Sandy

Sandy was Larry's accountant for 30 years and over the years they became such good friends.  A few years ago Sandy started showing signs of Dementia and then she had a fall and experienced a few strokes.  I didn't see Sandy often but when I saw her strapped to a wheel chair it broke my heart.  Sandy was too smart and classy to be in that situation.  (those were my thoughts) 

Sandy passed away on Justin's birthday, April 30...the same day my friend Gina passed away a few years ago.  It's hard losing someone.  I wasn't around Sandy a lot over the years but she made an impact on me the times I was.  Even when Sandy was in the nursing home and her mind was all over, Sandy would find something to compliment me about.  She was so kind, smart, talented, and wonderful.

I loved watching Larry visit his friend.  Larry was able to go on the journey's with Sandy as her mind switched around.  He just went with her flow and would talk to her in her moment.  I loved seeing them joke with each other even when the times were hard.  Larry was amazing with Sandy.  Sandy loved Larry (and our family) and expressed that over the years.  She knew she could always count on Larry....and she could!  Larry was the one the family called when Sandy went to the Hospital a few weeks ago with phenomena.  Larry went to the Hospital a few times a day to be with Sandy....every day she was there.  He had the privilege of being with her along with her family for her last breath in this life.  I'm glad that Larry had that opportunity and was there to show his love and support to Sandy, Jim, Kristen and Keri.  I know they all appreciate Larry and consider him family.  They had chosen to take Sandy off her oxygen and let her go and Larry was invited to be with them. (I was attending Women's Conference~the perfect place for me to be at that time)

Larry spoke at Sandy's Service as a friend and did such a wonderful job.  It's hard knowing what to say and what others might need to hear and he was right on.  I'm glad that Sandy has graduated from this life.  She is in a better place, whole and healthy.  It won't be long before Jim follows her since he is battling cancer...it will win but he is hoping for a few more years.  These two have blessed our lives in many ways....so very thankful for the people that cross our paths!

Early Birds...

Jared has started drivers education at the school.  It starts at 6:00 am and so we have to get up earlier to make it there.  Have I mentioned how mixed up I think drivers ed is these days?  It's one of my pet peeves.  You might not want to read anymore.  It is required to have a learners permit before you can sign up for drivers education.  Drivers Education is where you learn all the things you need to know to pass the test to get a permit...or so I thought.  Now...the kids have to study on their own and with their parents so they can pass the test to get their permit.  Then you get to pay to have them go learn the things they just did because it is required that everyone take the course before you can take the driving test to get your license.  It is also required that the child drive with a parent for 6 months before getting a license.  So it makes me wonder why in the heck do they even need to take drivers education anymore...why not just let the parent teach them like they are already doing.  Oh well, sometimes things don't make sense but we are required to do them anyway...it's life.

***I went to a parents meeting with Jared a few days after this post.  It helped me to understand the logic behind this new way of doing drivers ed.  The extra time and parent involvement is to protect the kids and have them more prepared to be on the roads.  The drivers ed course educates the kids and shows them the "Reality" of important do's and don'ts.  My attitude was adjusted! ☺

I decided that since I was up I might as well go to the Temple.  I got up early and showered and the plan was to drop off Jared and then go directly to the Temple.  While we were going to the school it occurred to me that I didn't kiss my hubby goodbye.  I'm not use to leaving first in the mornings and so it isn't a habit for me like it is him.  I debated with myself....should I go home or just stop by his work after the Temple?  Since it was early and the first session wasn't until 7:00, I decided to buzz home first and give him a kiss and then go.  I think Larry was a little surprised that I came back just to kiss him goodbye!

I love our Temple and appreciate it so much since the remodel.  I probably took it for granted before but after having to drive a little further for a few years I am very grateful for it now.  We are so  blessed to have a Temple so close....in fact, we are so blessed to have so many Temples so close to us.  As I was leaving the Temple this morning I felt that same satisfaction I would coming home from the gym.  Even though it's not easy getting there it's so worth it.  I just felt so good about going and helping someone get their endowment.  In my mind I thought: "I can do this....I can take time to go to the Temple and help those on the other side of the veil."  I need to do it more and even allow a little more time in the Temple.  I know the work that goes on inside those beautiful walls is much more important than the things I let occupy my time.  I know that going to the Temple often is what I'm suppose to do....it's my season for it!