Lisa and my mom and dad left mid-morning to go home to AZ.
The house was quiet. I had on some soft music. I got dinner in the crockpot, and Christine and I went to church.
Even though I had a splitting headache, it was the best medicine!
My spirit soaked it all up. It would have been so easy to stay home. It's exactly what I needed.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Recovery
We did just about nothing today.
My dad napped on the couch most of the day, waking to check on football scores every once in a while.
Lisa slept in and lounged.
I hosted and rested. I've had some sort of company now for over a week.
My mom busied herself. She washed some of my silk greenery. Took down a valance and washed it and put it back up. At first I didn't understand why. I'm not a bad housekeeper! She explained that she wanted to do something for me. Her sister's daughter was gone and would never be able to do anything for her anymore, and she just wanted to do a 'mom thing' or two for me. Interesting thing--grief. It's different for all of us. The she got really sick and had to lay down for a few hours. Everything was finally catching up with her. It's been a lot!
Duff and Mike and Josh took off early for Las Vegas and the BYU game. They'll be home tomorrow.
No lacrosse today, which was good timing.
Lisa was craving meatloaf, so I happily obliged for a completely comforting weekend meal. It also happens to be Grandpa's favorite dinner! We use his mother's recipe and it is the best in our opinion! It was the first dinner my mom ever cooked for my dad when they were dating, and she called his mom for the recipe to impress him. I think it worked, don't you?
My dad napped on the couch most of the day, waking to check on football scores every once in a while.
Lisa slept in and lounged.
I hosted and rested. I've had some sort of company now for over a week.
My mom busied herself. She washed some of my silk greenery. Took down a valance and washed it and put it back up. At first I didn't understand why. I'm not a bad housekeeper! She explained that she wanted to do something for me. Her sister's daughter was gone and would never be able to do anything for her anymore, and she just wanted to do a 'mom thing' or two for me. Interesting thing--grief. It's different for all of us. The she got really sick and had to lay down for a few hours. Everything was finally catching up with her. It's been a lot!
Duff and Mike and Josh took off early for Las Vegas and the BYU game. They'll be home tomorrow.
No lacrosse today, which was good timing.
Lisa was craving meatloaf, so I happily obliged for a completely comforting weekend meal. It also happens to be Grandpa's favorite dinner! We use his mother's recipe and it is the best in our opinion! It was the first dinner my mom ever cooked for my dad when they were dating, and she called his mom for the recipe to impress him. I think it worked, don't you?
The picture above is all the breast cancer awareness stickers and ribbons that Jennifer and Julie made for everyone to wear at the funeral. An appropriate reminder of Wendy. Lisa brought pink earth-friendly bags for everyone, and Kristin made the family gals all pink pearlish necklaces to wear. She is really good at jewelry!
We watched the BYU game, and Meredith and Adrianne came over for dinner and to visit with Auntie and Grandma and Grandpa. Yay, for the win!
We watched the BYU game, and Meredith and Adrianne came over for dinner and to visit with Auntie and Grandma and Grandpa. Yay, for the win!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Memories of Wendy
MEMORIES OF WENDY
From the moment Wendy was born, she was smothered with LOVE. This sweet, fair, blonde, precious baby doll was not to be resisted! All babies bring their own individual kind of love with them, but with Wendy it radiated from every part of her. You were drawn to her. A bundle of pure happiness.
As a fairly new baby, she became very sick. The doctors didn’t know what to do, and told Auntie Tia and Uncle Bob to prepare for the worst. This was not something Auntie could accept, and begged Father In Heaven to spare her. Using the priesthood, Uncle Bob blessed her and she recovered. It was a miracle. We all cried tears of joy. I was 6 years old at the time, and I remember it well. Wendy was my real live baby doll. And I fashioned myself her mother while I played house with her.
Wendy was a pretty good baby, but as all little babes do, she would get fussy and cry. Sheri thought it was her duty as big sister (ha,ha. By only a couple of years…) to climb in the crib and get her out and take her to mama and prove she was crying! Sheri slung this little one up over her shoulder with all the confidence of a seasoned babysitter to gather some comfort for her little baby sister. Luckily, Wendy survived!
Her reputation in the family was the baby doll lover. She had a well-loved collection of dollies. All the other siblings knew what to expect on Christmas morning as far as Wendy was concerned! A new baby doll to love and care for. They were her most favorite presents and she nurtured, rocked, sang to, and bundled those dollies. She loved being a ‘mommy’, and those dollies prepared her for when her own little ones arrived.
While living in San Bernardino on Arden Street, she had lots of adventures. One of which was
playing in the mud. Can you just picture tow-headed Wendy covered in mud and loving every single minute of it? There was a place on the side yard that the kids would water with the hose and make a big mud patch. OH! There is such a difference between being careless and carefree! And carefree she was. Although, I don’t think Mrs. Lawrence next door was very appreciative!
