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Showing posts with label Janet Brand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Janet Brand. Show all posts
My father, may you find the strength to get through this day. You and Mom were ONE. Your love and marriage is one that I look up to.
Kim, so young to have gone through so much. You are an amazing young woman and I see her in you all the time.
Eric, you have the honor of sharing your memories of Mom to your children and they will know her through you. You are a wonderful Father. Mom would be so proud.
Mike, Mom was the one person that could ALWAYS make you smile. It didn't take much. You and Mom had a special relationship and that is something to cherish.
We all miss you Mom and love you everyday. Wish you were still here.
2009 was a year of much happiness and sadness. The birth of Lucas was one of the best days of my life and the loss of my Mother was the worst day of my life. Since February, it has been a roller coaster of emotions for me and my family. Being a mother has been the most rewarding experience, but has also been hard to do without my own mother by my side. One of the last things she said to me was, "You will know what to do." Even at times when I don't know what to do, I have the most amazing friends and family I can call on if I need to. Thank you to all!
My Mom after giving birth to me
Here I am after giving birth to Lucas
I want to give a special thanks to my husband. We have only been married for 2 and a half years, but we have been through so much together. He is my rock. He takes care of me and provides for our family. Kevin is the most wonderful father. It is very natural to him and you can see how much he loves his son when they are together. Thank you Kevin for the most wonderful baby, a shoulder to cry on, many laughs, silly songs and dances, and for your friendship and love. I love you very much!
Other big news of 2009 included a new pregnancy! Crystal got pregnant this summer and will be having a baby girl come March. We are all very excited about this (and a little jealous). Owen has been so much fun to watch grow up. He is talking quite a bit now and is really coming out of his shell. Such a cutie.
We are pray 2010 brings joy and peace to our family. Hopefully Kevin will get his Land Surveying license (which he will), I get certified as a Doula, the economy gets a boost, and if all goes well, I will be pregnant again! Much love to all.
One of the many family photos
Mariners Game
Mike's wedding
I love this picture of Mom and Dad with Owen.
Old school photo.It has been six months since Mom passed. It really is hard to believe. I know for all that loved her so much, the pain of her loss is still so deep. I really wish she could be here to see how Lucas has grown and become such an amazing healthy baby. She would just love his little "fuzzhawk" and his big eyes (he gets that from her) and cute chubby cheeks. My Mom was such a wealth of knowledge and advice when it came to motherhood. She was the "Mom of all Moms" and I wish she were here for all my questions and concerns. I really miss her. We all really miss her.
Some fun memories of my Mom:
1. Her singing. Before her stroke, she loved to sing. She would sing to just about anyone and say, "Don't I have a good voice?"
2. When my Dad would reach in to the candy drawer, she would always say, "John, are you hungry?" in a tone of voice that meant....."Get out of the candy drawer."
3. When we were kids (and adults) and were in a bad mood, she would say "Don't smile" and we would try as hard as we could to not smile....but always did.
4. She was a very good cook, but never thought she was. We would say, "Oh, this is really good," and she would say "No, it's not. No, it's not."
5. After her stroke, she couldn't feel part of her mouth and would get food stuck on her teeth. Dad and her created a code, where he would just tap his fork on his plate, and she would know.
6. She loved to hold your hand.
7. She was passionate about her job as a mother and helping pregnant women with childbirth classes and labor and delivery. I know that being at the birth of Lucas was one of her happiest times. Totally in her element.
8. Camping in Florence, OR. Our annual trips to Honeyman State Park. When we would get real close, she would roll down the windows and say, "I smell the ocean."
9. She LOVED Disneyland. It is where her and my Dad had their first date. It was a very special place for them and whenever we would go, she was like one of the kids, so happy!
10. After God, her family was the most important thing to her. She loved being a stay home Mom and a wife to my Dad.
11. "Eddgggarrr" She loved the Mariners.
12. Chai Tea Lattes.
13. She was terrible at Spanish. She would always try to speak it and was awful. We would all correct her and she would try again.....it was no use. She just didn't have it in her.
14. She loved winter. She loved the snow and the cold weather.
15. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she went all out for it. I can remember her sitting in the living room, it snowing outside, listening to Christmas music. So peaceful and happy.
There are so many more memories, but these some of the ones that Kim and I thought of. She was such an amazing woman, mother, sister, daughter, and wife. I love you Mom!
My Mom's memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 1pm at Westside Church in Bend, Oregon.
Please pray for peace, comfort, and health for our family as we cope with her loss.
My Mom left today. I can't tell you how nice it was to have her here. She has helped us out so much while I was in the hospital, during labor and delivery, and helping out with all the cooking, cleaning, and running errands for us after we came home. Thank you Mom and we love you tons!
