This page is dedicated to the memory of my wonderful mother.
We lost her to cancer on October 12,1996.
She was my best friend, and she is missed very much.
First I would like to tell you a little bit about this remarkable woman.
She was the mother of 8, 5 boys and 3 girls. (I am the 7th and youngest girl.) Her children ranged in age, covering 16 years. To her, family always came first, no matter what. Everyone that knew her could see this, and they loved her for it.
Beyond the Sunset
Should you go first and I remain
to walk the raod alone,
I'll live in memories garden, dear,
with happy days we've known.
In spring I'll wait for roses red,
when faded, the lilacs blue.
In early fall, when brown leaves fall,
I'll catch a glimps of you.
Should you go first and I remain,
for battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
tho blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will bouy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain,
one thing I'll have you do:
Walk slowly down that long long path,
for soon I'll follow you.
I'll want to know each step you take,
so I may take the same.
For someday down that lonely road,
you'll hear me call your name.
-author unknown-
The following peom was writtin by my sister-in-law..Lori Jo Gifford for my mothers funeral.
Legacy
Ever the master seamstress
Stiching the fabric of our lives together
Always patiently and lovingly
Gathering the pieces together.
We who never had the vision
could scarce understand.
How all of the carefully gathered stiches
would fit together.
You saw the promise,
The beauty in each stich, each thread.
Your motto being:
There's always room for one more.
How could we know
the beautiful legacy
you would leave behind.
Beautiful, yet, unfinished.
You have left to us the finishing touches
of your cherished legacy.
So like you-
Always doing all the work,
then standing back,
to let others bask in the glory.
You must know you've left
your indelible mark
on each part of our lives.
Those who look closely
will see the places on our family legacy
where your teardrops have fallen-
When patiently praying and yearning
for those you loved to see the beauty
you saw in the master plan.
The marks of your blood-
A reminder of the times
when you gave your all.
The times you hurt.
Also a reminder of the savior
whom you loved.
That integral thread
you tried so hard
to stich into our lives.
None of those who knew and loved you-
Will be able to look at life
in the same way again.
Each thing a reminder of you.
A telephone:
a reminder of times we talked asking advice.
Getting quiet wisdom.
Pictures:
memories of your fun and giving nature.
Birthdays and Christmas:
making sure everyone had something homemade-
to represent the love you felt for them.
Rocking chair:
The loving Grandmother
tenderly holding our children.
Helping to start a legacy to them
that will be passed on.
In this-you who never asked for glory
Will now get
This just acknowledgement of your selfless life.
The only gift
we could give
Making your legacy
One that will go on forever.
We love you!
By: Lori Jo Gifford
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