Sunday, September 22, 2013

CHERISHED MOMENTS WITH MOM

These were things that Mom said the final two weeks she was with us.  Some of what she had said left us in stitches.  Becky even said that she was laughing so hard that she had tears running down her legs.  Other times, Mom would have us in tears knowing that we didn't have much time left with her.  Every thought, moment and event we spent with her will be remembered by all of us the rest of our days.  We love you Mom.

Said Papa Three times

 At least won't mess up my hair (referring to no hair)

 "I wasn't waving at you" (Shawn and Molly) she was waving to Kristina behind them

 Told Papa to go fix the ceiling because the heat was going to ruin it

 Picture of her, Jenny, Becky, Annie, Lisa and Rachel "I will cherish that picture forever"

 Let's play a game of "Nipple Creek"

 Why are we back in Redding? (she thought that we were in Montana)

 Talking to Clem "Are you going to the restaurant with us?" (In and Out Burger)

 How do you sign "make"?

 "I haven't argued with you in a long time" referring to Rob

 After giving mom medicine she said to Lisa and Annie "you and you are the pits! And, sometimes you" (referring to Becky)

 Chris read his story about what he thinks about mom. When he was done she said "keep going"

 Woke up and said "they sure make a lot of T-shirts for transportation" (Jenni was wearing one of her "Pride Transportation" T-shirts)

 That's awful! (referring to morphine)

 Lisa was folding laundry and mom woke up to say, "that's good Lisa"

 Rachel said, "it's your medicine" and mom said "at least there's nothing by butt!

 Referring to the enema to be performed mom said "A dog fell through the ceiling and was ready to perform the "transaction!". This transaction is Holy Spirit inspired."

 Annie was wiping her mouth due to ensure in the corners. Then preceded to wipe her forehead. Mom said, "I got it way up there? I must have been a real porker!"

 Mom said that she just read a headline stating, "pretty woman drowns herself."

 "I'm dying so fast....I could have been in a car accident..." (mom tilts her head and acts like she's dead)

 "I like it when someone rubs my boobs"  Dad then said "I wonder who that 'somebody' is?"  We all laughed

 I have sand in my belly button but we'll leave that alone!

 Papa go dig up some dirt...referring to gossip

 Sue the people in the video

 Kissed all the girls hands and said how much she loves each of us  (One of those tearful, unforgettable moments)

 East coast sports fan

 "Blame Becky if this all goes wrong"

 Mom did the sign to sing and then we all sang "It's a wonderful World"   (We'll never be able to listen to that song again)

 I'll pretend that I'm breathing (then moves shoulders up and down)

 Told Becky not to stand on her wire (oxygen tube) and then pretended to die...oh well too bad!

 "Becky go to sleep...close your eyes....go to sleep"

 She asked Becky and Annie where we got our nursing degrees. Annie replied "Jack in the Box" mom laughed

 Mom has a bowl movement. Thinks that she is in the restaurant in the boys bathroom. Lisa is asked if she is an employee and to lock the door. She said that she cannot believe that she went to the restaurant in a nightgown. Becky said that it is so pretty that no one can tell. Mom says, "Rebecca....I am a sensible woman."

  We served....black bean soup, mayonnaise and corn starch pudding!!! (referring to Mom's being in the restaurant during her movement.  We all cleaned her up and were laughing the entire time)

 Lisa was the employee of the month

 When Becky and Annie lifted mom up to the edge of the bed...mom said "I'm falling off the Grand Canyon"

 Mom looks over at dad and says, "this is not a good time for sex." Dad says, "why did I pay all this money?"....mom said, "I'll give you your money back!"

 Mom asked about her cancer and what's going on. When she was told what happened, she sarcastically said "I still have the same husband...I still have the same children...I must be living a nightmare."

 After praying for mom...she said, " I don't walk in the chicken spirit, I walk in the Holy Spirit."

 Tiffany came in the room and mom acknowledged her by saying, "Oh, hi Tiffany...the connection is bad...can you hear me?" Tiffany said, "yes, I'm here." Mom said "Oh good, because the cell phone connection is bad."

