There is a celebration in Heaven today!

9-6-09

We got a call between 5:00 and 6:00 am saying that my mother has begun the final stages and will probably be gone in 3 to 5 hrs. So those of us that had gone home to get some rest threw on clothes and headed back to the hospital. When we first got there it was obvious why they had called us....but as the day went on she got more color and seemed to be less labored with her breathing and everyone just kept saying what a strong lady she was. So we spent the day watching and waiting. Since it was Sunday and we were missing church Dad had a little message that he wanted to share with us that was very meaningful and was from a new book he had gotten from the LDS bookstore about Temple Covenants. And he talked about how the picture of the 50th Wedding Anniversary was her celestial kingdom and that she believed in all of us that all of us could be in that picture again all dressed in white and endowed worthy children of our heavenly father.

Then a little later in the afternoon Dad had asked us to all tell our favorite memory/story/experience of Mom. That was very spiritual and something I am so happy that she got to hear. Everyone of her children but Edward was at her bedside so we speaker phoned him in and he was able to participate with us as well. And it was truly beautiful to hear what each one of us remembers and the special moments each one of us had and yet all different from one another. She truly knew each one of our personalities and knew just what each one of us needed from her.

Edward I believe has been the most unselfish of all of us. He really thinks things through and internalizes things and thinks of every possibility and then acts. He knew that Ruth was having a hard time not being able to be with Mom, so instead of him buying a ticket for himself to come and be with Mom, he made it possible for Ruth to come. I truly stand in awe of his kindness and love for his sister!

Then my father laid hands on her head and told her that it was alright to leave this life and to go on with joy to the next stage of her eternal progression! All day there were many who stopped in to see Mom for the last time, but I was not surprised that it was not until it was just her family that we noted a pretty rapid decline.

9-7-09

12:35 am Her eyes were opened wider than I had seen them maybe ever and she looked at each one of us as we all held her hand or arm or leg and everyone knew without saying a word that we were saying goodbye. All her children that were present stood around her bed and sang "Mother I love you", "Families can be together forever" and watched her calmly and peacefully leave this life to go to a happier place and to the most joyous reunion we can't even imagine. It really was one of the most amazing and spiritual experiences I have experienced. I know that she is with her parents now and LaDean and all the thousands upon thousands that she did the genealogy work for! By 1:04 am she was pronounced dead. We of course mourn for us, but I am so happy that she will be with her family, her Savior and Heavenly Father again and know that if I am faithful to my covenants and her example that I will be reunited with my mother again! This is not the end this is just the beginning of a new and exciting stage for our mother who has been tried and tested and found worthy of our Heavenly Father's plan of exaltation! I cannot wait for the day that we will be reunited again. This is just for a moment!

Picture is of Aileen saying goodbye to Grandma - Aileen, Lois', and Grandma's hands