Remembering Vyki

After we got back from Europe we faced a huge challenge. My sweet Vyki was inching closer and closer to death. I knew how lucky we were to have her in our lives as long as we did, but the thought of not having her around seemed unimaginable. I couldn't imagine not talking to her on the phone several times a week, not spending time with her, not being reminded over and over that someone as good as her could so selflessly love me. We had talked all year about planning Bailee's birthday luau together. She was once a party planner and overloaded me with great ideas. Her not being there would just be too hard. However, each day the cancer took control of her more and more. So difficult to watch. The first time I really believed she would be leaving us soon was when I ran over to Amanda's to see her and she shuffled frantically around the living room, stopped in front of me, held my face, kissed me on the cheek and told me she loved me, and then repeated the process over and over. I went home and cried.

Mari, Amanda, and I decided to take our kids over to Vyki's sisters house where the kids got to eat lunch with their grandma Vyki. The kids then watched a movie while I painted Vyki's toenails. This day was such a blessing because this was the last time the kids got to be with her.

Vyki's goal was to live to be 60. 6 months shy of that goal, on May 25th, she passed away in her sisters arms. Right before she passed I was able to spend mother's day with her, then see her one last time a few days later to kiss her goodbye.

The funeral was beautiful. All she wanted was a small service and for Amanda to sing for her.

We sent balloons up to Heaven for grandma Vyki.

Trey absolutely loves his grandma Bonnie, Vyki's mom.

Mari, Amanda,and I.

I met Vyki right after we moved into our home. She asked if she could "adopt" me because she wasn't able to have more children and because Amanda, her daughter, and I were such good friends. To be honest, I was flattered but didn't quite believe her sincerity. As time went on she showed me over and over how she really felt. A couple years ago she also got close to my sis, Mari. I couldn't believe how she could just choose to love me like she did. She had so much love to give and touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Whenever we went shopping together I quickly learned I couldn't point out things I liked or else she would buy it all. Seriously. However, now that she's not here I treasure each thing she gave me and my family.

Vyki was the definition of charitable. She worked at the developmental center, working with the handicapped. After she retired, even though she was sick, she devoted her efforts to serving others. When she passed, her friend from Chicago, Freddie, was in Africa visiting his family he hadn't seen in 10 years. Vyki had payed for the trip and poor Freddie didn't find out about her death until he returned home. The examples of her selfless acts could go on forever. She taught me to share the gospel everywhere. She taught me the importance of telling others how you feel. She became a true grandma to my kids. She taught me the importance of even a few words. She taught me how valuable each moment of life is. She taught me to notice the little things that can meet so much to someone else. Her favorite hymn: Because I Have Been Given Much. She lived out the message of that hymn each day of her life.

Her death was really hard on Bailee. I hated telling her. I just snuggled up next to her for a long time while she cried. I'm so grateful for all the memories she gave my kids.

I love you mom Vyki. I miss you and hope I can follow your example throughout my life!