5.15.11
These have been some of the fullest weeks of my life. So this will be a long letter. To preface three weeks ago my grandfather Dick Corn fell in a ditch when irrigating. He crawled out and went home. Two days later he allowed himself to be taken to the ER for extreme pain. He was diagnosed with kidney failure due to kidney stones blocking the kidney and a heart condition later to be diagnosed as needing a heart valve replacement. He spent 5 days in the hospital and then went home. A few days later he died. It was no one's fault that he died and it was unexpected.
Needless to say these events set of a tidal wave of chain reactions that have been difficult and peaceful. We had already planned to go my sister Ruth's graduation from Utah state on mother's day weekend. So we decided a change of scenery was as good as sitting around crying and headed to Utah. We were graciously hosted by Greg's cousin and we were able to see more cousins. The lovely dandelion jewelry is styling of her daughter. It was a major hit!! Millie is seen with Greg learning about car maintenance.
I think that is one of his missions in life is to keep us all on the road. We really love being uplifted by cousins.
Now I did put my foot down (Greg's favorite phrase to use with me) on the BYU apparel at Utah State. He did sneak in his hat. I should have packed the shirt and left the hat as it is way so more obvious. But we did do an extensive tour of Utah state. It has grown a lot. I was very impressed with the new engineering building which is left partially unfinished to show how buildings are constructed. I was very disappointed that everything was locked down. When we were at BYU 3 days before Christmas they were open for business well at least the book store. How can I properly attire my kids if they are closed? We enjoyed the mountains and the love we felt. It was great to get away literally this time. greg and the kids had a great time playing soccer at Ruth and Duane's house. Reed even demanded a ride in dad's arms so he could be part of the action.
Oh and we had a birthday in the midst of this. Adelaide turned 3. KAren our hostess graciously put matches- burning- in Addie's pancake and we sang to her. It was a great gift as I have been so preoccupied it was not on my radar screen. The kids were wiped out from all the fun see them on a pleasant ride home!
shown in picture: clay ward, jaun medrano hiredman, dan corn, greg saunders, kevin corn, justin blazzard
We got home and began the funeral. The viewing/public reception was monday night. It was tender and so incredible to see so many very special formative people from my childhood. I had a different childhood from my siblings in that the farm was a major part of my life. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents and so these business people, mechanics, neighbors/landlords were people I was familiar with. I told people I live in Vale/Australia because the mere ten miles that separates me from Nyssa(where the farm is) and ONtario (where I grew up) might as well be around the world. This has been hard, very hard to reconcile being a mom totally removed from all of the farm stuff. I mean my boys don't believe I know how to operate tractors and trucks, come on really?! But I keep telling myself being a mom is the most important thing to do with my life at this point and all those things were nice but this is more lasting...
The funeral was tuesday morning. My brother Daniel spoke, I spoke, my sister in law Melissa sang Come thou Fount of Every blessing, and my dad spoke. Greg dedicated the grave. IT was all family and it was hard, healing, and honorable.
pall bearears- kevin mayo font left, justin blazzard right front
I have not ever been so close to someone who died. It was all the things books and songs say. Surreal, horrible, like a dream, hard to deal with, touching, and more. Not being a funeral goer I really didn't know how much healing is brought from collective prayers of friends, touching offerings of food, doing chores or jobs that must be done, a simple phone call that is just sadness and cheer. My family is truly blessed by many great and caring friends and neighbors. I've vowed to change my ways and make it point to call, send a card, or attend more funerals. It does matter to the family.
After that I had another laundry day and then off to Hermiston, OR then on to Gresham to see Greg's brother Matt compete in the state trouble shooting (read fixing cars) contest. They take a written test then have a car with numerous (10 this year) problems that need to be found and fixed in a timed event. The guys got a perfect car (of course). And they won!! When greg competed 19 years ago his mom was pregnant with Matt. The teacher that coached them both is also retiring this year so it was a fun time to get to go. Another interesting note is this same teacher Mr. Merle Saunders was my dads best friend growing up. He worked for my grandfather and credits him for demanding excellence in all jobs. Now Mr. Saunders in turn teaches his students the same lesson. my husband and his friend were his first team to achieve national excellence in this contest 19 years ago. It's so amazing how lives we touch, touch ours again years even generations later. Mr. Saunders wife Joy commented how we were like family, in so many ways the only thing lacking is the legal verifcation. How important we each are in our spheres just being who we are and doing what we do.
