Kim Ellis Madsen
Aug. 14, 1958 - Feb. 9, 2009
So in less than 2 weeks it will be the 1st anniversary of my mother's passing. I don't know how I will feel on the actual day, Feb. 9th. I don't know from day to day how I will feel. I have had several people ask me how I am feeling about it and if I have any plans. I do actually have one plan. I am going to cut my hair. I have been growing it out for almost three years now, and it is probably longer than I have had it since I was 5 years old. I am not a long haired kind of girl and for most of my life it has been shoulder length or shorter, now it is halfway down my back. I considered cutting this last summer, but realized if I could hold off for a few more months it would finally be long enough to donate. So that is my plan, to cut and donate my hair on the anniversary of my mother dying from cancer. Hmmm, that sounds kind of morbid stated so baldly... but I think it will help me feel like I am doing something constructive and honoring her spirit, instead of just sitting around feeling sad. Plus I think shedding this weight from my head and undergoing such a dramatic change will help me feel like I am starting fresh and ready to move forward. (I don't know know if you have to be a woman to understand that, but who doesn't love a makeover?)
I have had another idea that I would like to implement and I will need others help with this. One of my cousins has mentioned on more than one occasion that her mother (my aunt) really liked to be able to talk about her mother (my grandmother) and just hear and tell stories about her on the anniversary of her death. And then last night one of my mother's sisters posted on facebook something that my mom had written on her blog a couple of years ago. It made me smile to read the words my mom had written all that time ago, and realize how much sweeter they are now knowing what she was going through at the time.
So my idea, I would love to hear stories from anyone about my mom. Funny ones, happy ones, tender ones, anything. I know all my stories and memories of her, but I would love to read about how others remember her. My blog has comment moderation on it so I get to read them before they get published (that way I don't have people putting spam and ads on my blog...) So I am going to make a file in my email and not read any of them until the day of the 9th. Then I will publish them all at once. Reading each comment will be like unwrapping a present. So please take the time to leave a memory you have of her, even if you've never commented before. And please also put your relationship to her or how you knew her, i.e. friend, co-worker, cousin, ect. Leave as many as you like. This will be such a great gift to myself, my brother and sister, and especially her grandchildren who will get to know her through our memories of her. I think that she would like to see us celebrating her life and remembering her this way.
So I will start by sharing one of my memories. I was 8 years old and we had just moved to our new house in Centerville. It was Saturday night and I had just finished having a bath. My mom came in and helped me get out of the tub and towel off, and then was combing through my hair. She picked me up, wrapped in a towel and said she was going to carry me to my room. Which I thought was kind of odd, but sometimes parents just like to baby their kids. Instead she carried me outside on the front porch (it was almost dark) whipped off the towel and darted back into the house and shut the door! I was in such shock I just stood there naked for a moment before scrambling inside. And as I got older she could never understand why I was such a tease to my brother and sister, she always blamed my dad for teaching me to tease people...
I love you mom, and I miss you everyday.
28 comments:
It was almost two years ago and I was having a hard time with some choices that Kevin's side of the family were making.
I didn't want to talk to my mom about it because I didn't want her to be upset with my in-laws. I was looking for eternal perspective and so I turned to your mom.
What she gave me was the perfect about of sympathy and confusion as to why they would make such choices (which validated my feelings at the time) and the direction to let it slide off my back and try not to let it effect me.
---------------------------------------
During one of the Christmas eve parties, I can't remember how old I was, probably jr. high, we had a talent show.
Your mom kicked off the night with "Santa Baby". I'd never heard that song before and to say your mom was channeling Marilyn Monroe is an understatement. I was a little embarrassed by all the sexuality oozing from my aunt and yet transfixed at the same time.
Still to this day I can't hear that song without thinking of her and her pouty lip.
