03/13/16 Reflecting on life and death

3/13/16

Cab of truck caught fire and shut down freeway for about 1 hr

It's been a week to reflect upon life and death.  Jacklin Tracey's funeral was nice.  (Mom's oldest sister's husband...Uncle Jacklin)  I didn't really feel like I knew him but at the funeral I learned all of the great things he did throughout his life and he was a great man who loved to serve the Lord until he died.

On our way back from SLC we ran into traffic stopped dead on the freeway.  And it stayed that way for the better part of an hour.  When we were finally able to pass this is what we saw.  Kids tell me if you look close the guy was hauling cookies (nutter butters) and stuff.  I'd have stopped to clean up if I'd a realized!!! haha.

The kids say if you look close the load was cookies...yummy!!

Later this week I got an email stating that Sister Ida Lunceford had terminal cancer.  I've been feeling like I needed to visit her but things had gotten in the way so I finally made it up there Wednesday evening.  Amazing how quickly life changes.  She was in a hospital bed.  Her breathing was labored and raspy (the death rattle).  She never knew we were there.  We tried to talk to her and hug her and she would kind of mutter in her sleep but not really.  Brother Lunceford seemed like he appreciated and needed a visit so we stayed for about 2 hours and he talked all about Ida and how wonderful she is.  It was very sad.  The family thinks she will pass away within a week but who knows.  Could drag on.  I haven't heard anything yet. 

Another tragedy this week -- Thursday evening one of Katie's friends mom's died in at ATV accident.  She was 36 or 37 years old.  So sudden and final.  

Glad they were able to get the fire out and freeway open

Anyway I read a book last week about death and then with funerals and sickness and accidents I've just been thinking about death . I think the most poignant moment for me during Jacklin's funeral was when we went to the viewing. Wilma was sitting all alone (on oxygen) beside the casket and everyone had been offering condolences.  I thought...that will be in our future.  Our parents are getting older.  We are getting older.  It won't be long until that is one of us and it broke my heart.  

I have great faith that there is more to come after we die.  And I think it will be wonderful but the time from now until then...the separation period, seems hard!!!  

Enough about that!

Tuesday Dawn had the girls over for homemade chick fillet sandwiches and fries and then piano lessons.  How cool is that?!  Wish I didn't have to work so I could have gone too!!!

This week has been pretty lazy for the girls with Spring Break.  They hung out with friends, watched movies. Chilled.  

Friday we took them on our date with us and the gparents.  We went to Marv's and got burgers and shakes. Then they went over to hang with gma and pa until temple time.  They went and got dunked.  Meanwhile dad and I went to ball games and took pictures for Stgnews.  I picked the girls up and we went to the DI and then came home and watched a movie.  

Saturday Holly went with Layne and the Riley's and worked on his eagle project.  She said it was pretty hard (laying a sprinkler line at the park) for about 4 hours.  

We are making kalua pork and sweet rolls for dinner today -- easy in the crock pot.  Use sea salt (very cheap) and liquid smoke (under $2 bottle) and a pork roast.  Put it in crock pot on low for long time.  YUM!  So there is another idea for you.  Serve with rice and/or rolls, fresh pineapple, beans.  Tasty!

Johnny and Demas are going to disney this week so they are coming to dinner tonight with Diane and the kids.  Should be fun.  She is going to make Malaysian egg rolls. 

Today is our first week of teaching Marriage and family class. Hope it goes well!

Quote of the week:

Goodbye's are not forever, are not the end. It simply means I'll miss you, until we meet again.

It sure was fun getting the phone call and text from your friend with the pix!!!! Loved it.  She seems like a sweet lady. I'm glad she is there to tussle your hair for me!!!!