Uncle Rodney gave the Walgren family a rick-shaw. Wendy was the little darling that always got to ride in the rick-shaw because she was the littlest. Shelly and Sheri were the designated ‘pullers’ and they will tell you that they were just a bit envious of her position.
Practically everyone who knows the Walgren family, knows that they are campers. Every single kind of camping you can think of. And they are GOOD campers. I remember them packing up their little Volkswagon station wagon to the brim and beyond with the kids tucked in to the nooks and crannies that were left over. Wendy had a teeny space. But no complaining. On a camping trip to Domingo Springs with the Hurdsman cousins, she dropped her fork in the dirt. Auntie Tia told her to walk over to the water spigot near their tents. All of a sudden they heard a shrill, (like her mother) blood curdling, piercing scream. A deer had wandered into the campsite and came right up to the water spigot to get a drink. It scared her to death! Here was the deer not frightened of her at all sharing the faucet with her dirty fork.
She would often get the raw end of the deal on these camping trips when the air mattresses were pushed together and her sleeping assignment was right in the middle. Sometime during the night she ended up on the floor of the tent.
A favorite pastime was playing ‘store’. One time the girls decided to do this in the garage on Arden. Imagine Auntie Tia’s surprise when she came out to check on them only to find that they had emptied all the trash from the garbage cans and set up their ‘store’! The empty tin cans of soup, vegetables, and fruit, milk cartons, cottage cheese, sour cream, bread and chip bags all lined up just like grocery store shelves. Rotten produce piled up to resemble beautiful displays! Wendy was so proud, while Auntie was in shock sending her into premature contractions with David.
We used to have family sleepovers with the cousins. Wendy’s culinary skills began to bud as a little girl when she would pull a chair in our kitchen up to the bread board and be in charge of making the breakfast toast. She took this VERY seriously, and Lisa remembers her making the best and most perfect golden brown toast ever. She would peer into the top of the toaster until it was just the right color.
She and Russell are only 13 months apart and they shared the same grade in school, same teachers, and same homework, and same social problems sticking together through them. She would come and support him playing his basketball games and he always appreciated that.
She loved to spend her summer days tanning in her red bikini with Sheri. Those two could have been poster girls for the Coppertone ads, especially Wendy with her blonde hair and that dark brown tan. The younger cousins used to call her ‘smokin’ HOT!
Wendy didn’t really like to be alone. Even on her dates. She conned David into going with her quite a few times. He was young, and would always ask where they were going. One time she told him they were going to go to the Submarine Races. They drove to Silverwood Lake. He spent the whole time looking at the lake trying to get a glimpse of those submarines. He never did see them and couldn’t understand how they were racing all the while Wendy and her date were making out!
Wendy loved at wedding receptions as the bride and groom were leaving, to say, “They are off to explore the 7 wonders of the world!” All the younger cousins thought that was such a grown up declaration and wanted to know what it meant. She would just smile.
If you haven’t heard, Russell is known as “the Big Cheese”. Wendy dubbed this title on him at church when he was speaking before leaving on his mission. And it has stuck ever since!
She sent a card of encouragement to him in Ecuador. On the front was an illustration of a big animal with an umbrella protecting a smaller animal. Inside were words of love and reassurance. He kept it all these years, and during a particularly difficult time for her not too long ago, he sent the card back to her with the same message. Wendy lived her life by the adage, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Wendy had style. She had flair. Her make-up was always perfect, and her hair and especially her bangs went perfectly. She loved fashion and her ‘bling’! Rarely would you catch her without her jewelry on and nails done.
She was organized and meticulous. An unbelievable crafter. She could handle a drill, hammer, or a saw with no fear. Her home was full of the things that made her ‘tick’. Her tole painting, her scrapbooking. When her niece, Tiffany, got married, she quietly went around taking pictures and later on surprised her with a beautiful wedding album. The caliber of detail, journaling, and expertise in this scrapbooking gift overflowed with care and love. No one had asked her to do this. She just volunteered it of herself. So many of us are recipients of her compassion and giving. She never really expected anything in return. You could often hear her say, “I felt so happy doing it for them!” And she really meant it. I have hanging in my laundry room a small placque over the sink that she made for me many years ago ‘just because’. It says: “May you find the strength to face tomorrow in the love that surrounds you today.” She had no idea, nor did I, how much that would mean to me in future days when I faced some of my own trials. I needed that sentiment and love from my dear little cousin.
She had good talks and conversations with others. Wendy loved to send letters or cards with confetti in them. We learned to open those envelopes slowly and carefully!
