One year later

Still missing you ! 

Maybe it's just that I'm getting older............

But it seems we have lost so many good YOUNG women over the years..............

Some were sick and it was an expected blessing..............
Some were shockingly sudden...........

Lori Webster   (school mate, friend, co-worker)
Caprice Tucker (ward member, our kids were the same ages)
Jennifer George  (friend, former babysitter for Manda, were both building our homes in 1993)
Lori Richins (school mate, snowmobiling friend)
Sandy Wilson  (friend, YW advisors together, missionary mom)
Natalie Garritson (bountiful basket friend)

Today would have been Theresa's 49th birthday.  I was with her family at the cemetery this morning.  It was bittersweet.  I miss her, but know that she is happy and well, and that I will see her again one day.



Shane had brought 49 beautiful roses and placed one by one on her grave.  There were cupcakes and balloons, and we all sang Happy Birthday - LOVE YOU THERESA !!

 And this afternoon when I got home, I was notified that this wonderful woman had also left this mortal existence.  Sherie Wright will be missed.

I had the wonderful opportunity to first get to know Sherie when her husband was elected as Morgan County Attorney in 1998.  We would see her often in the courthouse, and found out what a special person she was.  We were lucky enough to have her work in the Assessor's office when Kelly moved on to Salt Lake County, and she was SUCH a bright spot.  She helped all of us with our kids as far as classes, Ednet, scholarships, etc. etc. etc.  Sherie was so giving and selfless.  She was ALWAYS helping others, whether it was us in the office, or at Morgan High School, or the Volleyball team, or as Stake Relief Society President.....the list goes ON and ON. 

Our sons were on the wrestling team together, and served missions at the same time.  Landon served under her direction in Youth Court, and it was such a great experience. 

Sherie NEVER wanted to talk about herself, but would ALWAYS ask about our kids, our families, new grandbabies.............  It was always about US, never about her.  She was selfless, and spent her life in the service of others.  We will miss you Sherie, we are proud to have known you and be your friend.  Our prayers go out to your family.  Until we meet again. 

**Sherie was diagnosed with the same cancer that my friend Theresa fought.  Leomyosarcoma http://myleiomyo.blogspot.com/   Theresa fought the cancer for 8 years, Sherie was only diagnosed 4 months ago.  You never know.............

A beautiful good bye

Last Saturday, when I saw the beautiful morning sunrise out my back window, I KNEW it was going to be a great day, in all respects.  I was actually looking forward to Theresa's funeral, because I wanted to be around those who loved her, and to be uplifted by the tributes given.  I was not disappointed.

She was buried in the Roy City Cemetery. It was a beautiful sunny day, and pretty warm.  I look forward to visiting her gravesite, and seeing the headstone and epitaph, which is perfect - "We know, because our Mother told us".........

Theresa's daughter Britney with her son Tyson, and nephew Conner.  The little ones were so cute and curious.  There were not alot of tears, and I could imagine Theresa smiling down with happiness at her family and knowing that all was well.

Until we meet again...............

Theresa Hodges Hyde  March 10, 1963 - January 10, 2012

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.  These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.  - ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

My dear dear friend, Theresa Hodges Hyde passed away this morning at 12:30 am. Bless her heart, she waited until after my birthday.  Her last gift to me.  No - not the last......I know she will be watching over, and inspiring me for the rest of my life.  Words can't describe the things she taught me.  She always made me feel good about myself, she encouraged me, she LOVED me..  Oh, how I will miss her.......

Temple Tripping :)

Peru Missionary Moms Forever ! - Me, Theresa Hyde & Debbie Wright

3-4 inches of snow of the ground !

Overcast, but beautiful !

Theresa's Sister Kendra and kids, Mattie, Kyra, Grayson, & Ethan.  What a CUTE little family.  They graciously let us stay at their home in Rigby.  Thanks again ! (Dave was busy watching BSU !!)

It warmed up, cleared up, and they were planting flowers around the temple grounds !  This temple was so busy, you needed an appointment !   What a wonderful two days we had.  Love you Theresa !!

My "Pick me up" :)

A couple of Fridays ago, I spent most of a day with my friend at the Huntsman Center. I met Theresa almost 3 years ago. We ate lunch together at Costa Vida at the top of the dugway, and the rest is history :) Our sons served together in Peru Lima North, and lucky her - she will have ANOTHER missionary leaving next month for Australia. GO ALDEN !

Theresa is one of the most kind persons I know.  She can make everyone she comes in contact with feel special.  She had a happy and interested "hello, (insert name here)" for everyone she interacted with.  It was obvious she knew them, knew ABOUT them, AND their families.  You could tell they all love her.

She makes me want to be a better person, to try harder, to be kind and gentle, TO BE POSITIVE!  Man, can that girl be positive.  I was thinking last night of writing this this blog post and what I would like to say, and I realized that I have NEVER heard Theresa speak negatively of anything or anyone.    I can't claim the same, can you?  But you know what?  I'm going to try harder to be like my friend.  I sure love her :)

I truly feel that Theresa is one of those "tender mercies" that Father sent into my life.  ONE of those "mission blessings", that didn't go away when it was over. I am so very grateful for my friend, and always will be.

Her motto is, "Life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% what we decide to do about it" - Thomas Edison  She decided a LONG time ago,  to do it right.  She is happy.  She is Christlike in all things.  She has truly been through the refiner's fire.  I am proud and blessed to call her my friend.

Love you Theresa! See you soon :)

Saturday Surprise

 Saturday I surprised my good friend Theresa Hyde with a trip to Larry Wiggil's home.  He has it decorated so beautifully for Christmas, with 180+ nativities, and 30+ Christmas trees, not to mention the Dicken's villages downstairs.  This "guy" in the tub above is one of my favorite things to see. 

Mom met us there, and we had a good time walking through Larry's beautiful home and wondering and exclaiming over the different things.  I can't describe it - you have experience it !