Anita

A few weeks ago, our neighbor (before we moved to this house) passed away. I got a call late on January 15 from her daughter Janet who was very distraught. She told me her Mom had a stroke earlier in the day and she was not expected to live much longer. She and her brother Jeff were already at the hospital in Flagstaff, but their Dad had not gone with them. He was not able to drive and they were in no condition to pick him up, so they asked if we would drive him to Flagstaff so he could spend the last few hours with his wife of 45 years. Of course we said we would leave right away. It just so happened that Jeff had a meeting in Flagstaff the next day and was driving there in the morning anyway, so he took John to the hospital then got a hotel room in Flagstaff. I know it was hard for Janet to call us and ask such a favor, but I am so glad she did. We were so happy that we could help in some way. Anita was such a kind person and the Sullivans were the first people we met when we moved to Snowflake into the house across the street from them. Anita did not have any grand kids, so she liked to have the kids across the street. This past Christmas, she and Janet brought us Christmas presents and a delicious apple pie.

I was so impressed by the members of our ward in that neighborhood. After I mentioned to a few what had happened, they made sure the Sullivans had plenty of food and anything they needed to help them through this sudden change in their life. Most of them offering help and food did not even know the Sullivan family. I am glad I belong to a church with such kind and loving people.

This is the poem I wrote for Anita the night that Jeff took John to spend the last few hours with her:

Anita

The Sullivan Family
A family of four
Linked together by love
Who could want more?

Anita, the Mother
Had a heart of gold
And so many stories
That shouldn't’t go untold

One that I liked
Is how she was raised on a farm
Riding the Draft horses
Showing them her charm

She also talked of raising her kids
Sweet little Janet, and lovable Jeff
Teaching them young to always try hard
Being a Mom is what she loved best

Although there was mischief
As kids always find
Serving her family
For her was sublime

Learning about history
Was a past time she had
Books filled her shelves
Which made her so glad

Don’t forget pie for the neighbors
A little jam, too
Anita always
Did something for you

Her sweet, smiling face
I will truly miss
Now that she has passed on
To an eternity of bliss

Janet's friend Natalie came from California and Janet brought her over to meet us and see the house. Janet had always talked about her, so it was nice to finally meet her in person.

The kids have always loved to be around Janet. Just like her mom, she is very loving and kind and enjoyable to be around.