After one family get together, I was going on and on to my dad about how much fun I’d had with a particular cousin who I had really enjoyed being with. He in turn said to me, “Well, you know who my favorite is? Wendy. She has no guile.” I’ve never forgotten that.
After her initial surgery and chemo, she attended a Look Good, Feel Good class with Sheri where they learned tips on wigs and makeup. The instructor asked for a volunteer and Wendy pulled her wig right off. Sheri exclaimed, “Oh my gosh! Your head is perfect!” and from then on she had more confidence.
A favorite gift was a box full of daily inspirational thoughts from a friend. She would pick out a particular one that inspired her and share it with Shelly each week during their Saturday phone calls. Those triggered long conversations together of hope and love.
When she was first diagnosed with cancer, she asked David for a blessing. He did all he could to prepare to give it. A priesthood blessing is always a sacred experience for the priesthood holder, the one receiving the blessing and those present. He was strongly inspired to bless her that she would be healed. And she was. For a while. Later on when the cancer returned, she asked him again for a blessing. This time the spirit told him she would not have a long time left on the earth. He struggled with the result of the two blessings, and grew in learning to accept Father In Heaven’s will and trusting in His wisdom.
One of my favorite memories is going to the temple with her. I was there with her when she went for the first time to receive her endowment. And when she returned again many years later. She was so excited and nervous at the same time. But so pleased that she had accomplished this goal. We held hands the whole time and shared something unique that can only be found in that sacred place. It was but a glimpse of that precious eternity she has moved on to now.
While I was a Primary child, the chorus to the song I Am A Child Of God was changed. I had learned it as Lead me, Guide Me, Walk beside me, Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must know to live with Him someday. Only one word was changed: Know to DO. Teach me all that I must DO, to live with Him someday.
Wendy came to understand that it is not enough to KNOW.
It is not enough to FEEL.
It is not enough to TALK.
We must WALK the WALK. We must DO. We must learn all that we must DO, and then DO IT, to live with Him someday.
She bore her burdens well, and because of them she had increased empathy for others, keeping her baptismal covenants to mourn with those that mourn and help bear another’s burden.
My dear family, and brothers and sisters. It has been said that the mark of a good funeral is in its ability to move those who attend to evaluate their own lives and make course corrections however large or small. Let’s each of us participate in this process in the days to come.
Bear testimony…
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
From the moment Wendy was born, she was smothered with LOVE. This sweet, fair, blonde, precious baby doll was not to be resisted! All babies bring their own individual kind of love with them, but with Wendy it radiated from every part of her. You were drawn to her. A bundle of pure happiness.
As a fairly new baby, she became very sick. The doctors didn’t know what to do, and told Auntie Tia and Uncle Bob to prepare for the worst. This was not something Auntie could accept, and begged Father In Heaven to spare her. Using the priesthood, Uncle Bob blessed her and she recovered. It was a miracle. We all cried tears of joy. I was 6 years old at the time, and I remember it well. Wendy was my real live baby doll. And I fashioned myself her mother while I played house with her.
Wendy was a pretty good baby, but as all little babes do, she would get fussy and cry. Sheri thought it was her duty as big sister (ha,ha. By only a couple of years…) to climb in the crib and get her out and take her to mama and prove she was crying! Sheri slung this little one up over her shoulder with all the confidence of a seasoned babysitter to gather some comfort for her little baby sister. Luckily, Wendy survived!
Her reputation in the family was the baby doll lover. She had a well-loved collection of dollies. All the other siblings knew what to expect on Christmas morning as far as Wendy was concerned! A new baby doll to love and care for. They were her most favorite presents and she nurtured, rocked, sang to, and bundled those dollies. She loved being a ‘mommy’, and those dollies prepared her for when her own little ones arrived.
While living in San Bernardino on Arden Street, she had lots of adventures. One of which was
playing in the mud. Can you just picture tow-headed Wendy covered in mud and loving every single minute of it? There was a place on the side yard that the kids would water with the hose and make a big mud patch. OH! There is such a difference between being careless and carefree! And carefree she was. Although, I don’t think Mrs. Lawrence next door was very appreciative!
Uncle Rodney gave the Walgren family a rick-shaw. Wendy was the little darling that always got to ride in the rick-shaw because she was the littlest. Shelly and Sheri were the designated ‘pullers’ and they will tell you that they were just a bit envious of her position.
Practically everyone who knows the Walgren family, knows that they are campers. Every single kind of camping you can think of. And they are GOOD campers. I remember them packing up their little Volkswagon station wagon to the brim and beyond with the kids tucked in to the nooks and crannies that were left over. Wendy had a teeny space. But no complaining. On a camping trip to Domingo Springs with the Hurdsman cousins, she dropped her fork in the dirt. Auntie Tia told her to walk over to the water spigot near their tents. All of a sudden they heard a shrill, (like her mother) blood curdling, piercing scream. A deer had wandered into the campsite and came right up to the water spigot to get a drink. It scared her to death! Here was the deer not frightened of her at all sharing the faucet with her dirty fork.