 On 9-9-13, mom woke up and asked if she could get out of bed. Lisa said that she was too weak and Rachel told her she has a broken hip. she asked if she has cancer and was told yes. She said she was hoping it was just a dream and then started to cry.

 Mom said to Clem, "I love you, you tall Redwood Tree."

 Talking to Jim about her being burned and being scared that a man was looking at her in the hospital...mom was trying to invite Jim to be part of the enema party. However, she tried to tell him the story and instead said, "When I was 5 years old, I was 5 years old....(she repeated that about 8 times)....when I was burned, I was burnt....there was a boy birdie in the room and I'm a girl birdie."

 Rob came in and mom said, "hello you Indian cowpoke!"

 She scratched her boob while talking to Chris and said, "I'm sorry but my boob itches!"

 She called her catheter an "In and Out Burger"... dad called it a "pee shooter" and she laughed.

 Mom was waiting so long for the nurse to come to perform the enema that she said, "my arm pit hair is starting to grow!"

 Mom had just had a bowel movement. She became panicked and said, "I'm not in America." In order to comfort her, we tried to find something to show her that she is in the house. Becky showed her the ceiling fan and she said, "please don't confuse me." Lisa said to find an object...but not a German beer stein. So dad grabbed Pedro...everyone started laughing when Becky said, "Oh great, show mom a Mexican immigrant!" Dad laughed so hard that he had to leave the room.
Becky told mom that no one has a passport to take her out of the country. Mom said, "I know you wouldn't deceive me...." then fell asleep.

PENNED THOUGHTS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Jennifer:
 
Mom has taught me so much in life. I look back to my younger years and see that she was grooming me for adulthood with tender loving care.
 
Many times I find myself doing things because that is the way she taught me, or that is how she would handle something.
 
She guided me in so many ways while growing up to appreciate life and to be patient and understanding.
 
Mom has always been a great support in my life!  I am going to miss our long phone calls while I travel across country.
 
Mom will continue to live in my heart as she dances in heaven with the Lord.  Mommy, I love you very much. Thank you for all the gifts that you have given me through your love, and from your heart!  You will always be with me.
 
Rebecca:
 
I remember the teachings Mom taught us from the Bible. She impressed upon us that God did not approve of those who ignored his righteous standards.  But that he rewarded faithfulness in a very large way!  She was undeniably... always right!
 
Never a hypocrite, the law of loving kindness was upon her tongue, her mouth consistently opened in wisdom.
 
Mom filled many roles each day in caring for the family.  As the needs arose, she did so as a nurse, a cook, a teacher and a trusted friend.
 
She provided us with the emotional security of a warm, loving environment.  Always a place to lay your head down and plenty of good "homemade" food she'd prepare in your honor.
 
As a wife she proved to be an exemplary role model in submissive, loyal love.  She loved Dad unconditionally, honoring him as a gifted compliment in all things!
 
I am so very thankful to have been taught by her and to have known her and to able to say, "That was my Mom!"
 
Annie:
 
Proverbs 31:31. "Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates."
 
Mom has always been a God fearing woman.  She led this whole family down the straight road and prayed that we would follow.
 
Never forceful, never condemning. She was a reflection of God's love for us all.
 
Mom was beautiful both inside and out.  She planted seeds of love in each one of her children, and reaped a bountiful harvest from it.
 
Her love, kindness, mercy and grace will forever be cherished.
 
Until we meet again Mommy!
 
 
Lisa:
 
Mom, a lady of true grace and honor.  Mom taught us to be true to ourselves.
 
At times, Mom had a funny way of sharing her sense of humor that would have you in stitches. Not to be fooled however, she was always a lady!
 
Mom taught us by her works how to be a believer and follower in the word.
 
Mom always knew what to say to help someone in times of sadness and/or trouble.
 
When we were in trouble with Mom, her discipline always included verses or lessons pulled from the Bible.
 
Mom was a true companion to Dad. She displayed and taught the responsibilities of a God fearing wife.
 
Growing up, Mom made birthdays and other occasions exciting and always memorable.  She and Dad would cook, decorate and plan each event.
 
