Betty Passes Away

 

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Betty Passes Away

Everyone knows of my love for Eric's mom Viola Williams. She was the single most influential person in my life. I loved everything about her. She lived a simple life but was one of the most loving and giving people I have ever met. Her family ALWAYS came first. Once when Eric and I were first engaged, she gave me some advice that has always stuck with me. She said if Eric ever came home from work and wanted me to take a ride with him, but I was hesitant because the house wasn't clean or there were still dishes in the sink. That I should not think twice about it. She told me to leave the dishes and go with my husband. Her exact words were, "The dishes will be there when you get home, but tomorrow your husband may not be, and you would have passed up an opportunity to make a cherished memory. That time together could be your last."  I've always remembered the day she told me this, where I was sitting, what she was wearing and the smile on her face as she gently reminded me of keeping family a priority.
After Vi passed away, Ray married Betty, a single woman from their ward with whom Vi was friends. This time of life was difficult for a few of the children, including Eric, not because Betty was not a great pick for Ray, but because of their memories of their mother and father.
Yesterday, Betty passed away. It's 3:55 am, and I've been up for hours, unable to sleep, cleaning my floors, dusting my furniture, and thinking of our memories with Betty (Grammy). Her personality was completely different than Viola's, but nonetheless, she loved Ray, and he was happy. Betty kept Ray alive for years, and that he would have passed much sooner than he did, she kept him in line and busy. I'm sure Vi and Ray greeted betty as she passed through the veil to the other side. 'm grateful for my knowledge of our Heavenly Father's eternal plan for Families to be together forever.
My youngest daughter Haleigh is getting married in two days. Last night her mother-in-law and father-in-law had a dinner party for close friends and family. Not only was the weather beautiful, but the words spoken by each person on behalf of Haleigh and Scott were beautiful. How is it that my youngest is old enough to be married? This has been an emotional couple of weeks. With Ezra in the hospital and now the passing of Betty, I am a little behind on the wedding plans--but I have faith it will all turn out and be a memorable night.
This week our plumbing in the kitchen went out, the freezer went on the blitz (that was a mess), it smelled like Jeffrey Daumer had been hiding things in our freezer, and guess who got to clean it all out?
There is something I am pleased about. This is the best I have physically felt in a few years. I will see my oncologist in two weeks with a couple of days of tests first, then our little visit. I'm assuming with how I am feeling right now that all will be a good outcome.