She would often get the raw end of the deal on these camping trips when the air mattresses were pushed together and her sleeping assignment was right in the middle. Sometime during the night she ended up on the floor of the tent.
A favorite pastime was playing ‘store’. One time the girls decided to do this in the garage on Arden. Imagine Auntie Tia’s surprise when she came out to check on them only to find that they had emptied all the trash from the garbage cans and set up their ‘store’! The empty tin cans of soup, vegetables, and fruit, milk cartons, cottage cheese, sour cream, bread and chip bags all lined up just like grocery store shelves. Rotten produce piled up to resemble beautiful displays! Wendy was so proud, while Auntie was in shock sending her into premature contractions with David.
We used to have family sleepovers with the cousins. Wendy’s culinary skills began to bud as a little girl when she would pull a chair in our kitchen up to the bread board and be in charge of making the breakfast toast. She took this VERY seriously, and Lisa remembers her making the best and most perfect golden brown toast ever. She would peer into the top of the toaster until it was just the right color.
She and Russell are only 13 months apart and they shared the same grade in school, same teachers, and same homework, and same social problems sticking together through them. She would come and support him playing his basketball games and he always appreciated that.
She loved to spend her summer days tanning in her red bikini with Sheri. Those two could have been poster girls for the Coppertone ads, especially Wendy with her blonde hair and that dark brown tan. The younger cousins used to call her ‘smokin’ HOT!
Wendy didn’t really like to be alone. Even on her dates. She conned David into going with her quite a few times. He was young, and would always ask where they were going. One time she told him they were going to go to the Submarine Races. They drove to Silverwood Lake. He spent the whole time looking at the lake trying to get a glimpse of those submarines. He never did see them and couldn’t understand how they were racing all the while Wendy and her date were making out!
Wendy loved at wedding receptions as the bride and groom were leaving, to say, “They are off to explore the 7 wonders of the world!” All the younger cousins thought that was such a grown up declaration and wanted to know what it meant. She would just smile.
If you haven’t heard, Russell is known as “the Big Cheese”. Wendy dubbed this title on him at church when he was speaking before leaving on his mission. And it has stuck ever since!
She sent a card of encouragement to him in Ecuador. On the front was an illustration of a big animal with an umbrella protecting a smaller animal. Inside were words of love and reassurance. He kept it all these years, and during a particularly difficult time for her not too long ago, he sent the card back to her with the same message. Wendy lived her life by the adage, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Wendy had style. She had flair. Her make-up was always perfect, and her hair and especially her bangs went perfectly. She loved fashion and her ‘bling’! Rarely would you catch her without her jewelry on and nails done.
She was organized and meticulous. An unbelievable crafter. She could handle a drill, hammer, or a saw with no fear. Her home was full of the things that made her ‘tick’. Her tole painting, her scrapbooking. When her niece, Tiffany, got married, she quietly went around taking pictures and later on surprised her with a beautiful wedding album. The caliber of detail, journaling, and expertise in this scrapbooking gift overflowed with care and love. No one had asked her to do this. She just volunteered it of herself. So many of us are recipients of her compassion and giving. She never really expected anything in return. You could often hear her say, “I felt so happy doing it for them!” And she really meant it. I have hanging in my laundry room a small placque over the sink that she made for me many years ago ‘just because’. It says: “May you find the strength to face tomorrow in the love that surrounds you today.” She had no idea, nor did I, how much that would mean to me in future days when I faced some of my own trials. I needed that sentiment and love from my dear little cousin.
She had good talks and conversations with others. Wendy loved to send letters or cards with confetti in them. We learned to open those envelopes slowly and carefully!
After one family get together, I was going on and on to my dad about how much fun I’d had with a particular cousin who I had really enjoyed being with. He in turn said to me, “Well, you know who my favorite is? Wendy. She has no guile.” I’ve never forgotten that.
After her initial surgery and chemo, she attended a Look Good, Feel Good class with Sheri where they learned tips on wigs and makeup. The instructor asked for a volunteer and Wendy pulled her wig right off. Sheri exclaimed, “Oh my gosh! Your head is perfect!” and from then on she had more confidence.
A favorite gift was a box full of daily inspirational thoughts from a friend. She would pick out a particular one that inspired her and share it with Shelly each week during their Saturday phone calls. Those triggered long conversations together of hope and love.