Saturday I was escorted by my husband who really loves me to the play WICKED!!! I love musicals!!!! I mean I really do. I love the emotion, the complete acting or committal of the actors to creating the story and the music. I was not going to go I was going to sell my tickets to supplement the gas we used in these weeks, but he put his foot down and took me. It was fabulous. Whenever I take those personality tests I'm pretty much split right up the middle artsy/methodical, outgoing/introvert, take charge well no that one is usually not split. But I usually operate in the get it done busy mode and don't get in touch with my artsy side. Well last night for 3 hours we just sat and were engrossed with the play. It was a great remembrance and one that I think could easily become a habit.
Tonight we finally celebrated birthdays. So we lighted candles and sang to Aliza who turned 7 on Thursday. Aunt Annie had made a cake just for her when we got to Hermiston we had that as a late night snack. It was so nice and cousin Megan guessed correctly. We love chocolate. I also had my birthday and turned 33. Doesn't seem like that long but looking back it has been good.
We also got to pick up Aunt Brenda from the airport and be updated on her life. We love and look forward to the uninterrupted conversations we have with each of the 18 siblings we have between us. We have had the opportunity to spend many very peaceful hours with the Corn family and are looking forward to some with the Saunders family this coming weekend. I cannot express how much hurt and emotion we have experienced these last weeks but I am grateful to have had a day in the hospital with my grandfather with time to tell him how much I love him and what was going on in my life. I'm thankful for a husband who willingly and encouragingly has made it a point to visit grandparents. I am so thankful for the gospel to give me direction, comfort, and peace through all of this. And how I thank God daily for my husband. He is my best gift for any occasion or celebration. His strength and protection and complete understanding are such a stabilizing gift in my life. What a blessing.
We are all dealing with this and working through the emotions and reality. Life is good there are bright moments and people. We have a host of old and new perfect moments that we thank many of you for. My parting words would be don't put life off until tomorrow you never know when your last today is. With love and best wishes.
Needless to say these events set of a tidal wave of chain reactions that have been difficult and peaceful. We had already planned to go my sister Ruth's graduation from Utah state on mother's day weekend. So we decided a change of scenery was as good as sitting around crying and headed to Utah. We were graciously hosted by Greg's cousin and we were able to see more cousins. The lovely dandelion jewelry is styling of her daughter. It was a major hit!! Millie is seen with Greg learning about car maintenance.
I think that is one of his missions in life is to keep us all on the road. We really love being uplifted by cousins.
Now I did put my foot down (Greg's favorite phrase to use with me) on the BYU apparel at Utah State. He did sneak in his hat. I should have packed the shirt and left the hat as it is way so more obvious. But we did do an extensive tour of Utah state. It has grown a lot. I was very impressed with the new engineering building which is left partially unfinished to show how buildings are constructed. I was very disappointed that everything was locked down. When we were at BYU 3 days before Christmas they were open for business well at least the book store. How can I properly attire my kids if they are closed? We enjoyed the mountains and the love we felt. It was great to get away literally this time. greg and the kids had a great time playing soccer at Ruth and Duane's house. Reed even demanded a ride in dad's arms so he could be part of the action.
Oh and we had a birthday in the midst of this. Adelaide turned 3. KAren our hostess graciously put matches- burning- in Addie's pancake and we sang to her. It was a great gift as I have been so preoccupied it was not on my radar screen. The kids were wiped out from all the fun see them on a pleasant ride home!
shown in picture: clay ward, jaun medrano hiredman, dan corn, greg saunders, kevin corn, justin blazzard
We got home and began the funeral. The viewing/public reception was monday night. It was tender and so incredible to see so many very special formative people from my childhood. I had a different childhood from my siblings in that the farm was a major part of my life. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents and so these business people, mechanics, neighbors/landlords were people I was familiar with. I told people I live in Vale/Australia because the mere ten miles that separates me from Nyssa(where the farm is) and ONtario (where I grew up) might as well be around the world. This has been hard, very hard to reconcile being a mom totally removed from all of the farm stuff. I mean my boys don't believe I know how to operate tractors and trucks, come on really?! But I keep telling myself being a mom is the most important thing to do with my life at this point and all those things were nice but this is more lasting...
