It has been a rough few months for my family. In December, Micah called to say that Rebecca, his very sweet wife was losing her battle with cancer. This information was kept from everyone until after the holidays. I traveled to Utah in January and stayed two weeks to be with Micah, Rebecca and children for Eden's 13th birthday, and to say goodbye to Micah's darling companion of nearly 15 years.
Here they are at their reception in 2006
Micah 36, Rebecca 35, Eden 13, Cosette, 9, Caleb 7
Loved this obituary written by Rebecca's older sister:
Rebecca was born on May 29, 1985 in Pullman, Washington, to Daniel and Shelly Nelson. She spent her formative growing up years in Moses Lake, Washington, with her parents and three sisters. She attended college at BYUI in Rexburg, Idaho, and received her nursing degree in 2005. Rebecca was able to use her degree throughout her life working in various nursing positions. She married Micah, a dear friend from high school, in August 2006, in the Columbia River Temple. They have three children whom Rebecca cherished and loved with all her might.
Rebecca had a true nurturer’s heart. She exemplified the Savior in her desire to serve and seek out the one. Whether she was taking care of patients, meeting a new neighbor, or reaching out to the lonely or downtrodden, she had room in her heart for all. She most often put the needs and wants of others before her own. Rebecca especially loved children, and this love was manifest tenfold in her love and care for her three angels. She saw the magic and wonder of the world through their eyes and loved teaching, snuggling, laughing, and going on adventures with her children. Rebecca loved nature and animals; sharing that love with her family brought her much joy. Rebecca was a seeker of truth and learning and was such an example of studying it out in her heart and mind. She was firm in her testimony of Christ, and even at the end, when communication was difficult, looked for ways to teach her children the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rebecca was a selfless woman who gave her all, always with a smile on her face.
January and February were somewhat of a blur as I spent two weeks in Utah each month. One to bid farewell to a wonderful daughter-in-law, and the next to see her buried and do what I could to comfort the family.
On January 13th we were able to celebrate Eden's 13th birthday. A much needed bright spot for everyone.
I sure do love this little family!
Rebecca, who always had a kind word and a smile for everyone!
Many beautiful flowers, gifts and condolences were forthcoming.
It will take some time before these beautiful children adjust to their mother's absence.
The service was perfect but oh so sad.
Rest in peace dearest Rebecca!
March found me doing my best to carry on with the daily tasks of life The missionaries came over one day to help me prepare my yard for spring. Gardening season is a balm to my soul!
Oh the joy when winter yields to the splendor of Spring!
Since school is still partly remote, I had to laugh at 7 year old Liora getting comfortable while concentrating on her schoolwork!
The end of March brought a happy event. Deanna, one of my best friends, turned 70 and her children planned a surprise birthday party for her, so Carol and I flew to Idaho Falls. The look on her face when we walked in was priceless!!
The next weekend was Spring break and Easter. My sister, June and her husband, Rodney came up from Logan, UT, Ariel and Nathan and the kids were here as well as Noble who drove his new Tesla from Draper, accompanied by my grandson, Julian. Haven and Tiburcio and their four children were here also. It was a wild week as we celebrated birthdays, Easter and enjoyed visiting and playing games!
June and Rodney
"Mima" and Julian at the Japanese Koi Park
Sunday I did my best to dress up like an Easter Egg!
A kind friend put together this "resurrection garden", complete with a tiny tomb and stone.
Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for He who has made ALL things possible!
Happy Easter, Happy Spring and may your joys be abundant!
