TBT ~ Throwback Thursday... Marion George

I love this picture of my brother Marion. I think it was 1974 and as a young girl I remembering being so proud of Marion for serving our country. He left a new wife to serve a tour of duty in Vietnam. I don't think I fully realized the danger he would be in and to this day I am grateful for his safe return. He never talked much about his time in Vietnam, but when we were packing up Mom's house a few weeks ago, he shared a few stories. It was his 61st birthday on Tuesday so I called to wish him a Happy Birthday. Miles separate us but not the love I have for him. He is my big brother and I do love him.

Sadly 30 years earlier his named sake our Uncle Marion, (my Dad's brother) did not return from serving in WWII. He was killed by friendly fire. So many men and woman have fought to preserve our freedom, and I am grateful.

They both were darling babies...

 My brother, Marion

Uncle Marion

Wordless Wednesday ~ Love this little family...

Overwhelmed with love...

I have been overwhelmed by the gifts, flowers, cards and expressions of love and concern since Mom passed away. I couldn't be more blessed to have so many sweet friends and dear family members.

I received this beautiful bouquet from several friends in the neighborhood.

As if that wasn't enough, Denise and Susan brought over this beautiful Pandora bracelet, also from friends in the neighborhood. All the charms were carefully chosen and have special meaning. I absolutely love it and will think of Mom each time I wear it.

Silver heart ~  Forever in My Heart

Silver and gold heart ~ Filled with Love for Me

Angel Wings... For My Sweet Mom

Blue and Green charms ~ Chris and Mark's birthstones

Red charm ~ Mom's birthstone

Pearl ~ Tim's birthstone

"C" block ~ For Cash and Colby
I will add charms for Tiffani and Finn.

My sweet friend Elaine brought this lovely bouquet and a comforting quote.

My sister-in-law Pam gave me the birdhouse and sign. She also gave me charm with Mom's picture in it and the flowers.

My visiting teachers, Jill and Adrienne brought me this sweet angel. My next door neighbors, the Rippy's brought the lilies. Evan Rippy, who is in my Sunday School class signed the card also.

My friends Rae Ann and Sherryl brought a beautiful picture of the Savior and hankie to dry my tears.

My friend Kristie also gave of me a picture of the Savior hugging Mary called "Mother."

Terri and Holley came over and brought flowers. We had a wonderful visit and I felt their love.

I have had numerous texts and phone calls. I received many sweet comments on Facebook posts. I really have felt so loved and am simply overwhelmed.

Facebook post and comments:

"My brother Kenny and I just watched my Mom pass peacefully from this life to her heavenly home. Grateful to my Father in Heaven for hearing and answering our prayers. Thanks for your love and concern."

Mandy Federer-Morava Thanks you Aunt Eileen. You have been an angel to your mother and just about everyone you encounter. We love you and hope that you are more at peace now that Grannie is in Heaven. Thanks for being there for Grannie and all the family, Love you!

Brad Williams My heart goes out to you Eileen. I am sorry for your loss. I know it's expected and that she lived a good life, but the loss is still just as real. We love you.

Dorothy Thurman Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Chelsea Stenson Rippy Thinking of you today.

Teresa Jesse Meisner My sympathies to all of her kids & grandkids. She loved all of you. It had been quite a while since I saw her last but she always told me how she enjoyed all of her family. Your memories of her will keep her with you forever.

Tracy Federer I am sorry for the loss of your mom. Even though she is at peace in heaven, it is very hard to see her go! Love to all the Federer’s who were blessed to be part of her sweet life!!

Erica Holden Pinegar Oh ... bless you! I am so sorry for the loss of your dear, sweet mother! I know she was amazing because she raised you and you are an angel Eileen Federer Williams! I hope you feel peace and comfort at this difficult time. Love you!

Denise Nydegger Thinking of you-so glad you were there Eileen---prayers and hugs for you sweet friend!·

Pamela Bartz Benton I'm so sorry for your loss, even tho' you were expecting it. She was a lovely lady and a good mom to her kids and she will be missed. Prayers to all of you. Love you all!!

Meridith Switzler Sorry for your loss, Eileen.

Robert Lamoreaux so sorry for your loss Eileen. So glad that you were able to be there.

Carlene Federer thinking of you, love you.

Patti Nelson My love & prayers to the family. Wonderful, precious memories will always be with us. Rest in Sweet Peace, Aunt Nelle.

Diane Deering Eileen and Kenny...I'm so glad that you two were with her. My heart goes out to all. I love each and every one of you!

Karen Overstreet Pedersen So glad you could be there.

Whitney Lin Lisonbee Baxter Lots of love. What a bitter sweet moment.

Jacki Winters Hunter Sorry for your loss.

Cheree C. Davis My heart goes out to you at this tender time! I've appreciated your posts and thoughts, Eileen! It was sweet to know of your love and appreciation for her and for your final times together! Love and prayers to you and your family!

