Travis, Allie & Cooper
It was with a heavy heart today that we received the news that Shirley Lines, Allies mom passed away. We knew this day was coming but it didn't seem to make the news any easier to hear. I thought that since Shirley and Alvin gave our family such a wonderful gift (Allie who in turn gave us Cooper) that I would like to pay a little tribute to her.
Things I remember about Shirley Lines:
You always knew when Shirley was present. Her contagious laugh and her happy countenance were always fun to be near. I remember when I called her to get acquainted when Travis and Allie became engaged. I couldn't help but like her right from the get-go. Her gregarious personality made me comfortable right away and I knew I had found a friend!
The Lines tribe all came to town for the wedding. We had a dinner the night before the wedding and what a crowd we had! It was such fun. It isn't often that the Richardson's meet a family that is as large (or in this case larger) than we are. Everyone seemed happy to be there and it was as if we had known each other forever. Shirley taught her children well. Like her they are happy and ready to have fun. I don't think Shirley ever met a stranger in her life. What a great gift!
Shirley was a very hospitable person, always ready to serve, always ready to welcome others into her home. Russ and I went to Boise for Travis and Allies open house after they were married. Shirley was happy to see us and invited us to stay at their home which was already full of family members. Although we stayed in a hotel, we ate at the Lines home and enjoyed every minute of being there. It was just like being at home!
When Cooper was born, Shirley came to stay with Allie while she recuperated. I was so impressed that she would take the time to be with her daughter for a whole week. I knew how busy she was and this was a sacrifice that spoke volumes about her love for her daughter and new grandson. I stopped by and visited with her while she was in town and we ooed and awed over how precious Cooper was. I knew I was going to have some stiff competition as a grandma!
Russ has commented several times that Shirley and I were like sisters. We shared many things in common including our large families. It isn't often that I get the opportunity to talk to someone who can understand the challenges of having so many children. It is a sisterhood of sorts and we were lucky to share it. I often thought, "If only Shirley and I lived closer to each other. Wouldn't that have been fun?
Shirley and Alvin came to Arizona last January (or there about) to enjoy their family and friends at a gathering they put together. We had the privilege of attending and basking in the Lines family goodness. I had just received the news that I needed to have a breast biopsy to determine if I had breast cancer. When Shirley heard the news she pulled me aside and very lovingly said, "You will be just fine. Everything is going to turn out good". She was so certain and it turned out she was right. She gave me hope even when she lived her own life in such uncertainty. Thank you Shirley for the hope you give each of us, thank you for your great example of faith, and thank you for sharing your sweet daughter with our family. We will see you again someday.
As each of us children grow older and wiser we admire and love our parents more and more each day. Their example of marriage and what is ordained of God is a true blessing to us children. I have never heard my mother call my father by his name or my father likewise. They always refer to each other as "Hun" or "Honey". They have had a date night once a week every week for as long as I can remember. Dad always calls mom his girlfriend and as kids we were always telling mom and dad to stop kissing it was gorse. Dad always brings mom flowers each week and I have never heard either of them share a cross word with each other. Family has always been their priority. The relationships that the married children have now reflect the example set by our parents and their love for one another and family.
From left to right: Elder Weston, site director, President Hemingway, Elder Duncan, ME!
Here is the other new sound that comes out of it. Dont worry about the roar of the engine. That music will drown out EVERYTHING else.
My favorite picture is the one of Dr. Ben. Is that picture a sign of things to come?
