Tuesday, November 1, 2011

the clean up set

this has been quite a month.

as the four readers of this blog know. :-)

a few weeks ago a friend of ours gave a talk. he is a surfer and he talked about a clean up set. this is a set of waves that are a bit further out and if you don't keep an eye on them, can come in and clean up the line of surfers. really wipe them out. at the same time, if you are watching carefully and paddle really hard you can get out to the clean up set and catch a really good ride. one that most of the others have missed.

i have thought about this for the past few days and i have thought about the times when i paddled out for the clean up set and what kind of a ride it was. the times i have had to really work with one of my children, or on a part of my marriage, or a certain aspect of my testimony or in a church calling. the end result was very peaceful and satisfying. although the process was sometimes very stressful and daunting i know that the times i haven't paddled out ferociously for the clean up set and got wiped out, i have regretted those choices. i feel like harry and dawn have made an excellent effort and caught the clean up set. they have had a few pretty intense months and they have worked hard to make sure that they caught the wave, and didn't let it wipe them out. i appreciate their example to work hard and to turn a trial into a good learning experience.

-Bonny




Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Moms and other great women I know!


There has been a lot of focus these past weeks on Harry and Dawn and their excellent, loving care of Baby Jonah. Others have referred to their wonderful family in general, and that is all true. But this one photo made me think of what a great Mom Dawn is. She is truly devoted and dedicated to her children. She tries to anticipate their needs and meet them. She is meticulous about their physical care and grooming. She sits down and plays with them, thus teaching them how to entertain themselves - which they all do really well.

For the last two weeks she was focused pretty much on Jonah's care - as well she should have been. But she was always aware of each of her children and their particular needs. She was quick to help the rest of us know what we could do for them. And she was quick to reassure them and answer all of their questions. The way they are processing everything is reassuring to the rest of us. She and Harry both prepared them well for this experience in their lives.

I know lots of great moms, and I could make a list that would require a new website, but right now I want to let Dawn know that we are so grateful that she is part of our family. The best thing Harry ever did was find Dawn!!

-Barbara

A note to you all


Harry and Dawn asked me to have an obituary printed for Jonah. I got frustrated with the Star News, so ended up going with the LA Times. It was in the Times today - but you can also access it online. You go to LATimes.com and click on obituaries. You can also click on the Guestbook and there is a place to send messages to Harry and Dawn - just in case you were interested.


Meanwhile, life goes on - most of the out of town guests have gone. Marjorie is here for another week or so. Friends and family continue to express their love and concern.

And if we had a little cake, we'd sing Happy Birthday!

(Harry has expressed his desire to post something on the blog - I told him to take his time - any time he's up to it, we'll be glad to read it!)

-Barbara

Monday, October 24, 2011

Jonah


I got home late Thursday from spending the week with my brother, his wife and their 5 children. It will take me a few days to collect my thoughts about my experience, but I will tell you that spending time in their home and with their sweet baby was a privilege. He was only here for 11 days, but I know his impact is already far reaching. You can read more about Jonah's brief journey over at the The Terrill Connection.

-Phoebe

White Doves and Darling Children


At the funeral service today for Jonah, Harry and Dawn had arranged for white doves to be released. The children each had a turn to let one go, and then the others - about 20 of them - were released. They flew off, circled back, and then headed home.

I know the guy makes money doing this. And maybe it seems contrived or commercial to some. But frankly, it was touching to see these lovely pure white birds fly off. When the first one flew off, I thought of Jonah's spirit, flying off to heaven. I know he is already there, residing once again with our Father in Heaven, but it was comforting to think about what all that means.

And I love this photo of these sweet children, who have been through so much, finding a moment of pleasure and fun in the midst of a somewhat solemn occasion.

-Barbara

Good-bye Baby Jonah



Today we said our final good-byes to Baby Jonah. The day dawned gray and overcast - reflective of our mood. But the sun peeked through and gave us just enough light to feel good about the day. The church building was awash with flowers, photos, and food. And friends and family too. The turnout was inspiring - to know that such a small boy, who only stayed for a few days, could touch so many hearts was indeed balm to our sorrowing hearts. Harry was especially touched that so many from his police department came to pay their respects. They were also touched when the nurses from Methodist arrived. These women told me how much they appreciated Dawn and Harry's willingness to share Jonah with them.

Brooke and Amy especially took charge of displays in the foyers and arranging all the lovely flowers that had arrived. They included Ella's quilt and the quilt from the Linus project.The little lamb will be a stand in for Jonah when we take group photos of the grandchildren. And the sweet romper outfit was made by Sue Cornwall. I crocheted the little hat almost as an afterthought. Since he wore it a few times, I'm certainly glad I did! He was wrapped in the afghan I crocheted for him, and I am happy when I think that my love literally surrounded him on his final journey.


The Young Women leaders and girls made this beautiful quilt. It will be a treasure throughout the coming years.


We spent yesterday going through some of the many photos Harry has taken and put them together in frames and collages. It was a labor of love.


When I peeked into the chapel to take photos of the flowers, Ara and her mom were getting in some last-minute practicing. They both did a lovely job and added a special touch to the service. A big thank you to Roseann and Sue for the music - conducting and playing the organ.


Paula and Rebecca sent the plant and the stone which says "In our arms for only a short time. In our hearts forever."


The Relief Society did their usual wonderful job on the luncheon.


Mom, Donna, and Mary as we gathered for the family visitation before the service.


Harry and Dawn greeted friends and family. The flow of guests was steady - a tribute to the love many have for Harry and Dawn and our family.