Gail Berry Aw, Eileen ... thinking of you with love. XO

Terri Parker Oh Eileen! I'm so sorry for your loss but know you must be feeling an intense love for her and your brothers and sister! What a precious time you had with your mom and how happy she must be! All my love ! Terri

Christine Gonzalez Thinking of you today with love

Pamela Ausman Williams Tenderest of moments. Love you!

Jay Deen Federer So sorry for your lose

Mary Larson My condolences. Hope your happy memories will comfort you.

Dottie Buckley Thinking of you guys! Love ya!

Annaka Glade Vimahi I'm so glad you were able to be there with her. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.

Cathy Zarlengo · Sending prayers for comfort for your family.

Rebecca Diehl Rainer Your heart must be full of so many feelings right now. Such a tender, sad, sweet time. What a lovely, peaceful way for your mom to go surrounded by love.

Lee Williams These transitions are hard and yet majestic too. My condolences to you and your Wyoming prairie family.

Rae Ann Workman Nilson May the beautiful, sweet moments you have had with your mom be the memories that comfort you through this most difficult time. Her love and goodness will shine on in you forever. You will be in my thoughts and prayers dear friend. you!

Dallas Howard Harris Dear Eileen, I'm so grateful you were able to be there with your angel mother. It doesn't seem to matter how old we get--our mother's hold a piece of our heart that no one else does. I pray you will find peace in the little things life brings.

Kara Anderson Herron So sorry, Eileen Federer Williams. Thinking about you.

Diana McCormack My thoughts are with you and your family. Glad you could be with your mom at this time. I'm sure it meant everything to her.

Edna Federer My love and prayers are being sent to you and the family. When I lost my mother it almost did me in. Love to you and the family.

Elaine Byrd What a blessing that her passing was peaceful and that you and your brother were by her side. My prayers are with you. Hugs

Marsha Chappell Thoughts and prayers go your way. I, too, was with my Mom when she passed away peacefully. They are never alone!

Laurene Glazier Hutchings Watching a loved one pass is such a sacred thing, I really believe it's a priesthood ordinance and a special time to be with them. My love and prayers are with you and your family, your memories will be even more cherished then ever before.

Micki Connor Prayers and love for you and your family....

Sandra Savage My thoughts are with you Eileen. Prayers your way!♡

Jean Hartman Smith Glad you could be with her. So sorry for your loss.

Deborah Coy So glad you were able to share that special moment tougher. Love to all of you ! Let me know when you are going to have memorial and help next week is impossible but after that I could make it. Would love to be able to share your grief and life.

Cathy Wagner Eileen, I was busy with the grandchildren and did not check your posts for a few days. We all remember your mother in different ways, but we were all blessed that she was a part of our lives.

Cherie Federer Buford Oh Eileen ! I am so sorry! I hope you and your family are doing ok! I'm glad you got to spend that last bit of time with her! I miss mine so much. I have so many good memories of Aunt Nelle. We love you guys! Cherie

Karen Pederson Just wanted to say I have had you in my thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful for the gospel and what we know. I'm sure you are too. As I have watched your journey of saying good bye to your mother, I have thought a lot about what it must have felt like and the wonderful love you showed her by being there every moment at the end. My mother is going through a lot of health problems right now. I don't think we are nearing her time to go yet, but watching you has been a great example to me of what is most important and how I want to be sure I am there for my mom. Thank you.

Natalie Marrott Grant Thoughts and prayers with you.

Cynthia Harris Oh Eileen I'm overcome with feelings of love for you! I can't imagine the difficulty and the beauty of those final moments... So grateful her suffering has ended.

Ann Jorgensen Adamson I am so glad that you could share her last moments. It has been a blessing for you and her as well. we love you.

Kathy Crockett That is such a tender moment. Good that you were able to be with her.

Camilia Hail Love and prayers to you and the family

Susan Savage May you cherish all the wonderful memories you have of your sweet mom. She was a grand woman, and sure knew how to raise a sweet daughter. Love you always

Robyn Lamoreaux I"m sorry for your loss, but I'm so happy you were with her.

Jodi Muraski So sorry for your loss, at least she didn't suffer long. I can't imagine what that feels like losing a mom. Lots of love and prayers for you!

Pam Williams So blessed to be there at that very sacred moment. Love you sweet sister.

Barbara Evans Thinking of you and your family. Mixed feeling. Glad you were with your mother. What a wonderful blessing for each of you. Love to you

Tiffani Williams What a beautiful picture. So glad you could be with her and glad to know she is finally at peace. We love you very much. Families are forever and I'm so happy you are in mine.

Lorie Lisonbee Oh my dear sweet friend. My prayers are with you at this very tender time. I am so glad you were there by her side when Heaven and earth touched for a brief moment. It is such a sacred experience. LOVE YOU!

Julie Brown It's bittersweet news. I love you Aunt Eileen #eternalfamilies

Kennan Gregory Prayers are with you xo

Kim Walus My heart goes out to you, and wish I could give you a great big hug! Love ya lots!

Sydney Otto Prayers and love friend!

Meisha McChesney HUGS!

Holly Beifuss What a beautiful experience to be with your mom as she left the earth! You will have a very sweet angel in heaven watching over you! Love you Eileen. She is a lucky mama to have you forever!