Well I don't know if this is one specific memory but I do remember a quality about your mom. I worked with her when I was in Hello Dolly (my first show at Rogers) and then again for many others. I always enjoyed going to the theater and participating but sometimes the self conscience side of me would come out and I would feel like I didn't really belong there. But every time I was around your mom she had a way of making me feel like I belonged. Your mom had such a bright and happy countenance around her that you couldn't help but feel happy around her too.
Another memory... :)
I remember being invited over to your house for a how to host a murder mystery party. Your parents were a hoot... they played the part perfectly! I remember being impressed with how much fun they had in life. Something I hope to never lose.
One other thing, shortly after she passed, I happened to read her blog. It was such an inspiration to me to read through all she felt and went through during her cancer trial. Cancer runs pretty prevalently in my family and seeing her peaceful way of accepting her cancer gave me comfort. She was an amazing woman who touched my life in many ways and I am grateful for the chance to remember her here. Thanks Chrissy!
I love this idea Chrissy... it will be a wonderful way to remember her. You should print out all the stories and combine them in a book or something. Love you, Kamra.
There is something about the death of a mother that makes a person really look at life. To me, the passing of my mother helped me be more sensitive to others and appreciate mothers more, among other personal thoughts.
As a neighborhood kid and a kid growing up in the ward, there are Three general memories I had about your mom. 1) Primary Chorister. She was so good at it and I hardly remember a time when she didn't have that calling. She made the songs enjoyable to sing and she was so happy when she was doing it.
2)I remember a roadshow play that she, and I think you dad also, put together of Hansel and Gretel. She wanted to make sure every single primary kid that wanted to participate, had a part. I was so shy, but she gave me the part of Mama bear and really helped me get over my stage fright. She made me feel that my role, as a little kid with such a little role to play, was so very important. 3) I remember her always smiling. Of course I only saw her in public, but it makes another person feel happy when you're around smiling people.
As a side note, Megan and I have discussed that at times, when we're close to the spirit, the veil is very thin and we can feel our mother's influence and presence-unique to each of us. I promise you that Your mother will not stop mothering you. It is an eternal relationship, something to continue to nourish and appreciate throughout your life.
Much love,
Natalie Harr
I saw the picture of your mom and started crying. I'll be thinking of stories and if you want me to come to the salon with you, let me know.
What a wonderful idea. But where do I start. I am the step child but never felt like one around Kim. She was my friend, someone I admired. We could talked a lot, just about anything.She helped me threw some of the hardest times of my life.She showed so much love for me. But I would cuss her a lot in the earley morning hours (5 A.M.) when she would make us do just one more lunge or sit up. And would literally push on us in Yoga. I think of this a lot when I'm working out,and know that I'm not push as hard as she would push me. I need to do better. I miss her sooo much.I had been workong out with Kim for almost twenty years. What great memories we have had. She was the big sister I never had, and she will be forever. I love you. :)
When Kim finally stopped teaching at Town & Country she started an exercise class for the 'average' woman at the church. I was one of the lucky members of that group. I know that she said she was doing it so that she could stay current with teaching and work out herself but I know that I was the person who benefitted the most from it. I have so many memories of laughing with her while swimming, walking, doing yoga or aerobics. 15 years of sweating together (while it sounds gross) can really make you feel a part of someone. And it didn't stop when the hour was up. Many times I would follow her home to pick up a book or a plant or she would follow me home to check out something I had done in my yard. I loved spending time with Kim. To be with her was a treat. It was like being with your childhood friend who knew all your secrets and shortcomings and loved you anyway. She was always ready to have fun...wait a minute, maybe it was just that everything she did, she had a way of making fun.
In September of 08 Kim started taking a tap class with LuAnn and Karen and I. What a hoot! Your mom loved to dance. Your mom loved to teach. Your mom loved to teach dance to us flatfoots. We would go over to Rodger's Memorial and practice for hours. And yes, this was when she knew that the cancer was back. She would walk in looking and probably feeling more like going back to bed than putting on tap shoes, but once those shoes were on her feet it was like she turned into a teenager again.
