How do you say goodbye to your mother and grandmother? My sweet mother-in-law was called home May 31, 2009 at 5:30 AM. It has been a whirlwind of a month starting with the devastating news that she had stage 4 liver cancer. Then they bought the house in Utah, then we cleaned up the house in IF and moved them to Utah. The visit to Huntsman was supposed to be the first of many but it ended up to be the only one. Sylvia started to go down hill very fast last Saturday and on Sunday morning with her family surrounding her she finished her mission her on earth.
I have been so blessed to have a great love and admiration for this wonderful woman. I know that she was one of the most valiant woman I have ever had the privilege of knowing and loving. It was hard for me when we were first married to let her help me with whatever needed to be done. It was hard for me to let her help us when we had babies because I didn't want to seem weak. I was such a fool. When our little Rylee was born I was humbled and was at the lowest I have ever been in my life. Sylvia was so kind and she helped us while Rylee was in the hospital. It was so nice to know that my kids were being taken care of and loved while we were dealing with things in the hospital. I had to just let go of feeling strong and I let her help me in any way she wanted and I was so blessed for doing so. After Rylee came home from the hospital she would come every month or so and watch Rylee so Bill and I could take our kids and do something with them or watch all of the kids so Bill and I could just go on a date. During these times she and Rylee developed a special connection and love for each other. Many times she would take care of Rylee so we could go to church together as a family. We learned to have a great system when she was here, she would do whatever she wanted to help us and I willing let her and appreciated every second of the help she gave us. She would stay with my kids when I would go to girls camp or if we went on a vacation. She took care of my kids in February when I went to Australia. I am so glad that they got to spend that time with her.
It was so hard for her to let people help her. I was so grateful for every second I was able to help and take care of her this past month while she was sick. That was the greatest thing we could do for her was to serve her with all our hearts.
My kids loved to have her come to visit. She always brought a fun little toy or treat for the kids. They loved to do puzzles together, and Hailey became very good at doing them. She always knew what the kids would like. She also made cookies every time she came and of course she would let the kids help her. She loved to knit and sew and she always made the cutest baby blankets for the grand kids. She also made cute little knitted sweaters for each grandchild.
This is going to be a hard year as we all adjust to living life without Grandma because we love her so much. I am grateful for the lessons that she taught me and for the way she raised her children and for how much she loved my children. We will miss you grandma but we are glad that you and Rylee can be together and can talk and laugh together until we can be with you again. We love you!!!!!
