It is a hard thing when your Mom dies. The Mother's Day after she left us was a rough one.
I don't think one is ever really prepared for the death of a parent. Even though she had been on Hospice care for 14 months, I don't think you are ever "ready" to say "good-bye".
Born 92 years ago, Mom completed her earthly mission on April 24, 2015.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matthew 25:21)
Yes, it helps to to know I will have the warm, loving memories forever, but there are crazy things that pop into your mind at odd moments to remind you that she is gone from this earth.
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| The nine children of James and Maxine Owen, youngest to oldest. |
It was a great blessing that six of her nine children were able to be there as she "crossed over". That Friday afternoon we were able to Facetime in siblings who weren't able to be at her bedside.
We sang hymns and watched as the physical body shut down and the spirit left her frail body at 12:08 p.m. on April 24th.
Was it chance that it just happened to be my sister, Louise's, birthday? As primary caregiver, Louise was relieved of her heavy responsibility as a gift from her mom.
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| David and Michelle Owen. |
Mom had pre-arranged a funeral plan with the MacDougal Funeral Home many years ago. She also requested that there be only a graveside service. "No funeral" she said, but the children all decided it was a gathering that the family needed. It turned out to be a great Owen Family Reunion and one that Mom didn't have to organize.
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| It is a difficult thing to get pictures when there are so many different photographers! |
One card I received counseled:
In times of tears, remember the laughter,
In times of sadness, remember the smiles,
In times of loneliness, remember all you shared.
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| The display at the funeral home. |
It was wonderful to see how all the family members worked together to get the many details taken care of:
- the phone calls and emails to extended family
- the travel arrangements to gather family
- the obituary for newspaper and mortuary website
- the grave opening at the cemetery
- the etching on the stone
- the slide show at the viewing
- the photo display
- the flowers
- the dressing and makeup
- the printed program
- the musical numbers
- the talks, the grave dedication, the family prayer
- the pavilion
- the luncheon
- the thank you's
- the cleaning out of the house
- the legal notifications
A loving Heavenly Father took good care of the weather and Saturday, May 2nd was a glorious day in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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| Mom is buried near her own mother and father, Lillian and Hyrum Moulton. |
The amazing thing was that all nine of her children were able to be there! Thanks to Ralph's children, he was escorted from Washington to Utah and able to join the rest of us for a very memorable day.
It has now been three weeks since Mom's passing and two weeks since the funeral. The flowers I brought home from the funeral have almost all faded. It is still hard to think that Mom isn't still there at her house waiting for us to stop by and visit.
It was a great Family Reunion on May 2nd but I think there was an even better reunion that took place in the spirit world on April 24th. It had been 36 years since Maxine saw Jim alive. Of the eleven Moulton siblings, six were there to greet Mom.
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| The great-grandchildren sing a Primary medley. |
Our family can be "together forever" because of the merits and mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We know the death is not the end of our relationship with this grand woman. How we praise His holy name in providing a great Plan of Happiness. Mom knew she was going "home".
Mother's Day this year was one week after Mom's funeral. Nine children, 2 husbands, 56 grandchildren, and 68 great grandchildren: that's quite a legacy of love. Thanks, Mom, for your unconditional love. We hope to follow your faithful example.