A portion of my favorite talk concerning death and eternal life:

"Doors of Death" ~ Russel M. Nelson (April 1992)...

Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. It is a natural response in complete accord with divine commandment: “Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die.” (D&C 42:45.)

Moreover, we can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life.

Eternal perspective provides peace “which passeth all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7.)

Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. Prior to our birth, we dwelled as spirit children with our Father in Heaven. There we eagerly anticipated the possibility of coming to earth and obtaining a physical body. Knowingly we wanted the risks of mortality, which would allow the exercise of agency and accountability. “This life [was to become] a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God.” (Alma 12:24.) But we regarded the returning home as the best part of that long-awaited trip, just as we do now. Before embarking on any journey, we like to have some assurance of a round-trip ticket. Returning from earth to life in our heavenly home requires passage through—and not around—the doors of death. We were born to die, and we die to live. (See 2 Corinthians 6:9.) As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven.

The writer of Ecclesiastes said, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

“A time to be born, and a time to die.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2; see also Alma 12:27.)

Think of the alternative. If all sixty-nine billion people who have ever lived on earth were still here, imagine the traffic jam! And we could own virtually nothing and scarcely make any responsible decisions.

Scriptures teach that death is essential to happiness: “Now behold, it was not expedient that man should be reclaimed from this temporal death, for that would destroy the great plan of happiness.” (Alma 42:8; italics added; see also 2 Nephi 9:6.)

Our limited perspective would be enlarged if we could witness the reunion on the other side of the veil, when doors of death open to those returning home. Such was the vision of the psalmist who wrote, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalms 116:15.)

Loving relationships continue beyond the doors of death and judgment. Family ties endure because of sealings in the temple. Their importance cannot be overstated. 

As a special witness of Jesus Christ, I testify that He lives! I also testify that the veil of death is very thin. I know by experiences too sacred to relate that those who have gone before are not strangers to leaders of this Church. To us and to you, our loved ones may be just as close as the next room—separated only by the doors of death.

With that assurance, brothers and sisters, love life! Cherish each moment as a blessing from God. (See Mosiah 2:21.) Live it well—even to your loftiest potential. Then the anticipation of death shall not hold you hostage. With the help of the Lord, your deeds and desires will qualify you to receive everlasting joy, glory, immortality, and eternal lives.

Words to live by ~ Glory of God...

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalms 19:1

I went for a walk each morning before I went to town to be with Mom. I had many sacred and spiritual experiences. I love the beautiful Wyoming skies and the prairies... they will always feel like home. 

 Dad's home before he moved to Utah.

I walked across this cattle guard many times with Grandma Federer.

Grandpa and Grandma Federer's ranch in the distance.

 My childhood home in the the distance.

The glory of God...

Packing up... July 16th and 17th

After nine days, I was really missing my family, but there was no way I would leave without helping my brothers clean and pack up Mom's house.

Lloyd hooked his big horse trailer to the pick up and with the help of Heidi, Troy and Jimmy we got busy. The experience was more sweet than bitter. We had fun, even though it was a lot of work. Marion said, "I so enjoyed our time together. I feel so much better because of the good memories we all shared of Mom."

 

Mom had some treasures and we carefully sifted through each drawer and closet. We all kept some things that meant something to us. The rest we decided to donate and keep the memories. Marion enjoyed looking at the cookbooks.

Heidi has been an angel through all this. She went to see Mom everyday. She worked so hard and did so with a smile on her face.

Jimmy also helped with the heavy lifting. I was glad he was there to help Lloyd. He has a big heart.

Lloyd and I had a lot of fun sorting through Mom's things. I'm wearing a bonnet Mom worn in a Frontier Days parade many years ago.

The picture is a little blurry, but Kenny helped sort through some papers. He gets tired easy but he got it done.

Grandpa Federer gave Mom this sewing machine shortly after she and Dad got married. She became an expert seamstress. She made me so many pretty dresses.

I learned to sew on this machine. Heidi wanted it and I was happy for her to have it.

Jimmy making a beer run on Mom's power chair!!

Lloyd and Marion taking a "coffee" break!

We enjoyed having dinner together after working hard all day.

We were all fascinated by the bartender's hair, hmmm!

It took us two full days to get everything boxed up and the house cleaned.

It was a good experience to spend this time with my family. We made more memories together that I will always cherish. I love them so much.

Friday morning I stopped at Buttery's and bought some flowers and chocolates to take to Davis. There was a nurse I especially wanted to thank. Wendy was so incredible and compassionate. As I was walking down the hall to the nurses office, she came around the corner. I was so happy she was there, so I could thank her in person. We hugged and cried, I hope she knew how much we appreciated her. An RN named Dave asked us one morning if he could say a prayer. Lloyd said yes, so Marion, Lloyd and I held hands and he offered a beautiful prayer. Hospice nurses have a special gift.

I also drove by Mom's house one more time. I was overcome by the many answers to prayers.

I will always remember Mom standing by the door and watching me drive away. I know she stood there until I was no longer in site. I know she loved me, and I love her.