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20 weeks! |
The second thing I wanted to write about is my wonderful extended family. When I chose to attend school at BYU-Idaho, my family kept telling me how wonderful it was that I would be living close to my aunt and uncle Gold in Pocetello, Idaho. During my first year of school my mom and sisters kept encouraging me to visit them. However, I was timid and shy and I didn't want to bother them. One day my aunt Carol randomly called and asked me to come to dinner with her and Bob. She said that she knew a bunch of students on campus from their New York mission and they were taking them all out to Pizza Hut. I reluctantly went and when I arrived I was shocked to see my very own roommate sitting at the table. That night I observed my roommate and the other college students laughing and talking with Bob and Carol. I was jealous that my own roommate had such a good relationship with my relatives. Back at our apartment she told me story after story about my amazing aunt and uncle. I was proud to be their niece, but sad that I didn't really know them.
Several months later I was having a really hard time at school. I was lonely and I had just received my blood tests from the doctor stating that I had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This meant that I would have troubles bearing children in the future. I remember calling my mom and bawling my eyes out over the phone. I could hardly talk because I was so choked up with tears. My mom calmly said to me, "Anne, get in your car and drive to your Aunt and Uncle's house. I will meet you there." It was so awkward to arrive at their home late into the night. But my aunt and uncle welcomed me with arms wide open. My uncle Bob calmly asked if I wanted a father's blessing. Of course I couldn't hold back the tears. A father. Yes, I wanted a father's blessing. Something I hadn't had in years. After his blessing, I felt ready to go back to the real world. His love was empowering. He hugged me and gently said, "your father is here with you right now." At that moment, I felt as if I had two fathers standing with me.
Over the next couple years, I continued to visit my aunt and uncle. Sometimes I'd stay for the night and other times it was just to go out to lunch. Bob was always so tender with me. Always so supportive. Eventually when Sean came into the picture, Carol and Bob accepted him as another nephew. We'd often play a good couple games of Scrabble or Upwords. Bob always came up with the most interesting words that we'd have to challenge him on. Of course, he was always right. We'd laugh and laugh and laugh. Bob and Carol would even stay awake past their usual bed time to visit with us. We'd never leave their house with empty arms. Often we'd get a box full of food supplies to take back with us to college. When I had my doubts about Sean, Carol and Bob were immediately there to listen. They gave me their love and told me that even though marriage seemed scary, it was the best thing in the world. They were right.
Bob and Carol were there during the craziest week of my life! They drove up to Rexburg to attend my graduation and then three days later they drove down to Utah to be at my wedding.
Even after we were married, we returned to visit my beautiful aunt and uncle. Once again we laughed til we had tears running down our cheeks. After that last visit, Sean and I drove home and talked about how we wanted to be a couple just like Carol and Bob.
Last October we learned that Bob had a rare form of cancer. I was heartbroken. Sean and I continued to pray for him and Carol. In fact, we found out we were pregnant three days before we heard word about his cancer. Unfortunately we weren't able to see Bob during his treatments. This last Friday we learned that he no longer wanted to be treated for cancer. He was ready to go home. So today we went go say our last good bye's.
I entered the room where Bob laid and I immediately felt peace. It was in that same room where 6 years ago he gave me that beautiful father's blessing that I will never forget. Cancer had changed all his physical features. His hair was gone, he had lost a lot of weight, and he no longer had the welcoming smile on his face. However, his spirit was still radiating light and love. His family was circled around his bed. He was ready to go home. I gave him a kiss and told him that I loved him. I will sincerely miss this giant of a man. I wish I knew him better than what I did. But what I do know is that my aunt Carol and uncle Bob have become my heros. Always giving. Always accepting. Always listening. Always loving. They are truly friends of GOLD.
In the mornings when we'd wake up at the Gold residence, Carol would prepare us a huge breakfast. But uncle Bob would always get out his same old multi-grain cereal and with a spoon in hand he'd say with great excitement "mmmm-mmm-mmmm."
Well, Bob, I can see you returning to Heaven with the same expression, "mmmm-mmm-mmmm."
We continue to pray for Carol and her family at this time. For we know they will have lost not only a spouse/father, but a perfect friend. A friend that I will never forget.
Sean wrote a sweet letter to Carol and Bob last weekend that I keep forgetting to send. The following is what he wrote:
Dear Bob & Carol,
Well I am writing this letter because a card cannot hold all that I would like to say. Thank you for your love and kindness from the very first time I came through your door. You are both so amazing and represent a true Christ-like attitude. Your abundant charity is an example to follow.
I will be honest I am avoiding the hard part of this letter. I am a private man when it comes to my emotions. I have a hard time expressing them, especially tears. Bob and Carol, I love you! You have been an inspiration to me. An inspiration of a positive attitude and enjoying life. I am so sorry that this evil has reared its ugly head. You are both so precious to me. You became my friends overnight. A rare feat.
Bob, I hope you are still able to enjoy your special cereal. I have always remembered your "mmm...mmm...mmm!" noises that you would make. I want you to know that I wanted you to be there for our baby's blessing. I want you to know that, because you have been there for all our special moments.
As I think of it you and Carol have always been so supportive and kind. You are definitely one of, if not our, favorite aunt and uncle. We love you! We pray for you.
Love,
Sean Willardson
