Saying Goodbye

The doctors have said that Linda has anywhere from 24 hours - 1 week left. We had the opportunity to go to Castle Rock today and see her, perhaps for the last time.

When I asked the front desk which room was hers, they pointed towards a hallway, and said "She's the fourth room on the right. It's the room that always has a ton of people in it. You can't miss it." I am so glad! I am so glad that people have flocked to her, and shown their love for her. Her room was decorated with a few things hanging from the ceiling, and a cute shelf filled with Valentine's bears and hearts and flowers. You step into that room, and know this woman has lots, and lots of people who care for her.

I am but one of the many. I sat next to her, and stroked her arm, and talked with her. She can't really talk anymore. She tried, and when I leaned in close, I could understand a few things. She told me that she loved us, and asked how old Calvin was now, and she nodded her head to my yes and no questions. After awhile, she got tired, and I told her it was ok if she closed her eyes. She did, and rested for a few minutes, and then opened her eyes again and tried to talk. I told her it really was ok, and that she should rest. She shook her head no, and said, "I want". So I sat and talked to her some more, and told her about the new baby, and that we miss the ward we were in together, and what an example she was to me. We served as ward missionaries together when Dan was the Ward Mission Leader, and she was wonderful. We became friends then, and better friends later when I had the opportunity to be with her through some of her illness. I told her how she's one of the reasons I learned how to serve. I told her that her positivity, and love for all that she does, and everyone around her will always remind me to be a little kinder, to be a little more happy, and to cherish the things and people I have. I told her that I loved the times that I got to do her makeup and style her hair. She nodded. I told her that I love her, and am so glad that I had the blessing of knowing her. I cried. She tried to smile. I talked some more, about little things. I got the kids some juice (because they saw a nurse out in the hall giving juice to patients, and had to have some). I came back and sat with her awhile longer. When it was time to go, I kissed her forhead, and rubbed her hand. I told her that I wasn't going to say goodbye, but that we would see her again. I know that we will. I cried some more. I kissed her again. I hugged Dave. He told me it would be about a week before we saw eachother again. I cried again {I'm sure it's because I'm with child}. But he smiled. He's being strong, and lively, and his old self.

I'm sure we will see them shortly, under different circumstances. But still then, it will be a celebration of a beautiful, if all too short, life. Our hearts are with you Linda! May heaven bless you and your family, just as you have blessed us.