My sweet mom, Robin Ann Peterson Pedersen, passed away on August 16, 2012 at home.
She had been battling colon cancer for the last 10 years. I was able to spend a lot of time with her over the last 3 weeks prior to her passing and have many sweet memories (which i will write about in my personal blog.)
Our entire family was able to spend moments together throughout the 3 weeks she was in the hospital and on hospice. We were able to grow closer together and strengthen relationships during this time. It was amazing to see how many people said that she had changed or influenced their lives, and was so full of service.
My mom's passing is bitter-sweet. I am so relieved and full of joy that she is no longer suffering with pain and the effects of her Chemo treatments. I am thrilled that she is no longer exhausted and is in a better place doing the work that she loves and has a testimony of. My testimony of forever families and of this church have grown significantly. That gives me peace.
However, my heart aches for our daily phone conversations where I tell her about the tiny things that no one else would care to hear. She would always get so excited. My heart aches for her hand and influence in my children's lives and for the void that I can tell they feel from her passing. I miss my mom telling me that I am doing well and to keep going even though things seem hard.
My kids miss her every day. The twins ask me when Nana will be back from heaven to play with them. The older two just get quite when they realize that she is not there for the phone calls given when they have done something really neat. I miss my friend.
I have an amazing husband who is patient with me, because he knows how I am feeling. She was his mom too. This whole experience has made me more grateful and appreciative of Matt and that we are sealed together with our children forever.
Sami's memories of Nana
(7 years old)
1. Sami loved getting to go to Nana's house and have sleepovers. Her favorite was when Matt and I went out of town and Sami stayed with Nana for 3 nights by herself.
2. Nana made it tradition to take Sami to get a Manicure and a Pedicure for her birthday each year. This was a highlight for Sami. She anticipated it each time. They then would go to the store and pick out a small present as well.
3. Nana was always excited to help Sami out with her school projects. Sami would go spend hours at Nana's house doing art projects and coloring. Nana would have a special project from time to time for her to do.
4. Sami loved making Nana's service deliveries to neighbors. Sami got to visit fun new people and also got paid for the job. It was a win win in her mind.
Eston's memories of Nana
(turned 6 years old 2 days after Nana passed)
1. Alone playdates for a couple of hours every few weeks. Eston loved his alone time with Nana.
2. The sleepover from the night before she went into the hospital. They had a really fun time. Eston got to go to her ward party with her. They then watch the The Muppet Movie together in Nana's room. The next morning Eston and Nana had breakfast together and then Nana said Eston could watch the cartoon Wild Kratts. Dad came and picked him up.
3. Nana would take Eston and all the kids to Chuckie Cheese for the August birthdays.
4. Nana bought Eston fun animal books because she knew he loves to read and loves animals.
5. Nana always had fun snacks for Eston.
Logan's memories of Nana
(3 1/2 years old)
1. Logan would call Nana everyday on the phone to talk to her. Sometimes it was 2-3 times. Nana always answered and took time to talk with him. This was a highlight for both of them.
2. Logan loved kissing her and hugging her. Nana would always make sure to give a kiss.
3. Nana took Logan and everyone else to Disneyland. She made sure that she took him on his favorite ride while there.
4. Logan would ask me every morning he woke up if we could go to Nana's house. He just loved to be around her.
5. Logan loved going on walks with Nana and getting a ride on her scooter.
Lucy's memories of Nana
(3 1/2 years old)
1. Nana helped Lucy learn how to spell her first and middle name "Lucy Mae".
2. Lucy and Nana would go on walks with Lucy and they would pick flowers.
3. Nana would watch princess movies with Lucy in Nana's room.
4. Lucy loved going to the store with Nana. Nana would take her on scooter rides while we were there.
5. Lucy loved the princess books that Nana would read to her
My memories of Hudson and Nana
(7 months old)
1. Nana loved that his name was H. Burke.
2. Nana would always get excited over Hudson and his infectious smile.
3. At the end, Hudson was a calming influence on Nana. She would be having a lot of anxiety and I would bring Hudson over. Nana would instantly laugh and smile and pull him into hold and cuddle with him. Hudson would start laughing and she would feel better for a small period of time.
4. Nana was one of Hudson's biggest cheerleaders whenever he made a milestone.
5. Nana would sing Hudson a lot of songs, which he loved. His favorite was the Itsy Bitsy spider with the wrong words sung.
Time to make new traditions and memories, but make sure we always remember these ones.
We miss you Nana! Till we meet again!
