Goodbyes

There comes a time in all of our lives when we are forced to say goodbye to the people we love the most. Well in the past three months Blake and I have said two different sad goodbyes.

The first goodbye came January 1st when Blake's dear mother was killed in a car accident.

JoAnn Twitchell Holt was a beautiful and strong woman. She lived such a Christlike life in every way. She was the mother of 14 wonderful children. She had unwavering faith and courage to do what is right. She took everyone under her wing and always supported the underdog. She was a selfless woman who sacrificed so much for her children and grandchildren. We love her so much and are so grateful for our understanding of the plan of salvation that allows us to see our dear mother again.

The second goodbye came March 7th when my 99 year old grandma died in Idaho Falls. She was 3 months short of her 100th birthday.

Beulah Memmott Clayson was a shining example to all who knew her. She was kind and loving and served others with all her heart. She was a wonderful grandma and will be missed so dearly. She served the perfect Thanksgiving and Easter dinners complete with her best china, crystal glasses and silverware (real silver). She always worked so hard and sacrificed everything for her children and grandchildren. She was the best story teller. She would tell us Christmas stories verbatim from memory. She was a delight to be with and I have so many wonderful memories of her and grandpa.

These two beautiful women will forever hold a special place in our hearts. They have taught us so many important lessons. As Blake and I have talked about our upcoming roles of being parents we feel so greatly blessed to have had such wonderful parents and grandparents to teach us how to sacrifice everything and give all you are for your children and grandchildren. Life will not be the same without both of these women but I know that both of them would want more than anything for us to move forward in faith.