When she was first diagnosed with cancer, she asked David for a blessing. He did all he could to prepare to give it. A priesthood blessing is always a sacred experience for the priesthood holder, the one receiving the blessing and those present. He was strongly inspired to bless her that she would be healed. And she was. For a while. Later on when the cancer returned, she asked him again for a blessing. This time the spirit told him she would not have a long time left on the earth. He struggled with the result of the two blessings, and grew in learning to accept Father In Heaven’s will and trusting in His wisdom.
One of my favorite memories is going to the temple with her. I was there with her when she went for the first time to receive her endowment. And when she returned again many years later. She was so excited and nervous at the same time. But so pleased that she had accomplished this goal. We held hands the whole time and shared something unique that can only be found in that sacred place. It was but a glimpse of that precious eternity she has moved on to now.
While I was a Primary child, the chorus to the song I Am A Child Of God was changed. I had learned it as Lead me, Guide Me, Walk beside me, Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must know to live with Him someday. Only one word was changed: Know to DO. Teach me all that I must DO, to live with Him someday.
Wendy came to understand that it is not enough to KNOW.
It is not enough to FEEL.
It is not enough to TALK.
We must WALK the WALK. We must DO. We must learn all that we must DO, and then DO IT, to live with Him someday.
She bore her burdens well, and because of them she had increased empathy for others, keeping her baptismal covenants to mourn with those that mourn and help bear another’s burden.
My dear family, and brothers and sisters. It has been said that the mark of a good funeral is in its ability to move those who attend to evaluate their own lives and make course corrections however large or small. Let’s each of us participate in this process in the days to come.
Bear testimony…
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wendy's Funeral
Wendy Ann Walgren Dives BrownJune 5, 1962--September 30, 2009
My sweet 'little' cousin!
She was a consumate crafter. And scrapbooker. While her life and home was surrounded with her talent, one of her greatest joys was in making others happy by helping or giving them away.
I think just about every one of us cousins has a Witchie Dearie on our front porches at Halloween time because of Wendy!
She loved and celebrated every season and holiday.Her photo albums were all about her family.
Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty adorned her living room fireplace hearth.Wendy LOVED any and everything Americana.
A spray that is completely her. She loved all of these flowers and colors. She called them "Happy Flowers".
These represent her spirit. She was sweet and tender.
Hubby Larry on the left, with sons Tim and Nick, and grandson Andrew in the front.
"Happy Flowers" spray
David dedicating the gravesite.
I LOVE THIS PICTURE!
Uncle Bob and Auntie Tia.
David's family.
A spray that is completely her. She loved all of these flowers and colors. She called them "Happy Flowers".
These represent her spirit. She was sweet and tender.
Hubby Larry on the left, with sons Tim and Nick, and grandson Andrew in the front.
"Happy Flowers" spray
David dedicating the gravesite.
I LOVE THIS PICTURE!Uncle Bob.
It was evident he understood what was going on, even though he couldn't express it.
When Auntie Tia told him that Wendy had passed, he nodded his head and said, okay. Later, Russell asked him how he was feeling, and he put his hand on his heart and said, "Empty".
Uncle Bob and Auntie Tia.
David's family.Keegan, Debbie, Noah, David, Quinn, and Cole
Russell's family.
Russell's family.Shirley, Russell, Emily, Tiffany, Spencer, Jessica, Jared. Jeremiah and his wife weren't able to be here.
Tim and Nick, Wendy's sons.
They are Shaun and Natalie's ages. We were expecting babies at the same time and it was fun to compare experiences!
Shelly and hubby, Neil.
The siblings: Shelly, Russell, Sheri, and David
Katie and Sheri. Hubby Terry, and Amanda and Donovan weren't able to come :(
The Pink Ladies.
Tim and Nick, Wendy's sons.They are Shaun and Natalie's ages. We were expecting babies at the same time and it was fun to compare experiences!
Shelly and hubby, Neil.
The siblings: Shelly, Russell, Sheri, and David
Katie and Sheri. Hubby Terry, and Amanda and Donovan weren't able to come :(
The Pink Ladies.We all wore some shade of pink for breast cancer.
She's resting on Devotion Lane.
She's resting on Devotion Lane.It was a very simple service.
Hymn. Prayer. David gave a short eulogy. I gave a talk on Memories of Wendy. Musical number, I Know That My Redeemer Lives. Closing remarks on The Plan of Happiness. Hymn. Closing Prayer: My dad.
When the Bishop was outlining the program, he referred to me as Wendy's sister. One of the funeral directors did the same thing. Yes, it is definitely in the 'genes'! Her wig is the same style and color as my hair right now. It was a little uncanny!
The Relief Society prepared a delicious luncheon, and then we left for the cemetary, returning after to Wrightwood for a family get-together with everyone and Auntie Tia's signature Taco Salad. I was drained in every way, but count it as a splendid day!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Lunch
We had lunch at the Sizzler, a favorite spot of Wendy's.
We caught up and laughed and cried and visited until someone finally looked at their watch and realized what time it was!
