But, we did have to say goodbye. Cherrie fell and broke her hip about 6 years ago. She never really fully recovered from that fall... she was a person that was always so alive and never really one to sit still so these last years have been so hard on her. Her mind was sound, but her body was failing her fast. She quickly lost weight and caused worry to all those that knew her. But, if you knew Cherrie you would know that it's impossible to get her to eat if she didn't want to!!!! She would never take the risk that she would get fat... although she couldn't have weighed more that 80 pounds wet!!!
We got a call January 3rd or so that Cherrie had fallen again in the hallway. She instructed Olin that by no means was he to call us and worry us. She was certain that she would be home in no time and we wouldn't be bothered. Well, she spent a few days and finally he did call. We were so worried because each day it seemed like she wasn't getting better. She was very dehydrated and ill. We thought she was going to be sent to a rehab facility and when that wasn't happening we were even more worried. Then the news came that her heart was weak.
On Tuesday the 12th Craig and I were entertaining some of his colleagues that were in town. We took them on a tour of Temple Square and then to Park City for dinner. While we were eating he got a call from his dad that the Doctor said that mom would not make it through the night!
We were so scared. It ws 8:30 or so and we were in the middle of this important dinner and not only 4 hours from them but and hour away from home!!!!
We couldn't believe this turn because we weren't sure it was that serious. But, her heart rate had dropped dramatically and we learned later that she didn't want to fight or be resuccetated. I am so glad I had called and spoken to her earlier in the day not realizing it would be the last time I said I loved her.
We tried to finish dinner... most of the guests were nice, but one of them kept going on and on about wanting coffee and dessert and walking in the shops. We were trying to be gracious but finally Craig asked if she could take a rain check that after all his mother was dying!!!
We drove home threw clothes in the car and headed down. We got there around 3 in the morning. Cherrie was no responsive and lifeless with a severely slow heart rate. Olin was anxious and scared and kept going out into the hallway to check the monitor... he would then announce the heart rate had changed. This went on for about 2 hours. Well, a nurse comes in flips on the lights and starts trying to draw Cherrie's blood. She tries one arm and then the next unable to get any. Well, finally another of the regular nurses comes in and tells her to stop that she shouldn't be in there.
Cherrie's heart rate dropped steadily after that and she was gone. I am convinced her body could not handle the stress of that blood draw and she gave up.
The children prayed and prayed that she would wait for us.... that we would get there in time to say goodbye. We are grateful for answered prayers. For a loving Heavenly Father that loves His children that He knows when they need Him and how they need Him and that He is aware when they need to go home too.
We stayed in Hurricane until the funeral on Saturday. We helped Olin with all the arrangements and let me just say that is a really tough experience. There is so much that goes into a funeral service and I can't imagine having to go through that alone if it were for Craig. Olin and Cherrie were married for 59 years and he loved her. He was so strong, but he will miss her. He was a wonderful husband to her and a great example for all of us on how to love unconditionally.
We were astounded by the ward and the loving neighbors. We had so many well wishes and concerns and mountains and mountains of food. They definitely wrapped their arms around us and we will be eternally grateful!!!!
The service was simple Cherrie wanted it that way. Only the children spoke, Craig played "Somewhere My Love" he played that at his grandmother's funeral and Cherrie always loved it. I played "O My Father" a hymn that was sung at both her parents funerals. Thanks to Katie for helping get the music to me!!!
Cherrie was a wonderful mother-in-law to me and a beautiful grandmother to my children. She was giving and selfless and always wanted the happiness of others to come before her own. This was stated over and over at her service by her loving grandchildren. Even the last time that they all spoke with her... when she knew it was the end... she wouldn't answer questions about herself instead she wanted to know how they were. She loved them all so dearly! They loved her as much and will miss her spirit and her love!
We love and miss you terribly Cherrie... Til we meet again!
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