The funeral was tuesday morning. My brother Daniel spoke, I spoke, my sister in law Melissa sang Come thou Fount of Every blessing, and my dad spoke. Greg dedicated the grave. IT was all family and it was hard, healing, and honorable.
pall bearears- kevin mayo font left, justin blazzard right front
I have not ever been so close to someone who died. It was all the things books and songs say. Surreal, horrible, like a dream, hard to deal with, touching, and more. Not being a funeral goer I really didn't know how much healing is brought from collective prayers of friends, touching offerings of food, doing chores or jobs that must be done, a simple phone call that is just sadness and cheer. My family is truly blessed by many great and caring friends and neighbors. I've vowed to change my ways and make it point to call, send a card, or attend more funerals. It does matter to the family.
After that I had another laundry day and then off to Hermiston, OR then on to Gresham to see Greg's brother Matt compete in the state trouble shooting (read fixing cars) contest. They take a written test then have a car with numerous (10 this year) problems that need to be found and fixed in a timed event. The guys got a perfect car (of course). And they won!! When greg competed 19 years ago his mom was pregnant with Matt. The teacher that coached them both is also retiring this year so it was a fun time to get to go. Another interesting note is this same teacher Mr. Merle Saunders was my dads best friend growing up. He worked for my grandfather and credits him for demanding excellence in all jobs. Now Mr. Saunders in turn teaches his students the same lesson. my husband and his friend were his first team to achieve national excellence in this contest 19 years ago. It's so amazing how lives we touch, touch ours again years even generations later. Mr. Saunders wife Joy commented how we were like family, in so many ways the only thing lacking is the legal verifcation. How important we each are in our spheres just being who we are and doing what we do.
| jack torrey, drew torrey, matt saunders lloyd |
Saturday I was escorted by my husband who really loves me to the play WICKED!!! I love musicals!!!! I mean I really do. I love the emotion, the complete acting or committal of the actors to creating the story and the music. I was not going to go I was going to sell my tickets to supplement the gas we used in these weeks, but he put his foot down and took me. It was fabulous. Whenever I take those personality tests I'm pretty much split right up the middle artsy/methodical, outgoing/introvert, take charge well no that one is usually not split. But I usually operate in the get it done busy mode and don't get in touch with my artsy side. Well last night for 3 hours we just sat and were engrossed with the play. It was a great remembrance and one that I think could easily become a habit.
Tonight we finally celebrated birthdays. So we lighted candles and sang to Aliza who turned 7 on Thursday. Aunt Annie had made a cake just for her when we got to Hermiston we had that as a late night snack. It was so nice and cousin Megan guessed correctly. We love chocolate. I also had my birthday and turned 33. Doesn't seem like that long but looking back it has been good.
We also got to pick up Aunt Brenda from the airport and be updated on her life. We love and look forward to the uninterrupted conversations we have with each of the 18 siblings we have between us. We have had the opportunity to spend many very peaceful hours with the Corn family and are looking forward to some with the Saunders family this coming weekend. I cannot express how much hurt and emotion we have experienced these last weeks but I am grateful to have had a day in the hospital with my grandfather with time to tell him how much I love him and what was going on in my life. I'm thankful for a husband who willingly and encouragingly has made it a point to visit grandparents. I am so thankful for the gospel to give me direction, comfort, and peace through all of this. And how I thank God daily for my husband. He is my best gift for any occasion or celebration. His strength and protection and complete understanding are such a stabilizing gift in my life. What a blessing.
We are all dealing with this and working through the emotions and reality. Life is good there are bright moments and people. We have a host of old and new perfect moments that we thank many of you for. My parting words would be don't put life off until tomorrow you never know when your last today is. With love and best wishes.
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