Nama's Funeral... we will miss you

The thought never entered my mind that I would be attending my mothers funeral at this point in my life. It is so hard to describe the feelings and emotions you go through when you experience a loss like loosing someone so close to you. The emptiness you feel is indescribable. We thought we prepared ourselves as much as possible for my mom to return home, but when it happened, you realize how unprepared you really were. I think when someone close to you leaves this earth to return home, they take a piece of you with them. A piece that will never be filled. I miss my mom terribly. I know my Heavenly Father needed her home. I know she has a greater work to do there. I have faith and a knowledge that I will see her again.

The funeral service was beautiful. My mom planned the entire thing. She planned the program, the speakers, the musical number and she even wrote her own final talk, which she had her sister read. I know my mom was there. She always told me she would be.... right there sitting on the end of her casket smiling down on all of us. I was so so touched by the number of people that came in love and support of my mom. We had people from all different points in her life. Childhood friends, college roommates, neighbors, former ward members, friends from the different areas we lived, missionaries they served with and family. It was really touching for me to know that they loved my mom so much that they would come and pay their respects.

I want to thank all those people that have helped and supported my family at this time. You all brought such strength to us. Thank you for your kind words and deeds.

To my mom: I love you and will miss you! Work hard and I will see you soon.

I am so glad to have a recent family photo.... this was taken the morning before my mother funeral, but it is the first picture we have taken of all of us together in a long long time....

Nama Obituary - July 8, 2009

Kristine "Nama" Anderson Johnston 1951~2009 Our cherished wife, mother, sister, and grandmother passed away peacefully at her home in Elk Ridge, UT on July 8, 2009 at the age of 58 after battling cancer. Kris was born April 2, 1951 in Springville, UT and was the third of seven children born to Mays and Orpha Anderson. She is remembered by her siblings as being a spunky and humorous child. Kris graduated from Springville High School in 1969 and soon thereafter attended BYU where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. While pursuing her education, she met Steven C. Johnston and after a quick courtship they were married in the SLC Temple on November 16, 1973. They enjoyed nearly 36 years of marriage together. During this time she was able to serve in many church capacities living in various locations, including twice overseas, and serve an LDS humanitarian mission, along with her husband, to the Romania Bucharest mission. All of these, plus many other experiences, blessed her with an increased amount of faith and understanding of Heavenly Father's plan for His children. Kris will always be remembered for her compassion, acts of service, love for her family and those around her, and faith in her Savior Jesus Christ. Kris was survived by her husband Steve, her five children: Matt (Monica) Johnston, Amy (Neil) Andersen, Laurie (Kevin) Wilson, Dana (Mark) Purcell, and Katie (Jeremy) Bailey, several grandchildren, along with her brothers and sisters. She is preceded in death by her parents Mays and Orpha Anderson, and her granddaughter Lindsey Kate Johnston.

Tribute video

This video was done by a sister missionary that served with my parents in Romania. She made it as a tribute to my mom and I wanted to share it. She loved the people in Romania and loved the missionaries she served with and they loved her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S8IxmTKcjA