Katrina LOVED flowers, so I thought this was pretty fitting and something we hadn't gotten around to doing yet. Just before we left I saw the status that things were not going well in surgery and to please pray for her. I began praying so hard, she was delivering baby #6, there was no way she could die, her family, her kids...they needed her. Of course I was glued to Facebook. We got home and began planting flowers and that was when I saw the unthinkable post from her sister-in-law. She had passed away. I had to read it several times before it sank in...Dave and I were both in shock. The rest of the week was kind of a blur as Katrina and her family were about the only thing I could think of and as we prepared to travel to UT for her funeral. Again, I was glued to Facebook, where memories and thoughts about Katrina were pouring in. I soaked it all up, thankful to have known such an amazing person, promising that I was going to be a better person...do many of the things that she did so naturally, and of course sadden that I had taken her for granted. Don't we all do that? Those young and close to us aren't supposed to die and when something like this happens you realize how fragile life is and that you can't take anyone or any moment for granted. Addie continued to remind me to put my phone down, because I was always crying when I was looking at it. I couldn't help it though, I wanted to read everything about her, soak it all in and I couldn't help but cry as I thought of her six babies and her husband. I think for any mother this hits close to home. I thought about her, the Plan of Salvation, and if the thought of not being there for your children was as painful on the other side as it was to me here. I thought about the many ways she had been an example to me and so many other people. I thought of her husband, Justus, and how hard it must be for him to be left alone with such a big load to carry. And I thought of Heavenly Father and His love for all of His children and found comfort in knowing that even if I didn't understand, He has a plan for Katrina & her family. This didn't mean that He didn't love her, it meant that He did love her and that there would be many tender mercies and miracles along this path her family was now placed on. So of course I held my babies closer and promised myself to not take my relationships for granted. To be a better wife, mother, daughter, friend, etc. To offer encouragement as often as possible and to hug and kiss my babies every chance I had. As I watched Katrina's legacy unfold in front of me, I hoped that many of the same things would be said about me and promised to make changes so that they would be.
Of course in the blur of this week I totally forgot that I was hosting a Relief Society activity at my house Wednesday night and was surprised to get a knock on my door just before 7 the night of! This of course led to dinner with my family at 9 o'clock that night at a little Mexican restaurant in Anthem.
We purchased airline tickets, made arrangements for Addie & Cole to stay in AZ with some friends and headed to UT for about 24 hours. I had to be back for Mother's Day on Sunday.
Katrina's funeral was inspirational. It was comforting to see her children laughing and playing with cousins, to hear Justus give advice to Dave about how to treat me, to be with her family and friends and to feel of her spirit.
(Our quick trip gave us the opportunity to meet, Izzy, our newest niece!)
Her family has a tough road ahead of them but I know they are strong. I know Katrina will be watching over them and that Heavenly Father has placed many in their path to be Katrina's hands. I am thankful that I knew her and could call her a friend. I am thankful for the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ and for the peace, comfort, guidance and healing that it provides. And I'm thankful for life and for every waking moment I've been given.
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