Life is So Precious part 2

So I just found out that later this evening they will take my Grandfather of from life support. Basically the machines are doing everything for him, and he's in a coma like state. I know it's a tough decision for everyone but I feel it's best for him. I've been on an emotional roller coaster ever since I hear this news Friday morning of his health issues, and now I'm okay for the moment but know that later tonight I'll be a BLUBBERING BABY!!!

I was reminded while I was laying in bed this morning, about a feeling I had back in Octoberish time. We had a tri p planned for going to California set up for Halloween, Chris had all the time arranged for work to have it off, and we'd go let the kids Trick or Treat there in California where my parents live. Well.... about a month or so before the trip we found out the date of when my sister was hoping to get married. Which would have been a week before Thanksgiving. We weren't going to try really to get to the wedding at first. But after a few days of pondering this thought, I felt very strongly that I needed to go to the wedding and that I needed to be there to support my sister ..... ladi da da. Well, my husband was able to cancel the intial vacation time and reschedule it so that we could attend the wedding. I had a fun time, and my Grandpa Hill and Maria were able to come down from Manteca, Ca where they lived to witness the marriage of my sister to Miguel.

And not until this morning did I realize what the urgency in going on that trip meant. That was the last time that I got to see him Alive!! I feel that in this simple little example I have felt the Peace and Love that our Heavenly Father gives to us in times of trial and tragedy. I was given the reminder this morning so that I could record it... Heavenly Father had a plan and that was his way of getting things in order for this unfortunate event to take place later tonight.

It's been a rough couple of days and moments and minutes of being so emotional to the point of bawling that I couldn't see through the tears coming down my face. I haven't even thought about eating, even as my heart feels like it's being ripped into pieces again, because an important part of the Love that fills my heart can't be fully shared anymore.

Even though I know that losing a dear loved one who is close to us and plays an important role in our lives, we can rest assured that life will still go on, and we just need to keep the legacy alive of such dear sweet people. It's HARD!! I'm not going to lie, but why does the ache hurt so bad... and I haven't even begin the real part of grieving yet, I'm sure that will hit harder as I hear he is pronounced dead, and passes on, and then again as I meet up with family members as a result of his death. I was only 10 when my grandmother passed away, and I can hardly believe that it's been nearly 21 years since she died -- it feels like forever and even still I MISS HER!!

Just a friendly reminder to mend those relationships that aren't going so smoothly and make sure your family and important friends know you love them. You don't want any regrets... and I'm glad that in this case I don't have any... at least not that I'm aware of yet...

In Memory of Kristy Ragsdale

I'm so touched right now, we learned of the passing of a friend, Kristy Ragsdale, my husband knew as a teenager. She was kind of like a kid sister to him. I didn't even know her but feel like I did as I've read through the numbers and numbers of entries on a blog set up in her memory. It was something that happened here in Utah. It was this last Sunday Jan 6th, ( this was also to be her 30th birthday) ---so she is just a few months older than I am. She was in the process of going through a divorce, and her husband shot her after she got out of the car and about to walk to the building. It came from behind and she had no warning, and about 6 feet away stood her mother. How Sad !! All I can do is CRY!! My poor husband --- he's never actually known anyone close that has passed away until my Grandfather did back in Dec 2004. He's so filled with emotion right now too. So after I've read through a lot of the entries I feel like she was someone I would have liked well!!! The saddest thing is that she leaves behind two little boys, Brandon and Carter (one is 4 years old and the other is 18months) --- When I think about that -- that's what gets me. I can't even imagine leaving this world right now, let alone leaving all my children behind. So I've come to the conclusion that it is moments and times like these when I'm grateful for the plan of salvation. The only way I've been able to work through this is by praying and reading my scriptures. So I may not have known her but I'm surely being affected by it. Not only am I sad for her family, but it also brings fresh tears from my own losses. My Grandpa in 2004 and a Grandma in 1988.

This woman seemed to have left a legacy of happiness, caring, love, friendship, and almost anything that is good. I sure hope that people will be able to recall those things about me when I'm gone.

My husband and his family all knew her, so in order for them to all go to the funeral -- I've offered to watch the kids so that they can go and pay their respects.

I'm so glad that I know FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER if we live righteously.

It's sad, but lets you know .....

I know it's kind of Sad, but read this and then see my follow-up comments down below.



Jacob Matthew Reinke
June — November, 2007

Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 11:07

The Reinke family was blessed to have Jacob Matthew Reinke join them on June 21, 2007. He went home to Jesus on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007. He was such a happy baby. His joyful smile melted the hearts of those around him. He loved to smile and to “talk” to Daddy. He was so full of joy. With Jacob’s passing, we remind others that life is to be celebrated. Although we will miss him every day, especially his smile, he will forever remain in our hearts.

Jacob is survived by his loving parents, Rodney and Christina Reinke of Trona; sister, Michaela and brother, Michael; grandparents, Rod and Julie Reinke of Santa Fe, Texas; Danny and Diana Martin of Trona; great-grandparents, Don Reinke of Bakersfield; Jim Smith of Trona; Larry and Bonnie Martin of Ridgecrest; Ann Longhofer of Bakersfield; great-great-grandparents, Walter and Annabelle Martin; aunts, Shannon Hancock of Burleson, Texas; Shannon Cole of Friendship, Wis.; Desiree Bickel of Ridgecrest; Jennifer Martin, Danielle Martin and Kiana Martin of Trona; uncles, Trinity Stevenson of Ridgecrest; Travis Stevenson of Bakersfield; and Jared Stevenson of Ridgecrest; and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins, who will greatly miss him.

Jacob’s funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Trona Foursquare Church. Pastor Mel Wilson will officiate. Graveside services will be held immediately following at the Searles Valley Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Holland & Lyons Mortuary, 371-1376. Media information provided by the family.


Okay so I know that this is sad, but I knew this family -- grew up with them, and all of the aunts and uncles listed. And the fact that I'm a mom, and have had little babies, makes me appreciate how fragile life can be. This baby, is so sweet and innocent and has returned to live with his Father in Heaven. I just want to let myself be reminded that even though being a parent is difficult these little babies are what make it all worth it. Their cute smiles and never-ending cooing, watching them achieve all of their milestones. We don't know how long we will be on this earth let alone how long our children will be on the earth. So please, please, love those children that are in your life, and know that they are a gift from our Father in Heaven. So if you read this I would ask that you please say a prayer for their family at such a difficult time. My prayers are with them. God Bless Baby Jacob and his family left behind.