We have been spending a lot of time sorting through things from your house. We have finished with everything in the house except for the pictures, letters, and mementos. We have looked through your life in its entirety, starting with your grandmother giving birth to your mother, and then your mother giving birth to you, and on to every season of your life. I was a part of many chapters of your life and I thought I knew you well, but I am learning new things about you. Take for example the picture above--the day Dad graduated from dental school. This chapter of your life took much patience, support, love, and determination. Dad graduated from college and started into his career, and then decided to go back to school and go a completely different direction. You supported him in his decision for more schooling. You taught elementary school while raising three young children and made do with little economically.
This is a picture of you with your mother in the early 90's. You had recovered from your brain tumor surgery and were helping to care for your mother, as your father had now passed away. This was difficult because your mother lived in Canada and you lived in California. Sometimes you would go to visit her there, sometimes she would come to California, and other times you wrote letters faithfully while living apart. Meanwhile, you came to help us (your children) when we had babies, you mailed holiday packages to the grandchildren, served in the Church, and continued to support Dad. This would have been a very busy time for you, and yet you did not let on or complain. I was not aware of the way you were being stretched and I should have been more sensitive to you.
Thank you for your unfailing optimism, for never acting like your mother was a burden, and for joyously welcoming every grandchild. Thank you for cheering us all on and believing in us.
♥️♥️
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