Maybe I should remind you of something in case you didn't hear or have forgotten. The day that I was talking to Karen about taking tap class, your mom had been for a walk and had stopped in the Centerville Cemetary. She told me that she had been sitting on one of the benches there thinking about what she wanted to do during the last few months that she knew she had left here. She said that it came to her like a ray-of-sunshine thought, "I want to tap!" So as I was hearing Karen tell me about tapping, I had the strongest feeling that she had to call your mom and tell her about the class. We started tapping the very next day.
This year has been an emotional one for me. My dad passed on the day that Kim thought she was going to get to, Dec. 11 (anyone remember that?). I can't think of either one of them without tearing up...I'm sitting here with little wet splotches on my lap right now...but I have also felt a great peace knowing that this separation is only one-sided. I can't 'see' them but I know they are still very aware of me. And I know that Kim is 'directing' what she can in your lives. I loved your mom - thank you for sharing her with me.
Paula
One summer day Josh had gone out to clean the pool. He was still all in his clothes because he was waiting for everyone else to get home before jumping in. Well as he was walking near the deck Kim snuck up on him and pushed him in. Oh he was mad... and then we all laughed. Then I went to bring towels and Kim pushed ME in!! So then Josh and I got up and finally fought and won her over and we pushed her in. All fully clothes we had a water fight and then went to go put our suits on to finish the job. She's always able to bring a smile to my face. Miss her and love her everyday. Thanks for letting me be apart of it :)
Chrissy, I love your mom. She had the ability to lighten the darkest of days, and bring laughter in when all I felt like doing was crying. She made me feel like family, like I was important. She was real, and she wasn't ashamed of it. She had a way of putting life in perspective, and she lived it head on. She knew what was important, and even though she was involved in a lot of things she was never too busy to enjoy life. I know it sounds strange, but I still feel as if Kim is here. I believe with all of my heart that part of her ministry is here, as one of those angels that prompts little acts of kindness and brings smiles where there were once frowns. So wherever Kim is spreading sunshine and helping people's hearts (and plants) grow, know that she is loved and not forgotten. (By the way, this is Kaylee, Caitlin's friend. I don't expect this comment to be shared, as I'm sure you will receive many with similar sentiment. I just wanted to let you know how much I love your mom. I think about your family all of the time, and feel as if it's my own even though there is no blood connection. I bet there are many more that feel the same way, and much of that has to do with your mom's big heart and open arms. I see that in all of you, and it's one thing that I hope to develop and emulate someday. Much love, and my thoughts and prayers are with you!)
My memory to share is this;
We were both 17 years old except Kim was married and I was still in Young women. We were in the same ward since she and David lived in the rock house. Kim was asked to direct the roadshow that year. She wrote it and held auditions. I tried out thinking she would give me one of the main parts since we were relatives. She didn't. She gave the part I wanted to another girl, who was younger and quite shy. I of course was hurt and went crying to her and she very calmly and sweetly told me that this girl needed the part more than I did and she did. She just blossomed with the part and did a wonderful job. I was very touched that Kim wouldn't be swayed because of family and that she did the right thing, for the right reason. My respect for her grew leaps and bounds after that incident (and after I got over it, I was after all only 17 years old.)Kim was incredible than and she only grew more so as the years went by. I'm so glad and grateful I got to be a small part of her exceptional life.
I came over to Utah in Nov 2008 to visit Kim. She was pretty week and had oxygen on at that time. One night while I was there, she had a party for her girl friends to come and visit and eat some goodies. We were sitting around talking when Kim decided her and Paula should show us all their tap routine that they had learned in their tap class. Kim jumped up and tapped away with Paula. I was amazed that she found that much energy! As soon as they were done she plopped back down on the couch and put her oxygen back on! I have video of their tap tap tapping! I should show you some time! In the movie Far and Away with Tom Cruise he says to Nichole Kidman, "Your a corker Shannon!" That perfectly decribes Kim!