Mom enjoyed making sure whomever visited was comfortable and always well fed. She is an example of a giver and a gracious hostess.
 
I always enjoyed how people, wherever she went showed her the respect she deserved, while she in turn gave back respect and compliments to deserving ones.
 
Mom was always true to her faith.
 
Rachelle:
 
I remember talking to Grandma about my baby that past away.  She was the only one who knew what  was going through, since she had a stillborn baby and then also lost her son when he was only 33.
 
She cried with me, uplifted me, comforted me and reminded me that we would be together again.
 
No matter how many times I cried, she never made me feel like I was a burden or was tired of listening to me.
 
I will never forget the day I came to visit Grandma after I came from Foster Care.  When Grandma saw me, she ran up to me, hugged and kissed me and told me how much she had missed me!  It was the same kind of loving feeling I had felt growing up, that I was a part of the family and genuinely loved.
 
I especially hold dear the day she told me that she thought of me as her 5th daughter!
 
Rob:
 
My fond memories of Betty are her sincerity and love from the heart.
 
Stories she would tell me that always had a message.
 
Thanksgiving at our house.
 
The love she had for her Family.
 
Playing Skip-Bo, "Fun Times".
 
Her concern for others. 
 
But, I will cherish most the impact she has made on me, and how it has changed my life.
 
 
Chris:
 
When I think of Betty, I hear the words of Jesus, "Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant".  A woman full of wisdom and loving kindness is the grace of her lips.  She was wise and intelligent and highly cultured in mind and manners.  She was graceful and even-tempered in all her ways.
 
She was truly an excellent example of a meek and quite spirit.  She lived her life persistent of God's word, always ready to share God's word with love and conviction and quick to praise her Lord and Savior no matter what situation had occurred.
 
She could have been bitter due to loss of her son, or the loss of her hearing, but instead she chose to serve and trust in he Lord and lean not on her own understanding.  In all her ways Betty acknowledged the Lord and he directed her paths right up to the end. 
 
When I think of Betty, I hear the words of Jesus, "Well Done Thou Good and Faithfull Servant, Welcome Home"!
 
I am thankful to have known her.  It is now because of their daughter, my life is complete in the Lord.  Annie is the pillar that holds me up and the godly life that Betty was so persistent in living.  Her character traits have become those of my wife's.
 
Betty is a hero to many, but to me she was truly a Proverbs 31 model of a godly woman.
 
Kristina:
 
Betty always told me that I had a soft heart.  We would laugh together and cry together, then laugh again!  She always gave me compliments, and she dearly loved my son which truly blessed my heart.
 

A FEW MEMORABLE POSTS I WANT TO KEEP

September 14
 
Rman Martinez  to Jenni Reynolds-Kebler
So sorry to hear about your mom..our hearts and prayers go to you and your family. At least there's no more suffering and she will have peace.
 
Mary Anne Brannon Lehouiller  to Jenni Reynolds-Kebler
Every memory I have about your mom is of her beauty, gentle nature, contagious laugh and playfulness. Thank you for sharing this time in such a touching and generous way.

Now she is with Grandma, Grandpa, Charles and dad.

My love to you all.
 
 
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September 15
On our way to church this morning. Going to be odd not having Mom sitting next to us in person. But she will be with us in spirit.

I am wearing one of her blouses and some of her jewelry that she made. Daddy was very pleased to see me wearing her favorite items.

Love you Mommy.
Rachelle CusterI've been wearing gmas necklace, it makes me feel closer to her. Still can't believe my grandma is gone. I love her and miss her so much.
September 17 at 5:05pm
  • Jenni Reynolds-KeblerI know. On my way back to Utah, I had moments where it was hard to drive. I really miss my Mom. But she is no longer in pain.
    September 17 at 7:39pm
  • Cathy HanniganWill you be having a celebration of life for her? Love and hugs to you and Rob.
    September 17 at 8:06pm
  • Jenni Reynolds-KeblerYes. I will do an update now.
  • ------------------------------------------
  • I would like to extend a special and meaningful thank you to everyone for their support, prayers and thoughts. Mommy is completely well now dancing in aheaven with our Lord God. She left a broken body behind to be renewed in Heaven.
     
