Easter 2025

 

Hello, my lover. I have been so busy; trying to move from a 5,000-square-foot home to a 2,100-square-foot home has kept me on my toes.

Yesterday I was very nice. I had the kids and grandchildren over to our Gilbert home for one last dinner and Golden Egg hunt. As the grands hunted for the eggs, I could hear you in my head as each one of them found their egg with $20 in it. You were cheering them on and giving me a little wink as they each successfully hunted. I miss your cute belly laugh and smile. 

Today is Easter, and I went to my new ward. I feel good there, the people are so kind. Remember when we were deciding to move from the house on Cove, we hunted for land, but what was most important to me was the ward. I will never forget the spirit we felt as we visited the sixth ward. I felt that same spirit as people introduced themselves and asked if I was new to the area. It's a good ward, with a mix of children, youth, and mostly retired folks our age. Today was my third week, and I felt welcomed.

I grew up spiritually in that ward. With so many people to help build my testimony of Christ. Today, I remembered that Jesus Christ's sacrifice assures me we will see each other again.

I arrived a little late to church and sat in the foyer, gazing at the life-size picture of Christ, picturing Him with you, and conversing with Him. I know He lives, and I will see you again. I'm not sure how our Heavenly Father, knowing he could take his son's pain away, but didn't because of His plan. That had to be so hard. It is unimaginable for any parent to comprehend. 

The grandchildren are getting so big. Haleigh and her family were unable to attend. She sent me pictures of them today, and boy, they are getting big. Ellis is so tall, and Sena looked as sweet as ever. She reminds me so much of Haleigh when she was Sena's age. Haleigh has always been a kind and gentle child. What a joy it was to raise her! I'll never forget her senior year of High School. I was going through a lot, and she would come home to see how I was doing. Many times, she would crawl up into the bed next to me, no words needed; just being present was all we both required. Haleigh was my most prominent advocate during my cancer journey, and she doesn't even know it.

I have been spending a lot of time with Kayla. Currently, she and Jeremy are separated, and I doubt their marriage will survive. Kayla is an excellent mom and a great listener. I understand her now, and I know Autism a little better because of her and watching her with the boys, she has the patience of Job. Recker is fifteen, and he is BIG like Jeremy. He repeats what we say most of the time, so I know he understands us. I say I love you, and he says it back in his own way. Ezra is so sweet. The other day, he was at the house, and when he walked to the car, he turned around and ran back to me for a huge hug. It brought me to tears. Teddy is also kind and caring. He is a little confused about his parents separating.

You would be so proud of Blake. He has helped me a lot this past year. You know he's a mama's boy? He is a hard worker, a great husband, and an incredible dad. Chloe is working at Denver's office and seems to really enjoy it. Weslie, oh sweet Wes, she is a dancer like her mom, and she loves it. Yesterday, she kept hugging me and wanted to know when she could have a 'sleepover'. You know how much I love that! She asked me about Papa yesterday. I wasn't sure what to say. I never want to say something that her parents wouldn't want me to. I told her how much you still love her and that one day, when I leave, I will get to be with you again. She listened, but I'm not sure if she understood. She wants to know where you are physically.

Kaitlyn and Brian are great. Kaitlyn works from home and enjoys her job a lot. She is good at what she does, and I'm proud of her in so many ways. Brian works hard, and I'm glad that they continue to rely on the Lord for help when needed. I asked Brian if he would come and dedicate this new home at the Reserve. Of course, he said he would. He is solid in the Gospel, and I'm glad he is Kaitlyn's love. Phoenix is ten years old now and getting so big. He loves soccer and football. He loves life and has many friends. Archie, you know how I feel about that boy! He has this way of melting my heart. Kaitlyn said he's sneaky, but I've never seen that side of him. That boy can do no wrong. I love how much he and Phoenix love Florence. I feel sorry for the guys who want to date her. Eric, Florence is so special. There is something very spiritual about her. Everyone who is around her loves her. The other day, she said to me, "Do you know Jesus died for all of us?" Oh my heart, I answered her, "Yes, He did, and He loves you, He loves all the people in the whole world." She's a lot like Kaitlyn was with the faces she makes. Every time she sees me, she runs with her arms wide open and yells, "Bonbon."

I'm glad we had these kids of ours, every one of them has a piece of my heart. They are all responsible, good people, and so are their spouses.

I used to tell you how sad it was that they never knew your mom. Now I'm sorry that they may forget you. I try to remind them, especially the little ones, how much you love them.

I love you and always will.

Love, Monya