I remember a family Christmas party when we were all younger and your mom performed "Santa Baby." It was the first time I'd heard that song and she made it so funny & fun. She was always a great performer and entertainer! She also hosted a bridal shower for me and I was so grateful for her kindness for doing that, for us, as we were starting our married life.
I loved seeing the picture of your mom relaxing in her beautiful garden. I miss her too. I remember the last time I saw her she almost fell down the stairs over her oxygen tube and was still making jokes about it. And then she talked to me, asked me about Jim and his headaches, and told me she loved me and was glad I would be there for you when she was gone. Even in her last days, she was always concerned for other people. I loved her sense of humor and her willingness to share. When my hollyhocks come up this year I will think of her! I especially cherish the tender experience we shared at Lila's birth. It was early morning, still dark outside, when I arrived at the hospital. Your mom and dad and Brian were already there, and your mom was sitting by your side holding your hand. As soon as I walked into the room I could feel that the spirit. The veil was truly thin that day. Lila's sweet spirit was on the verge of birth into this world, and Kim's sweet spirit was on the verge of another birth into the spirit world. I felt so privileged to be there with all of you, but especially to share that moment with Lila's other grandma. I will continue to try to give you and Lila and all your family all the love I can, even though I know it does not make up for your own mom. I admire you Chrissy for how you cope with so many burdens because of Brian's handicap, and I know the Lord will continue to bless you and support you in your challenges. Love, Mom Terrie
I have many memories of Aunt Kim.
1) One of my most favorite memories is, we had a girl day with Kim, Chrissy, Elena, Lauren, Kristen (mom), Grandma LuDean and me. We went to the Thanksgiving Point Gardens - Tulip Festival. It was SO much fun! We had a fun time talking and just hanging out.
2) Another one is that, Aunt Kim and I always picked strawberries in her garden. She would show me when they were ripe, how to wash them, and then we would eat them. Then she let me teach Jake and Evie too. It was really fun.
3) Another one is (of course) swimming in the pool on a hot summer day! Those days were always the best! She made it loads of fun!
I love and miss you Kim!
Lizzy Giles
From Tami, one of my childhood friends:
Chrissy,
I want you to know I miss your mom very much and have the fondest of memories of her and my childhood. I would love the warm feeling she would always have for me and our friendship. I know its hard and I wish I could take away the loss of losing your mom, but she has made such a huge impression on all she comes encounter with she will never be forgotten! Miss you Kim and Love you
My favorite Memories are:
I have to say that my favorite memory of your mom was when we had the famous neighborhood garage sales and she would make her homemade breadsticks. To this day I have never had a peice of bread that was as good as hers. I remember running back and forth from my house to yours and everytime Kim saw me she would hand me a breadstick.. That was the best!!
I also remember when we would do our production shows (lets it hear for the boys) and sing our hearts out and your mom would just laugh and say how glad she was that we had each other. Remember when we would cry at that one song about your grandpa being gone and she would say (knock it off you two or I'm turning the music off!!)
Kim made me a beautiful lace overlay to go on a dress I was having my picture in for stars, I still have it today and the picture that was taken with it!
When we kidnapped you and woke you up on your Birthday and we went to breakfast. Your mom was so sneaky with us and not letting you know, it was so fun to see how much fun she had planning it:)
When I was over in Denver my mom and I were looking at scrapebooks and she had a whole page of you and Caitlyn and your mom when you guys went and visited Denver. I am so glad she got to come to both of my homes and visit!!
Remember New Years Eve were you guys all came over and we partied! That was the best new year ever, and here is to many more with the memory of your mom!
