My goodness... I really am amazed at how loved my mom and family are. Her siblings who have been here from out of town cannot believe what an amazing ward the Sharon 3rd Ward is. Sister Wawro has come two days in a row, bringing all sorts of groceries and snacks for my family. We have been brought breakfast AND lunch today by Relief Society sisters. I really have never seen such a giving and loving group of people as those who have been so kind and generous to us. Please know that we are so grateful for all of you! We also love getting comments and being reminded of some of the things we had forgotten about. I am sitting by my mom now. A day or two ago, when we told her about all the food that has been brought, she said in a very weak voice, "Wouldn't it be horrible if I got better? I'd never be able to repay all those people!" She has gone quite a way downhill in the past 24 hours. The hospice aide and the nurse have both been here today, and it's becoming more and more of a struggle for her to be comfortable. She also hasn't been making a whole lot of sense when she talks. I wonder if she's speaking to people on the other side of the veil. Yesterday, my sisters, sister-in-law, niece, and I had the sacred opportunity of buying my mom new temple clothes. We were so grateful for Sis. Clyde, who graciously found someone to take over her responsibilities so she could walk us through that special process. What a blessing she has been in the lives of so many.
We were just sitting here, talking about the spread out on the counter, and my mom said, "Will there be enough for supper? Don't let it go to waste." She's still more concerned about her family than she is about herself. She has also not lost her politeness. She thanks us even when we adjust her pillow.
My mom's siblings all went home a little while ago, down to St. George and Las Vegas, but they are planning to come back in a couple of days. She has one brother who lives here in Orem, but the others all live down South. We really appreciated having them here. Last night, we all stayed up until 4 am, crying and laughing out in the living room.
We are glad that we have gotten such a great response from this blog. The hospice social worker thought it would be a good idea because of how many friends and family members my mom has. People like to be kept updated, and because she can't really have visitors anymore, I'm happy to keep you posted on her status through this blog. Thank you for your prayers, love, and concern.
I first met Marilyn as a graduate student's wife at Indiana University. OUr families lived in "the Mormon Ghetto." The first time I met her, she offered me a sandwich through her kitchen window. She never stopped giving in more than forty years of friendship. Tending each others' children, and giving each other support and friendship. She is truly a blessing to us all. We will miss her deeply. -Kathy & Don Gardner
ReplyDeleteYou know, I have a sneaking suspicion that the tremendous outpouring of love from family and friends has a direct correlation with the caliber of this wonderful woman and her amazing family. I'm so thankful you are sharing this with us. What a beautiful opportunity to tell that amazing Green family, and beautiful Marilyn, just how dearly they are loved!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, thank you for providing emotional stability for me when I came to work for Ed on the Algebra project so many years ago. He gave me employment; you gave me back my self-esteem. Coming into your house to work was like coming home every day.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for soooo many laughs through the years. I will never forget your Garth (Wayne's World) imitation that just about made my head explode because it was so funny. And your "Oh, Ed!" followed by his "Now, Mother. . ." still rings in my ears.
Until we meet again, my dear, dear friend. . .
Love, Kim
Sister Green, You are such a source of joy and good humor. Just like so many others have noted, I have never seen you without a smile. Even at Christmas when I was able to see you for a short time, you had a smile on your beautiful face! I hope you know what a tremendous example that is to me. Thank you so much for always welcoming me without hesitation into your home and making me feel like a part of your extended family. You have been and remain in my prayers daily and are on the temple prayer rolls here too. My love to you.
ReplyDeleteGreens - I love all of you guys. I have to thank all of you too for always welcoming me into your lives. That is just another testament to the kind of people your wife and mother has inspired you to be. I know that your faith and inherited good humor will help you through all of this. You're all in my prayers too and I send all of you my love. I wish I could be there in person, but please know that I'm thinking of you and praying for your comfort and peace.
Love,
Christina Bishop
You are still in our prayers! You will be blessed as we are by you! Love you!
ReplyDeleteSharon S Knapp
ReplyDeleteWe of your cousins also love and appreciate you ane your family. I see that you smiled to the ed and it is a beautiful example to all of us. My prayers are for your family now that their memories may all be recorded for their good for ever. We love you and pray for Ed in the biggest trial of all. Cousin Sharon