How we live is who we are

Every Friday while I was in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade....as soon as the last bell rang at Tioga Jr High,
I would rush to my locker, throw my books in, 
and then walk the 3 blocks to this family's house:

Because every Friday, while Rex was working and Vonda was getting her hair done

....I had a little job of watching their kids.

Last Friday, as he had done for years and years, Rex took Vonda to get her hair done.

Sunday he had a stroke.

Tuesday, he kept trying to get out of bed saying he needed to make toast for Vonda.
He made breakfast every morning for her and put it in the fridge so she would have it when she woke
up. His daughter, Gina assured him, she would make her Mom's toast.

Rex slipped into a coma later that day and passed into the next life (yesterday) 3 days later.

We were with them the night before he died. As Den and I walked into their home I had forgotten
about the angels....but I felt them immediately. I knew they were there.

We probably stayed too long that evening but I didn't want to go. I could feel the peace and love in
that room. Rex's body was still and quiet, but his spirit was strong.
I could feel heaven and earth coming together. I wanted to stay.


Growing up, I spent LOTS of time in the Morrison home. 
Rex served even served as our bishop for several years.
To his right is Chuck Sherrill, but can't remember the two in the back?


My parents were close friends to Rex and Vonda for over 50 years. 

The Stidhams, Weltons, Harlines, Robertsons, my parents, Morrisons. 
(not sure who the man is to the far right?)

As Den and I were finally leaving the Morrison home Thursday evening, 
we passed this saying on their wall. 


Rex Morrison was one of the hardest working men I'd ever known.
Even at 91, and on hospice, he continued to take care of his yard....

and make his wife's breakfast every morning.

Even with his heart working at 10%, and then the stroke,
Rex still felt determined to get up and make Vonda's toast.


Funeral service Wednesday, 1 pm. Fresno Stake Building.


4 comments:

Karen Mortensen said...

What a dear man. Sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

The guy on the far right in the group photo is chuck crabtree.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a beautiful post! And so glad you could be there with them in his last days and feel the angels around! Funny but it seems like Richard Jr. was just visiting them when he was in town recently. I remember when he use to be our bishop and I remember all the motorcycle rides he gave us at pismo beach way back when.

Heidi

Grandma Honey said...

Chuck Crabtree? I never would have guessed him. Wonder where Loretta was.

Look what happened last night

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