I kept a lot of extra programs and will try to send them off to those who would like one - they were lovely - a tribute to Harry and Dawn's thoughtful attention to every detail.


Bill and Helen greeting each other.


Jim McKendrick made the lovely walnut casket - it was so tiny - the paintings of the Savior were gifts from Dawn's brother and nephew.


Jim also made the wagon. Harry placed the casket in the wagon, and Isla rode in it too. Eve pulled it into the chapel and Harry and Porter walked behind it. Harry and Dawn followed as they came into the chapel down the south aisle. When the service was over, they went up the north aisle to go out. Someone commented, "I could keep the tears at bay until I saw the wagon!" It was a sweet procession.


Dawn - doing what she does so well - fixing Eve's hair!


It was wonderful to see Erika and Scott, who made special trips to be here. Lest you think that your presence at a funeral goes unnoticed, I am here to say that it is noticed!! And appreciated.

The service itself was beautiful. The opening song featured the Terrill family anthem, "Because I Have Been Given Much," Pres. Cornwall spoke on the plan of happiness. The Primary children sang "I Am A Child of God" and Ara played a flute descant. They also sang "I Feel My Savior's Love." It was sweet when little Scarlett Ciesla ran up to the stand to join in. Harry spoke about the lessons that Jonah had taught their family. We hope to have a transcript of his remarks soon. A trio of Dawn's friends sang the Dixie Chicks song "Lullaby" and it was beautiful. Then Bishop Stevenson gave remarks, and the closing song was "Families Can Be Together Forever." The opening and closing prayers were given by Dawn's older brother Joe and her nephew Travis.


At the graveside, Harry dedicated the grave. His voice was strong and clear - the Lord truly sustained all of us today - and we are so grateful for that tender mercy.


There were also white doves - the children were allowed to release them - they flew off, circled, and then headed to their home in Hacienda Heights. It was a nice touch - and the children loved it.


Harry, Dawn and their children acquitted themselves so well today - Dad and I are so proud of their enduring faith and demeanor - they are a credit to us all. Jonah would have approved, I am sure.


One of the the special nurses from Methodist Hospital.


Heading off to Live Oak.


We were so pleased that Anne and Wayne were in town and were able to attend. Cheryl, Gilbert's daughter, also came.


Marjorie, her sister Annette, and Annette's daughter Katie. So good to see them again.

Rebecca, Marina, and Paula - neighbors and friends - what good neighbors they have been and continue to be.


Heather, Bruce, Bonny, and Frances.


Donna, Isla, Ara, Annika, Ella - I don't think I got all of the children who were present - they were pretty much running around by the time we got back to the church!


Did manage a family shot of Bonny and Bruce's family - and Ember scooted in too!


Harry and Scott - a formidable duo!!


I feel bad that the only shots of Greg and Noah are these - they were busy helping pretty much the whole time!! We were glad to have them there with us!


And I did remember to include myself - here with Miss Isla - who did a great job today - as a not-quite-two-year-old, these last couple of weeks have been a bit of a mystery to her - and she is doing a great job of adapting!! She sat with me at the funeral through most of Pres. Cornwall's talk. Then I took her to the nursery. I went for her again during the closing song, so she could ride in the wagon as we left the chapel. She gets the prize today, in addition to all the Tic Tacs I plied her with!!

I'm sure it will be a while before I sort through the various feelings and emotions that have taken over my life these last weeks. This experience is so new to me - one I didn't think I was prepared for. But I have just gone day to day - sometimes hour to hour even - and the Lord has blessed and sustained me. I have blogged, written in my journal, talked to anyone who would listen - but it's still not quite settled in my mind. Maybe it never will be. I will never be the same person again - what I want to be is the person who can be there to greet Jonah when we are once again reunited!

-Barbara

Sunday, October 23, 2011

"The Bustle in a House"


There is a poem by Emily Dickinson that says,

"The bustle in a house
the morning after death
is solemnest of industries
enacted upon Earth -

The sweeping up the heart
and putting love away,
we shall not want to use again
until eternity."

I'm not sure it all applies here, but after Jonah's passing, after our goodbyes, after the arrival of the Hospice nurse, and after the arrival of the representative from Zook, there was a kind of "bustle" as we "put things to right."

Sean and Emily enjoying the show!

The equipment was gathered up, awaiting the Vitas worker who picked them up. Some things were tossed in the trash, some things were gathered up for the memory box, some things were just put back where they belonged.

Whitney, Luke, Emily and KatieThe next day Harry assembled Porter's new desk, and Dawn was busy sorting toys and books and finding new homes for the items that were displaced from the old toy cupboard. I can identify with sorting and cleaning to take your mind off things and to give you a sense of order and control.

Harry William and Uncle Joe!The last few days have been spent making funeral preparations. The service is tomorrow. Many of Dawn's family are here - and what a blessing that is. We have enjoyed visiting, helping with the children, eating - the food keeps coming - that's one part I will really miss!! And for some of us, it's been a time to get to know members of Dawn's family that we've only heard about until now! And to re-acquaint ourselves with the others.

Marjorie, Dawn, Annette, and Julie

Eve had a competition - Harry took her and she felt good about her performance.


Other family members - like Erika and Frances - have arrived.


We aren't really "putting love away" because much love is being expressed, but we are sharing memories of Jonah, and storing up these memories to comfort us in the days ahead. And we are waiting for eternity and planning for being with Jonah once more.

The ever-expressive Miss Isla, letting us know what she thinks!

Once again, our heartfelt thanks to all who are so supportive - every expression of love sustains and uplifts us all.

-Barbara