To my dearest Mother-in-Law
Almost 13 yrs ago I met and fell in love with your oldest son. Never in a million years would I have thought I would have been so lucky to find a Man as wonderful as him. I know he is that way because of you. He learned how to love others through your love that you gave to him. I remember the first time I met you. Man, was I scared. I was told that you were wonderful woman and I had nothing to worry about, but I was still scared. I guess I thought that you would think I did not measure up. Jeff and I had gotten engaged and I had not even met you or Matt yet, so when we went to pick the two of you up at the airport that Christmas I didn't know what to expect. However you accepted me immediately, I will never forget that. Over the years I felt like we continued to grow closer. I could tell you my deepest secrets and desires. I remember all the times Jeff and I spent Christmas with you. How I long to be able to sit on the front porch with you again in the morning and drink coffee, and just talk. When you came up to help me after Amber was born, I was so happy to have you around. I needed the help with Jeff deployed it made the difference. When you and Dad said that you were selling "Deer Hall" and buying a house in Keystone Heights I was excited. I wanted you to have the quality time with Amber that you previously had not really had. I looked forward to visiting with you many times. Then, last year you had the Heart Attack, but you pulled through. We found out then that you had Type 2 diabetes, but the doctors said you would be fine if you watched your levels and your diet. Two weeks passed and you had your 65 Birthday. I remember we called you to wish you a Happy Birthday and to see how you were doing; we even sent you a flowering plant. You sounded so wonderful I thought you would be fine, that was Aug 26, 2008. It all changed three days later. I remember that day so vividly. I had gone back to watching kids. I had a full house, 6 kids to watch. It was around our lunch time when the first call came in. Matt called and said that you had a massive Heart Attack and was en route to the Hospital, it didn't look good. Luckily Jeff was home that day. I got the kids all down for a nap, and my inspection was going on. Of course I told them what was going on so they would know. They offered to stay and watch the kids while I contacted parents, but really all but one were being picked up within the hour. Anyway, while my Boss was here the call came in. Jeff took it and after my boss left I went into the office to see how things were. He told me that you didn't make it. My heart broke, but I still had to e strong I still had kids to care for. Jeff got busy looking for flights down to Fl, and then he called Granny. That was the hardest thing he had to do, how do you tell your Grandmother that their daughter just passed away. I called my parents and church to let them know what had happened. I called our neighbor and told them and asked if they could pick up our mail and keep an eye on things. My parents drove over to FL for the funeral; my dad even presided over it. I remember seeing the plant we sent you sitting in the living room of your new home. I am so sorry you did not get to enjoy it more than you did. Five months was not long enough. So, now as I write this it is Aug 29th, 2009 I remember all the good times we had. I look at the pictures I have of you and I smile. Of course I shed a few tears to, oh how I long to have had more time with you. I know that you are in Heaven watching over all of us. The day of your funeral, as I stood there looking at you, I was holding Amber in my Arms so she could see you to. With tears streaming down my face, Amber looked at me and said, "Mommy, don't cry she is with Jesus now."