Love you Chrissy
From Susan Bellomy, one of my mom's best friends:
Hi Chrissy--
February 9th has been on my mind lately, too. And I think your blog entree AND haircut/donation are wonderful gestures and tributes to your mother. I'm sure Kim would be pleased. Also, I can't tell you how many times in the few months before your mom passed away that we talked about you kids. Kim told me that the hospice worker had told her that leaving was the most hard for mothers. It was true for your mother, too. Even in the delirium of that Sunday (before she died)...in the early morning hours, "her babies" were on her mind. She needed to be reassured that you would all be okay.
Now because I wanted to participate but knew the space was too short, I am sending an email instead. Here's what I would like to share...
It has been a year and Kim is still my very best friend in the world. Our friendship was so unique that I'm pretty sure you only get one of those per lifetime! Consequently, when a person plays such a significant role in your life every time we spent together is a "story" to share. Two little ones come to mind but are so reflective of Kim's personality and the impact she had in my life.
#1 Kim accepted me completely and wholeheartedly...never did I feel any judgement...opinions, yes! but no judgement. But she could never resist the opportunity to help me grow in someway...usually in a way that I didn't enjoy at the time but have been grateful for since. This is one of those times...We were at bookgroup sitting down to have dinner at Shelly's house. This was in August 2002 and I had decided to go back to work but I didn't know exactly what it was that I wanted to do so, while I figured it out, I decided to substitute teach. Shelly got wind of it and asked me to take her class for a week. At that time Shelly worked at Clearfield High School...which would require driving on the freeway. Not wanting to really say no in front of this group of women and definitely not wanting to confess my fear of driving on the freeway to this group, I tried to put Shelly off and gave a non-commital answer. Kim knew exactly what I was doing and told the group of my fear. Then she just sat back and watched as they devoured this untold truth and peppered me with questions and comments. Every few sentences, Kim would add something to redirect the comments...forcing me to choose between being publicly humiliated or agreeing to take the teaching gig. Knowing me as she did, of course, I agreed to sub for Shelly. Thus, September 2002 I faced my fear of driving on the freeway and got over it!
#2 This is a "little" story but it is a memory that I truly cherish. In the fall of 2008, a couple of months before Kim was given that final diagnosis, Elizabeth and I dropped by to visit her. Elizabeth had just started her first year as a dance teacher at Riverton High School. Part of her job that very first year of teaching was to choreograph the school musical, "No, no Nanette". She was freaked out! Here it was her first year as a teacher and she was being asked to choreograph a musical...something she had never ever done before. So, we were off to visit Aunt Kim who had definitely choregraphed a few musicals in her time. Kim talked to Elizabeth about the role of a choreographer and some stuff about musicals in general and this musical in particular. I stepped out of the room at one point to talk to someone in the other room. And I when I came back there were my two favorite dancers in the whole world working through steps together...enjoying the process of dance and creation. It was just one of those little magical life moments... where I got to see two people that I care about sharing something that was unique to them.
There you go! Chrissy, thanks for this opportunity to share and remember.
Love to you,
Susan
From her mom, LuDean:
Kim was so smart, even at an early age. When she was 3 or 4 years old she learned what reading a word meant. When we drove into Salt Lake we would have to read every single sign we saw to her. It drove us crazy!
She also had a stubborn streak. She hated cooked carrots. One night I insisted that she eat them. She sat alone at the table for an hour, after everyone else was done, and finally she ate them. Then she promptly threw them right back up! I never made her eat cooked carrots again.
When she was in the 4th grade one of the assignments she got every week was a list of spelling words, and to practice them they were supposed to copy it 20 times. After reading through them once Kim would have it memorized and could spell them all correctly on the test. But it drove her teacher crazy that she wouldn't do the assignment so she got a bad grade in spelling, even though she aced every test!
Kim taught me more than I ever taught her, right up to the day she died. She hated it when people gossiped, and when you were around her, you said good things about them or you just didn't talk.
From Jacob, her oldest grandchild:
I really liked to go swimming with her in her pool and then to get out and help her in her garden in our swimming suits. I remember having special sleepovers with her, especially the night before the 4th of July when we'd sleep outside on the deck. It was lots of fun.
