead of having the aching and empty feeling. A few of the things I have been remembering about her are:
Her testimony. We would go to the temple every Friday together to see my dad's session at the SL Temple.

Service, service, service. As she was in the hospital and we knew the end was coming people came in her room and told story after story of how she helped them. Stories like: She was first one in the neighborhood that came over to meet us and she came to help unload the boxes, She was the one that stayed the longest when we were moving and cleaned all the toilets in the house, She read with the kids at the elementary (after we had all moved past that point), she came and helped clean my yard.

She always encouraged us to do our best and she told me more than once to "buck up." I am laughing just thinking about her saying that and how I use the term now.

She walked probably every day of her life. She would be out there no matter what the weather was like. She never complained if she didn't have a car either because she was sharing with one of us kids or it needed repair or something, she would just walk to wherever she needed to go.

When I got home from my mission she knew I was having a hard time and encouraged me to go to California to visit some friends and then called every day I was there and told me about the great things going on at home so I wouldn't want to stay forever in California.

Before I got married I had my tonsils removed and she stayed home with me every day while I was recovering and went daily (and sometimes more) to Blockbuster and would rent us a movie to watch.

She was completely selfless.

She loved Neilson's Frozen Custard and even ate a whole cup of it even after she was diagnosed with diabetes.

I am thankful she is my mom!

9 comments:

Kenna said...

Oh too sweet! You make me cry.
I never knew your mom, but I know she was a great mom, because of the wonderful daughter she has raised. I'm sure you are a spitting image of your mom in every way. Especially in service, you are the one to help out anyone in need, and you are always there to greet new people. I never ever hear you complain. You are a wonderful person, mom, daughter and friend, and i'm sure it's because your mom told you to buck up. Your mom would be so proud of you.

Bryce and Lizzy said...

I cried as I read this, Your mom was such an amazing woman.I remember in High School coming over to your house and your mom would sit and visit with us, and she was soooooo funny and so kind. You are just like her.I have been thinking about you and her all day. I love you Suz!!!

Laura said...

Your Mom was great. I am glad you had a good day remembering her. You are so much like her!

cleverly content said...

You mom was a great, great woman. And you take after her. Seriously.

p.s. what color of bowtie is desired?

Sue said...

Oh my heart aches for you. Love the memories you shared.

Ashley said...

That was so thoughtful, I am sure your mom loved it. Your family has been through so much. I hope you are doing ok. Your mom was pretty amazing I have great memories of her.

melissa said...

everyone has already said it perfectly. so my words will only echo- but i feel like i know your mom as well from the wonderful person you are suzanne. i can only imagine how proud your mom is of you. daily! i'm blessed to know you, and i feel blessed to have such a strong person living next door. i've learned so much from you and am so grateful to have your example close by!

beautiful memories...

debra said...

Thank you for sharing this tribute to your mom. Unfortunately I didn't have the chance to know her well, but from your description of her, you have her fine qualities and inner beauty.

Karie said...

Suz, somehow I missed this post and just came across it. I was thinking about this last week at the reunion and wanted to let you know that I'd been thinking about you lately, but you know, I didn't know if it was the right time, right place?
Thank you for sharing your memories. I can remember your mom's laugh really clearly. She's so darling. My heart aches for you. You're definitely carrying on her legacy. Keep it up.

 

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