    Brian Green - I was thinking about you and praying for you on my morning walk. And now to see this. I'm truly and genuinely sorry, Jenni, tho I know she is at peace. I hope the memories hold you, and I hope time and life's grace do what they do, too, and bring you and your family peace.
    September 15 at 10:07am
  • Donna Krenzkeso sorry my prayers are with your family
    September 15 at 10:15am
  • Patti Holden - Prayers and hugs
    September 15 at 10:35am
  • Valerie Ann MartinezVery nicely said. Xoxo
    September 15 at 10:50am
  • Julie ProctorI am so sorry for your loss.
    September 15 at 10:54am
  • Eileen Richardson - Hugs and love.
    September 15 at 10:55am
  • Carlene Grech CathcartI am so, so very sorry for your loss. I lost my mom very suddenly in May. We had no warning nor suffering, very unlike your circumstances. I am praying for your comfort and strength, as this is not an easy time no matter how you got here. Eddie said that losing someone you love is either like a hurricane (you know it's coming, but it is just as devastating) or an earthquake (you have no idea it's coming - and the devastation happens). I am sorry for your hurricane! I am sorry for my earthquake. I am praying that you find strength in your memories and the knowing that you have been there during this difficult and horrible time with your father. Draw comfort and strength from eachother. Draw it from wherever you can find it. May God find it in His heart of hearts to give it to you freely! Sending my love to you Cutie!
    September 15 at 11:25am
  • Christopher BrittenLove you! Praying for you and your family.
    September 15 at 12:18pm
  • Ann CameronSo sorry for your loss
    September 15 at 1:59pm
  • Lacey Lewis -  my prayers go out to you all
    September 15 at 2:22pm
  • Christine Sperduto FrankoAnother loving soul in heaven looking out for you and yours. God bless.
    September 15 at 2:55pm
  • Melissa HalversonGod bless her and your family... I am sorry for your loss
    September 15 at 6:05pm
  • Maryse LehouillerI don't know you very well, yet, but our prayers are in our hearts for you and your family
    September 15 at 7:19pm
  • Tracy Foster-OlstadTreasure your loving thoughts and memories with your beautiful mom. Mother Daughter bonds are so much stronger than life and death. Thinking of you Jenni!
    September 15 at 9:08pm
  • Vicki OvertonSorry to hear prayer for you and family
    September 17 at 6:55pm
  • Bobbi Jo BrowneI am so sorry to hear about your mom. I am keeping you guys in my prayers.
    September 18 at 5:49am
  • ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    September 17
    We will be holding a "Celebration of Life" for my Mom at the Word of Life Church in Redding, California on Airport Road. It will be held September 28th at 2pm. My Dad asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Word Of Life for their Senior Ministries. Everyone is invited.
    Jan Yochim Thinking of you and your family
    September 17 at 8:35pm
  • Barbara Pearson prayed for your dad especially tonight.
    September 17 at 10:05pm
  •  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    September 18
    Back to work. Mom will always be in my heart. She used to be in tears when I would visit and then had to leave to deliver a load somewhere. I will miss her, but know that she can be with me always. Love you Mommy.
     
    Catherine Siino Thinking of you and sending prayers....talked with your father and will see you on the 28th. xoxo
    September 18 at 2:29pm
  • Jenni Reynolds-Kebler That is so awesome, Catherine. Dad told me that you were coming up. I'm totally looking forward to seeing you again. Been so long. Love you.
    September 18 at 7:51pm
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    Friday, September 20, 2013

    MOM'S LEGACY LIVES ON IN OUR HEARTS

    Thank you to the many people that have taken the time to not only read about my Mom in the newspaper, but also taking the time to write a little note about her and what she meant in your lives.  Mom was truly a gifted woman that loved to share her talents and love.  Here are some of the entries made in the guestbook:

    September 17, 2013
       
    I will always remember my Mom. She always called me her little flower. I love my Mom, always. I look forward to the day when I see her again in the presence of our Holy Father.