My Mima made me a special book with pictures of us in the garden and it helps me remember how much she loves me. It makes me sad when I think about how much I miss her, and I cry because I miss her a lot.
I have had so many fun experiences with Aunt Kim and made many wonderful memories with her! I remember walking through her garden and just loving it and being so amazed that she knew so much about plants, flowers and herbs. But she was passionate about the things she loved! I was about 12 years old and I was so excited when Kim said I could help her clean out her pond. We spent the afternoon talking about our lives and she was able to teach me about her passion for gardening. During this one-on-one afternoon I got with my Aunt, we were able to connect and grow closer to each other, all while I held a toilet bowl scrubber in my hand scraping the algae off the rocks in her pond! I love you Aunt Kim! Thanks for the memories! :)
I remember going to Disney Land with your family when we were kids. All of us squeezed into the van. Aunt Kim kept everyone happy with song, stories, and games for the entire trip. As and adult now, I can see what an enormous task that was, that few but Kim could accomplish. And how generous she and Uncle Dave were to let us tag along on your family vacation. Aunt Kim will forever be an example to me of finding happiness and fun in all of life's turns!
Chrissy-
I'm crying so I hope I can see the screen clearly enough to spell everything correctly.
My first favorite memory of your mom is one that we have mentioned many times before. We were supposed to bake chocolate chip cookies for a FHE treat and somehow, we made the dough bounce just like a bouncy ball. Your mom made us pick out every single chocloate chip out of the dough so that she could remake the cookies.
Another memory comes from rafting down the Green River for Girl's Camp. I absolutely did not want to go on that trip (because you know how much I love water). I was so comforted when I found out your mom and dad would be there and I think I rode in their raft every day. Anyway, your mom became friends with Kenyan and Travis and I thought it was cool that your mom would have them over to your house.
My final memory consists of many mornings when I would show up to your house so we could go to school and you'd still be in bed. I'd watch as your mom would wake you up, drag you out of bed, and encourage you to quickly get ready. You'd get so mad but I always thought it was a funny routine you two had.
I've been surprised by how much I've missed your mom this year. She was so easy to talk to about absolutely anything and she never judged anyone. She always had advice for whatever you were going through. In her final few months, she had an open door policy and let anyone into her home to visit with her. I would worry that I wouldn't know what to say to try and comfort her and when I'd get there, she never needed comforting. Instead, it was her comforting the rest of us and assuring us that she was going to be okay and that she was ready to move onto the next part of her life. I know your mom is still doing wonderful things on the other side of the veil and I can't wait until we can all see her again.
I love you very much and am thinking of you and your entire family at this time. If you ever need more memories, just ask because I have a bunch.
When Caite and I were in high school, I remember her announcing to me one day that she was going to try her hand at making rose water. I smiled and nodded, not quite knowing what else to do. I casually asked how one went aobut doing that. She started telling me the process, listing off ingredients...and then she mentioned vodka. I jerked my head to look at her and asked quite seriously, 'Caite, how on earth are you going to get vodka?' She nonchalantly answered, 'Mom's getting it for me.'
This story illustrates a few of the things I remember most about Kim--if she wanted to do something, she did it, and encouraged her children and her children's friends to do the same. Kim didn't care what anyone might think about her coming out of the liquor store. What mattered most was what she thought of herself.
Love, love, love
Steph
Chrissy-
I just saw this. So I am a little late. I have to start by saying it does get a little easier as time goes by. I lost my dad 6 yrs ago. For the most part I can think of him without falling apart. However, every once in a while I have a day where I just need my dad to give me a hug, or to see him smile. I hurt when my kids say they don't remember him, but it does get a litte easier. Now for your mom.....
