This was written by Kristina, and finished moments before mom entered glory  

it’s a beautiful reflection of our family and the love mom instilled in us  

Thank you all for reading and responding with words and/or prayers for us. So many emotions and thoughts run through one’s mind during this time. I thought I would reflect a bit as mom breathes her last breaths to let you know how we’ve been surrounding her with love as we have been taught to love.

Our mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins all taught us about love. How to love one another as Christ loves us. This may have been in the form of food, gatherings, music, gifts...depending on the person and circumstance. Amy, Jonny and I have been surrounded by love all of our lives. It’s been my honor to be Marilyn’s daughter. Just a little story...She had an opera star's voice. When she would sing in church, people would turn around to see who was singing. I got to tell her that it never embarrassed me, even as a teenager, that people would turn around. I was so very proud that my mom had that voice.

I know so many of you think the world of her. As she got sicker and sicker, I reminded her of all the love she poured out to others - whether this was in the form of listening to her amazing voice; being taught music/voice/piano; on a committee with her; or being her neighbor - that this now was her time to reap.  She didn’t really like that notion, but succumbed to it eventually.

As I reflect on the relationship between Amy, Jonny and me, it occured to me that not only are we siblings, but our relationship was melded together by some pretty tough circumstances. Coming from divorced parents in an age where we were almost lepers to the world, we clung to each other. When in situations that were foreign to us, we clung to each other. And now, as our mom is clinging to life, our bonds are rock solid. I am blessed to have them.

And that is what we are surrounding mom with as she spends her final days here on earth. In the time leading up to these last moments, Amy has been the leader of the pack...writing schedules, making and attending doctor appointments, etc., etc. Jonny and I have been verbally supporting her and her family and coming to town when we are able to ‘take over’. It has been a very difficult ride as we have a very strong mother, who doesn’t like to slow down.

In the past few days, we have been sitting at her bedside reading Bible verses, singing hymn songs, talking with her or just holding her hand. When one of us is in the room with her, others are in the rooms of her home chatting, crying, comforting and even laughing. This is the family she helped to build. We know it is now our job as her children and grandchildren to carry on the love and kindness she showered out into the world. Was she perfect? Of course not. But where there is forgiveness, there is love. And love has the power to pierce the darkness.