Luckily the 91 freeway cooperated and we didn't hit too much traffic!
Thanks for the memories, girls!
A Bit Of Levity Was Just What The Doctor Ordered!
This deserves it's own post!
Lisa, Kristin, and I drove together to the funeral home for Wendy's dressing. We arrived at Desert Lawn in Calimesa at 11am on the dot! Pretty good for us!
We walked in, and two gentlemen came over to us and asked if we were here for the services that were going on. I replied, No. We were here to dress Wendy B. A very awkward silence followed with nervous exchanges between the co-workers.With all that had been going on with family coming into town and the Wrightwood fire, we didn't get the memo that she was being held at a different location. The reason being: this mortuary didn't have 'refrigeration'! Okay........So where was this other funeral home?
All of a sudden, the entire service in the next room went silent and we hear the pastor making random comments filling in as if he's waiting for something. The director talking to me trying to get our situation straightened out turns to the very red-headed, pale skin, blue-eyed assistant and tells him that the music needs to be cued up for the song! The exchange between them trying to handle that and us at the same time was hysterical. Truly like something out of a comedy movie.The assistant's blue eyes widened and in so doing were bulging out of his sockets and the expression on his face was enough to make you laugh yourself silly. As if this wasn't enough, he turned on his heels, put his arms straight out and up in front of him (Frankenstein style), leaned forward and RAN (with his arms still out and up) to the technical room to cue the musical number. It was everything we could do to stay composed!
Lisa and Kristin stepped outside to make phone calls to let the family know we would be on our way, and I was getting directions. Okay, I'm pretty good, but he was rattling them off so fast I couldn't follow him, so I asked if he could please write them down. Clearly flustered, he walked over to this hutch where an elaborate display had been set up honoring the man whose service was in progress.He went straight to the family guest book, thumbed through the pages to the back, clicked the binder open and took a page out, clipped it back together and meticulously turned it back to the appropriate page and started writing directions for me. It was so comical I had to turn to compose myself!
We laughed so hard on our way to the Cortner Chapel. It was just what the 'doctor ordered', and we have a great story to tell now!She's Ready To Go!
We were up bright and early and out the door to meet the family at the funeral home to dress Wendy for the services tomorrow. I quietly made a comment to my mom earlier in the week that someone needed to kind of be in charge on that day, since Auntie Tia was having a very hard time about the dressing. Initially, she and Larry had arranged for the funeral home to take care of things. I got a phone call early this morning letting me know I was now 'in charge.' I prayed for guidance. We had a large group coming. Some endowed, some not who the bishop had approved to participate. How to handle a very sacred situation and involve everyone. I want to record that the Spirit was present and the words and decisions flowed through me and were not of me.
It was a BEAUTIFUL experience.
Sheri, Auntie Tia, and Shelly. They did such a beautiful job on her make-up, jewelry, and wig. Wendy looked gorgeous, and she would have really approved!All of us.
Julie (cousin), Lisa (cousin), Debbie L. (Wendy's visiting teacher for 10 years), Me (in the back, cousin), Auntie Sigie (my mom, Tia's sister), Sheri, Katelin, Tiffany, Tia, Shelly, Shirley, Jessica, Kristin (cousin), and Debbie.
The first cousins who were able to be there.
Julie, Shelly, Lisa, Me, Sheri, Kristin.
We were really missing Jennifer, Denise, Susie, and Leslie!
We are scattered all over the country and don't get to see each other often at all and our lives have taken us in many different directions, but when we are together it is like no time has gone by. We just pick up where we left off and have a great time! We really love and enjoy each other.
There is nothing like FAMILY!
Shirley gave an opening prayer. I gave some instructions and information. All those who were endowed came forward to dress her. Then we turned it over to Shelly and Sheri and Katie who did her wig, make-up and jewelry. Everyone had a turn to say some last good-byes. I made some closing remarks, and Debbie W. gave a closing prayer. We had fun, but in a reverent sort of way! Wendy would have loved it!
We closed with this thought: The tragedy and tears is not in her passing from this life to the next. The real tragedy and tears will be if each one of us do not live our lives in such a way that we will be able to all be together for eternity!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Pot Au Feu
I decided to make Pot Au Feu for dinner tonight. It has turned a little on the cool side, you can feel California autumn in the air, and we just plain need some comfort food with all that's going on. This is an excellent dish to fit all of those categories, not to mention economical and healthy to boot!
