Becci

My darling SIL shared a story recently about a conversation she had when she was single. She had gone out for a walk with her dear elderly grandmother and mentioned how she was feeling a bit sorry for herself because all her friends were getting married and moving away. Her grandma's commiserating reply was "All my friends are dying". That kind of put things in perspective in a jiffy.

That's kind of how this past week has felt for me. First beautiful little Grace lived her perfect 15 minute life before passing along, and now Becci.

Becci is a remarkable person. She worked tirelessly to keep everything running in her world. She and her husband have 7 children, spanning over 20 years. Three in their 20's, a teen, and 3,5, & 9 year old boys. I used to teach her daughters at church. Her oldest daughter decided to go on a mission a year and a half ago, and returned last Wednesday after completing her service in Romania. She was a remarkable, faithful missionary, and I'm so proud of the amazing woman she has blossomed into since we met. She has always been a strong, resilient girl.

But a joyous reunion with her family on Wednesday was quickly followed by tragedy on Thursday, when her beloved mother Becci, suffered a massive brain aneurysm. She collapsed in her newly-returned daughter's arms, and died.

I can only guess how this family will get along without Becci. When I think of the little boys growing up without a mommy my heart just breaks for them. When I imagine how hard this must be for all of them, I just wish there was something I could do. I have always admired Becci in countless ways. She was a good example to me, and I could relate to her in a number of ways. Hers was not a life of ease. She worked harder than most people I've met. To help the family make ends meet, she had an early morning paper route that she'd drag herself out of the house in the pre-dawn dark and cold to deliver...even in the freezing Vermont winters. She worked at a restaurant to further supplement their family's income. Her husband manages a different restaurant, and puts in long hours.

Becci was the kind of woman who was so down to earth and generous, that even though they didn't have a lot, they always had enough to share with others. She noticed needs and offered help without waiting to be asked. When her best friend's daughter died last fall in a sledding accident here in Utah, she flew out for the funeral. I'm grateful I had the chance to eat lunch with her and spend that time, even though it was another tragedy that brought us together.

Becci is the kind of mother any kid would be lucky to have...ardently loving and encouraging her children to keep trying to do their best no matter what. I am grateful for Becci, and for the many others who have blessed my life by the way they have lived theirs. I know we tend to suddenly appreciate what we have only after it's taken from us, but I hope we can all pause a moment and remember all those who have touched us. To allow a sense of gratitude to permeate our hearts. To give thanks. To say I love you.

To Becci, and to all those who've added beauty to my world, thank you! And I love you. Till we meet again...