Families Can Be Together Forever

Before we left on our mission, Jim and I decided that we would not go home for funerals.  My parents and Jim's dad are all elderly and we knew it was possible that they might pass away while we were gone. 

My beautiful mother was transferred to the Spirit World on Feb. 10th, at the age of 90, joining her parents; her two sisters; Debra, my younger sister; our Jennifer and many more loved ones and friends.  What a grand reunion it must have been! 

Mom and her sisters together - never 

to be separated again.

Just two weeks before her death, mom and dad celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary and they were both doing so great! At the family gathering,  all kinds of memories were shared and mom was joyfully singing a song she had written during the war, "You Can't Block Out the Moon".  The pictures were so sweet, with Dad sitting next to her, his eyes closed and a smile on his face.  I am so grateful they have been blessed to be able to stay together for so long during their earth life!

Mom began to fail soon after.  My sisters stayed with mom and dad, taking care of mom's every need.  Hospice was called and they 
were a great help for her last two days here. 

Diane sent this picture -
she said it is how she felt as she 
cared for mom.

We were grateful to be able to Skype

with mom the day before she died.

Thanks, Marty and Cindy!

Who knew it would be so difficult to be away from family during this time?  I sure didn't!!  But I do know Heavenly Father was with me, blessed and comforted me so that I didn't feel so apart and disconnected.  I am also thankful that my sisters kept in touch, sharing updates, pictures and tears.  I was at peace.

"Father in Heaven, we gather today

And hope that thou wouldst hear us pray.

For we've lost one we love

Now she's with Thee above,

We know she's alright

And won't put up a fight,

But we ask Thee to welcome her into Thy presence

And help us below feel peace and acceptance."

(written by our sweet grand daughter, Macie)

Our niece, Tamra, made the program.
It is beautiful!

Mandy comforting her grandpa.

We were so grateful that our cousins, 

Howard and Sharon came for the funeral!

They stayed with Dad and Howard was such

a strength and comfort.  He also spoke at

the funeral.  Howard is kind of like the big brother
we never had.

Jim and I were able to hear, through Viber, the family prayer and the complete program.  We are so grateful for modern technology!

Quincy put together a beautiful display

for the funeral.

Howard, Sharon and Dad.

In Howard's remarks, he shared: JAYNE -

   J - JEWELS:  her family and her testimony of the Gospel.

   A - AUTHORITY: she loved and supported the Priesthood   

and her husband who blessed her with it.   

       Y - YOU:  Mom always thought of others, you & you & you. 

   N - NOW:  she lived in the "now" making the best of each

day, trusting in the Lord.  (Prov. 3:5)
E - ETERNITY:  Mom made and kept her covenants to 

qualify for the blessings of eternity.

This was Mom's life.

The Grandsons were the pall bearers

Almost all of the great grandchildren 

with their great grandpa.

Each of the grandchildren

could pick out flowers

to take home.

This is Macie's arrangement.

Almost all of the grandchildren.

(Dad and Mom were always together -

it just doesn't look complete without

her in these pictures.)

******************************

Tonya's post on FB

I'll love you forever, mom.

God Be With You Til' We Meet Again

***************************

Family Reunions - Happy Times
on both sides of the veil!