I met your mom at the theater...who didn't;) I don't know that I have a specific memory of her. What I do remember is her smile. There aren't many people out there that smile as much as my dad did. Your mom would have given him a run for his money. She was always dancing & laughing. She was confident & content. She LOVED her family. She was always so proud of her kids & her hubby. She was a great example to me. So I can only imagine the memories those of you who were closer to her have. Enjoy these memories & don't limit them to this day. If you feel the need ask for them any time you need to know that others remember she was here with you. She is your mom & you can always stop to enjoy this time with her again.
You know your Mom called Eric "Satan" because he was always tempting your Dad to go golfing. The two of them grew closer during those golf outings. They weren't meant to take your Dad away but to give him an outlet so he could be strong for your Mom. Eric loved your Mom. His way of serving her was getting your Dad out of the house. He even memorialized your Mom on the Granite Golf trophy.
We both loved Kim. She was a great hostess for many family gatherings. Kim was accepting and loving of everyone. We always had an opportunity to laugh, feast, and play when we came to your parents home. We appreciate all she did for us. Her example shines through you. We would love to see before and after photo's of the hair. :) Love you! Aunt Shauna
Chrissy, Your mom gave me a Philodendron for my Christmas present in 2002. It is sitting by my bathtub and still flourishing . . . one of my favorite houseplants. The following is the note she gave me to go with it:
"This plant was grown from a leaf cutting taken by Kim Madsen. The plant is 2 years old as of December 2002. The mother plant was a gift to LuDean Ellis at the death of her husband in 1986. She gave the plant to Kim in 2000, pot-bound and ailing. Kim repotted it and helped it grow vigorously again.
This offspring has been given a systemic insecticide and growth enhancer and has been watered and mulched.
Philodendrons are very easy to grow. They like bright light, but it can be indirect lighting. There are 200 species. This one is "heart leaf", a climber, meaning it is vine-like. You can grow it upright by attaching it to a topiary support with twine, or let it ramble and trail. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Depending on heat level of your home that could be weekly or every two to three weeks. Feed it during the growing months. March through September with light fertilizer when you water. A spray off in the shower once a month or so will keep the leaaves from getting dusty and help them in their photosynthesis. Philodendron are well known for their ability to clean and purify the air.
Merry Christmas, Sandra. I grew it for you."
Is there any doubt in your mind, Chrissy, that this plant is very special to me?
This is a little late, but I remember all the fun "after the show" parties we had at your parents' house after all the shows. Your mom was so much fun to work with. I remember how stressful Annie was when I designed lights for her and we were not given much time to put it all together. She was so helpful with everything and had a smile and kind words for us even when we were all ready to burst. I miss working with her at the theater. She was truly an inspiration to us all.
Wendy (Hales) Pop
Sorry I am so late! The memory I want to share is that your mother was always including me in fun family activities. I loved being invited over for conference BINGO. And honestly Chrissy if your mother had not invited me over I would never have watched it. I loved all the yummy food and treats you guys would have and I was always so impressed with the knowledge that you guys had of the gospel. Maybe that's one of the reasons years later I called you to answer some questions I had. I am so blessed to call you friend and to know your family. Love you friend.
I remember driving to school one day with mom (meaning I was late because she wouldn't leave until all her pots on the back deck were watered). We were stopped at a red light by the gas station next to the freeway entrance when she looked at me and said:
"Do you have any tests or assignments due today?"
"No. Just a regular day. Why?"
She just smiled, flipped on her blinker and we turned onto the freeway. When I asked where we were going, she said, "I don't feel like doing my chores today. Did you want to go to school, or do you want to go play?" I think you can guess my answer!
We spent the day at Thanksgiving Point and had a tea party in the afternoon. It was one of the best days of my life.
If mom was anything, she was a "just because" sort of person. She danced, and had tea parties, and would make your bed for you every now and then. And always "just because." I miss those spontaneous moments of joy and love--but they're not gone. All of us who knew her, however briefly, are inspired to carry on the grand tradition of "just because."
Post a Comment