Life and Death

So the same day I am celebrating Ivan's life and his big 4th birthday--my grandma Smith at age 83 passes away.  This picture was taken just six weeks ago and I am SO glad we went to see her on our way to Arkansas.  This was her first time to meet Ammon and only her 2nd with Ivan.  I was happy to see that she keeps pictures and cards I send her near her chair.  We are working out details on getting to Oklahoma for the funeral.  Even though she has lived in Missouri for several years,  she will be buried next to Grandpa in Tahlequah, OK.  I now have no adults other than my mom in my direct line.  Having lost my dad and all other grandparents.  It seems a bit lonely.  I guess with time, the generations will flow the other direction and I'll become the grandma and great grandma.

I think she felt bad she couldn't offer us anything.  But she offered us her Christmas fudge (notice the red tin) and my boys ate every bit of it!  I'll miss knowing Grandma Hettie Louise Smith is there.  I may blog later about the funeral.  I expect it to be interesting knowing this side of the family and all of our varied religions, ideologies, and injured feelings.  Still, I'm hoping for a good experience.  I've heard there will be feathers and balloons?!  Nope, I'm not kidding!

Stephen B. Blaylock

1975-2008

Published Thursday, December 18, 2008

Funeral for Stephen B. Blaylock, 33, of Decatur will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints with Bishop Joey Harrison officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery following the service. Visitation was to be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.

Blaylock died Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, in Decatur.  Born May 1, 1975, in Bowie to Elsie Travis and Brenda Jean (Bradford) Blaylock, he married Laura Lee Bigley April 23, 1994, in White Settlement. He was a registered respiratory therapist for Wise Regional Health System for eight years and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in Decatur. He is survived by his wife; sons, Brevon, Christian, Lane and Cason Blaylock; daughter, Miranda Lee Blaylock; his father of Justin; his mother, Brenda Garvin of Alvord; brothers, Chad and Brad Blaylock of Justin; grandmother, Betty Bradford of Decatur; great-grandmother, Arlie Weadur; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Pallbearers are T.M. Bigley, Babe Bigley, Gary Bigley, Cecil Bentley, Tim Warren and Billy Garvin.

Monday's News

(Stephen Blaylock pictured above.)

Monday my sister, Sara, called.  As soon as I said, "Hi.  What's up?"  She was in tears.  She then told me that her brother in law had been killed that morning on his way to work.  He was driving in his lane, someone crossed over and hit him head-on.  He left his wife, Laura, and their five children.  I have met this family a few times, but obviously don't have the relationship my sister does with them.  Still, news of this kind is hard to swallow.  The irony was that their oldest son turned 16 on Monday as well.  You can imagine (or at least try) the extra painfulness that brings.  They youngest child is five.  I have cried several times on their behalf and I think human nature leads most people through a series of thoughts.

1. why

2. how, again?

3. No.

4. why

5. how again exactly?

6. no

7. I'm so glad it wasn't my spouse,parent,child,etc

8. survival guilt for having above thought(s)

9. help, help, help!!  Is there anything, anything I can do?

So, as I went through this I really wanted to do something.  I offered some money and a card, but I wanted to be there, to make food, clean their house, something.  So I prayed.  I then got the sweetest feeling that things were being taken care of.  And good thing since I'm in Ohio and they are in Texas, so not very plausable for me to be there.  

I talked again to Sara that night.  Here is what she shared:

They could hardly get the refrigerator closed it was busting with food.  Relief Society sisters had been scrubbing the house clean.  2 Buckets of chicken, 5 Pizzas were still out.  Large container of tea (who cares we don't drink it?  it's the thought that makes me teary eyed).  Toilet paper, toothpaste, more food, etc etc etc.  As she shared this with me I remembered the peace I had felt earlier and it made me so thankful. Thankful for good people everywhere.  People that love and serve that are members of my faith (the R.S. sisters) and those not (iced-tea).  I love them all.  I'll continue to pray for this extended family member, and if you are inclined, please join me.  The funeral is tomorrow.