Recently Departed

It seems like there have been so many people passing on to the other side this month. People we know and a dear relative too. My cousin Pam called to let me know her Mom had passed away. Pam has been taking care of her for quite a while now, but you are just never ready when the end finally comes. Aunt Virgie was such a sweet lady. I remember all the cards and little gifts she would send for the different occasions. Her Christmas cards always had a mailbox of some kind on them. She was the mail carrier for the rural route in Queen Creek for many years. Uncle Duane carried the route for awhile, and when he became the Postmaster General for Queen Creek, Aunt Virgie began to do the route. She had so many friends and did lots of service in her church making quilts for the hospitals etc. She was quite a lady.

A long time friend passed away about the same time. Debbie Bates, mother to Tawna's best friend Krista lost her battle with cancer. Her family was in our ward twice, and Krista and Tawna have a lot of history together. Debbie was quiet, very talented and one of the most humble people I know. She never spoke a bad word about anyone. She had multiple health problems through the years, but managed to have 7 beautiful children and raise them to be wonderful adults. She served others constantly and had a great sense of humor. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Gramma Pearl has left us too. Kevin's maternal grandmother passed away this month also. She was quite a character and it has been fun to get to know her these last 4 years. You can see how much she loved her family and wanted to spend time with them in Taya's post about her on her blog. It was hard to see her go, and there wasn't much time to get used to the idea. She leaves behind a wonderful daughter and other family that will miss her so much. Carol and her family were always there for her and she knew she was loved. We will miss her adventurous spirit and positive attitude. We could learn much from that attribute from her.

My heart is full and I feel deeply for their families here. We all know while they are in a better place, we are left here to deal with our loss. I hope Pam and her family, Krista and her family and Carol's family know they are in our hearts and in our prayers. It helps a little to remember that lives filled with love leave us with hearts full of sorrow at parting. So much better than the alternative of lives without love that leave not a whisper of sorrow when gone. The greatest comfort is of course knowing we are without them for just a little time and will see them again. Interesting that they both loved the color purple. Their kids all wore something in a purple tint or tone and it was nice.

We will endure and be stronger for it. This is what they taught us and what we know.