Pot Au Feu
[poh toh FEUH]
Translated as "pot on the fire," this hearty French peasant dish combines beef and vegetables simmered in a seasoned broth. Condiments such as horseradish and mustard add a flavor boost to the finished stew.Ingredients:
10 fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs
20 peppercorns (or omit and season with ground pepper before serving)
1 bay leaf
5 fresh thyme sprigs
4-5 lb. beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 10-12 pieces
4 cups beef broth
2 yellow onions, quartered
6 large carrots, peeled and each cut into 4 pieces
10 small Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
Kosher salt, to taste
2 turnips, peeled and each cut into 6 wedges
1 small head of green cabbage, cored and cut into small wedges
Prepared horseradish for serving
Dijon mustard for serving
Prepared horseradish for serving
Dijon mustard for serving
Directions:
To make the bouquet garni, place the parsley, peppercorns, bay leaf and thyme in the center of a large piece of cheesecloth. Fold the cheesecloth over several times to enclose the contents and tie the ends together in a knot. (When I don't have cheesecloth, I just place the herbs in the broth. By the time is simmers, the leaves fall off into the stew and you just need to remove the stems. This is how I usually do it.)
Place the beef, broth, 4-6 cups water, onion and bouquet garni in a 6-quart Dutch oven. Set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, skimming off the foam as needed. Then cover and simmer for 2 hours more.
Add the carrots, potatoes and salt and cook, covered, for 30 minutes.
Add the turnips and cook, covered, for 15 minutes.
Transfer the beef to a cutting board and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Add the cabbage to the pot and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Remove the bouquet garni and discard. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt. Adjust seasonings if needed. Sometimes I add a little beef bouillion and a bit of cornstarch mixture to thicken ever so slightly. Sometimes I don't. It just depends on my mood. Cut the beef into large chunks and divide among warmed bowls. Divide the vegetables and broth evenly among the bowls. Serve the pot-au-feu with horseradish, mustard and kosher salt alongside.
Serves 10.
This recipe is my adaptation of one from Williams Sonoma. I use my LeCruset pot, but any heavy pot will do.
This recipe can be cut in half, but I usually make the whole recipe because it tastes even better the next day!
Round 2
next wave of company...has arrived!
The Wrightwood group left last night around 8:30pm, and Lisa and Kristin got here around 5 today from Arizona. I had a big pot of pot au feu on the stove and the candles lit and the cinnamon broom out on this cool fall day and it spelled welcome comfort to the travelers.
They played a game with me all afternoon: they sent me picture mail from Kristin's cell phone of different places along the freeway and I had to guess where they were. It was a lot of fun, and very creative!
The washer has been going with sheets and towels and the beds freshly made and bathrooms spic and span.
Tomorrow we head to Calimesa for the dressing....
The Wrightwood group left last night around 8:30pm, and Lisa and Kristin got here around 5 today from Arizona. I had a big pot of pot au feu on the stove and the candles lit and the cinnamon broom out on this cool fall day and it spelled welcome comfort to the travelers.
They played a game with me all afternoon: they sent me picture mail from Kristin's cell phone of different places along the freeway and I had to guess where they were. It was a lot of fun, and very creative!
The washer has been going with sheets and towels and the beds freshly made and bathrooms spic and span.
Tomorrow we head to Calimesa for the dressing....
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
WWood Fire Continued...
The fire continues. As of this morning the evacuation was still in place and all roads were closed. We hunkered down for another day. Uncle Bob has done really well. End-stage dementia is not pretty. He had quite a meltdown on Sunday morning getting ready to leave. He kept trying to get out of the truck and yelling and screaming. With this disease, it is almost imperative to keep things as routine and familiar as possible. After the morning session of conference, we all knelt down in the family room and prayed for them to arrive safely and that Uncle Bob would be calmed. He was. It sounds so simple. Maybe even coincidental. But I know better. We all knew better. Father in Heaven heard our prayer and it was answered.
Uncle Bob and my dad. 
Uncle Bob's profession was as a delivery truck driver for Laura Scudder and Oroweat. When I was growing up we were the recipients of the Old Fashioned Laura Scudder Peanut Butter. The kind that had all the oil at the top that you had to stir in and keep in the refrigerator! Oh, I can taste it now! We love Oroweat bread and I had a couple of loaves and asked if I could take his picture with them. He said "Sure". As I handed the bread to him and arranged it for him to hold, he started talking to me about it! He told me he still drives for them and that he gets up at 3:45am and would I please tell his boss that he does a good job!
It was precious!
Miss Darla loved him! She sat on his lap everyday all day long. And he loved her. In hindsight, I think she was divinely instrumental in helping him be calm. He would pet her over and over and she never objected. I love this picture of his hand.
Mom colored Auntie Tia's hair in preparation for the funeral. She felt so much better after. She's had her plate full with Uncle Bob and Wendy. I didn't realize that she doesn't get much sleep at night. Uncle Bob has been a severe diabetic for 42 years. Now that he cannot take care of himself, she has to test him every 3-4 hours around the clock. If she didn't do this, he could go into a coma and we would lose him. Most often, he needs some orange juice, ensure, or a shot of insulin during the night.
Auntie crying and my mama comforting her.
Uncle Bob and my dad.Good brothers-in-law for over 50 years. My dad sat with him day in and day out and helped take care of him while they were here so Auntie Tia could get things done for the funeral. Pictures at this point make him look so normal. Doesn't he look great? They were watching the movie Midway and he loved every minute of it. He could tell you that his father worked for McDonnell Douglas and built many of those planes. In fact, his father gave my dad his first job in that industry given my dad's experience in the Air Force during the Korean War. That was a new fact I learned today!
Uncle Bob's profession was as a delivery truck driver for Laura Scudder and Oroweat. When I was growing up we were the recipients of the Old Fashioned Laura Scudder Peanut Butter. The kind that had all the oil at the top that you had to stir in and keep in the refrigerator! Oh, I can taste it now! We love Oroweat bread and I had a couple of loaves and asked if I could take his picture with them. He said "Sure". As I handed the bread to him and arranged it for him to hold, he started talking to me about it! He told me he still drives for them and that he gets up at 3:45am and would I please tell his boss that he does a good job! It was precious!
Miss Darla loved him! She sat on his lap everyday all day long. And he loved her. In hindsight, I think she was divinely instrumental in helping him be calm. He would pet her over and over and she never objected. I love this picture of his hand.
Mom colored Auntie Tia's hair in preparation for the funeral. She felt so much better after. She's had her plate full with Uncle Bob and Wendy. I didn't realize that she doesn't get much sleep at night. Uncle Bob has been a severe diabetic for 42 years. Now that he cannot take care of himself, she has to test him every 3-4 hours around the clock. If she didn't do this, he could go into a coma and we would lose him. Most often, he needs some orange juice, ensure, or a shot of insulin during the night.
Auntie crying and my mama comforting her. Sisters!
Uncle Bob being wheeled to the dinner table. Darla had to stay on his lap for the ride! What a pair those two were!
Uncle Bob being wheeled to the dinner table. Darla had to stay on his lap for the ride! What a pair those two were!Another memory: I asked Uncle Bob if he would say the blessing. He said, O.K. Everyone was a bit nervous about it. But he knew exactly what that meant and gave a beautiful prayer. It brought tears to all of our eyes! He did so well in fact, that we asked him the next night too! And you could see that he was pleased.
Christine and Uncle B. got along swimmingly. I love that she can interact so well with adults and children. He enjoyed family home evening. He tried to participate and wanted to read a scripture from the bible, but he couldn't see it. It disappointed him. I was so touched he tried.
Christine and Uncle B. got along swimmingly. I love that she can interact so well with adults and children. He enjoyed family home evening. He tried to participate and wanted to read a scripture from the bible, but he couldn't see it. It disappointed him. I was so touched he tried.The evacuation was lifted this afternoon and they decided to try getting back tonight after dinner.
They made it! Their home and everything still as they left it, just a bit on the smokey side!
We were all blessed by this turn of events.
They were able to relax and process and focus on the funeral, and I got to play hostess to my family and visit with all of them. Who knows when I'll be able to be with my cousins like that again?????? I loved every minute of it!
Cancel, Cancel, Cancel
I had to let some things go.
Called and let them know I couldn't bring homemade rolls to Enrichment night tomorrow. In fact, I won't even be able to be there.
Couldn't get the VTeaching report done. Teri was so understanding and supportive.
Couldn't teach the MiaMaids how to make cinnamon rolls for their class activity tonight. Big bummer!
Oh well. That's just the way it goes sometimes. I have GOOD friends. They all understood. That is a blessing!
Called and let them know I couldn't bring homemade rolls to Enrichment night tomorrow. In fact, I won't even be able to be there.
Couldn't get the VTeaching report done. Teri was so understanding and supportive.
Couldn't teach the MiaMaids how to make cinnamon rolls for their class activity tonight. Big bummer!
Oh well. That's just the way it goes sometimes. I have GOOD friends. They all understood. That is a blessing!
Bread of Life
....never 'tasted' so good!We were finishing up dinner dishes and getting ready for Family Night. The phone rings:
Officer Davidson: Is this the Duffy's?
Me: Yes.
Officer D: I have a Kevin Mc. here at the gate.
Me: (surprised because we weren't expecting anyone). Oh. Okay.
Doorbell dings a few minutes later. It is Kevin and Liam with 2 loaves of hot bread right out of the oven! Victoria is a master with homemade bread. She doesn't buy bread anymore. How did she know? That bread was family night treats with butter and honey and jam. With all my extra family here on Wrightwood fire evacuation it hit the spot and gave lots of comfort.
Loving service is the example of He who is the true Bread of Life!
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