On this day, two weeks ago, I woke up to discover that my good friend Crystal Messina had lost her 15 year-old daughter Taylor to cancer. My friend Wendy, who's husband is the Bishop of their ward in Agoura wrote this to me in an email the day after:
"The very sad news about Taylor has rocked our ward, and our community as well as Warren & Crystal's family. Such a heartbreaking thing to see such a sweet, healthy, beautiful, innocent young woman go in four months to skin, bones, pain, suffering and death."
Crystal's strength has been amazing as she has cared for Taylor and their family throughout all of this. I reflected on all of the times that I thought about sending a note, or email, or even calling, but never followed through...and all of the things that I wished I would have said. I loved Taylor when she was little! She had the brightest smile and she was so sweet! She and her little sister Payton were so cute together! I love her mom...Crystal is one of those friends that make you feel like you are the best friend that they ever had. I instantly knew that I would do everything that I could to be there for Crystal and to say goodbye to sweet, beautiful Taylor!
And so I set out to California on Friday, with my cute little Zoe as my traveling companion. Grandma & Grandpa Boyce in Newbury Park welcomed us in, even though Grandma had recently fallen and was experiencing some soreness from a cracked rib. They made a big fuss over Zoe and once Grandpa got her talking, she filled him in on all of the big news in a 7 year old's life. She kept herself busy with coloring and never wanted to leave their house!
The funeral on Saturday was a beautiful celebration of Taylor's life. Everyone was given a butterfly sticker as they entered the church, in reference to the analogy that Crystal made about Taylor (with her hair falling out) being a fuzzy caterpillar that would some day become a beautiful butterfly. Her dad, a LAFD helicopter pilot, gave a humorous and touching eulogy and the turnout was amazing. The Stake Center was filled to capacity and firefighters lined the back of the room. I saw so many friends from years gone by, including an awesome teacher that I had in 10th grade, Mr. Ty Delong. It turns out that he also taught Taylor this past year- 10th grade for her, too. It's amazing what a small world it is sometimes!
In honor of Taylor, live butterflies were released as part of the graveside service and several helicopters flew over in support of Warren. I don't know about everyone else, but I left feeling uplifted, knowing Taylor was in a better place- free from suffering and pain. I was so glad that I could be there for Crystal and her sweet family!
Being in California gave me the opportunity to attend Megan's (daughter to my friend Wendy) bridal shower. With everything going on, they weren't sure if they were still going to have it. But in the end, they had the shower on Saturday evening and Marti and I were able to go. This is me and Wendy, right about the time we started tearing up about our babies growing up so fast! She has always been a great friend, full of wonderful advice...Oh how I love her!
This is Megan and her sister Amber. Megan has a mouth FULL of gum...one piece for every answer that she got wrong about her future husband. It was pretty funny! They served a delicious Chinese Chicken Salad and a fresh peach trifle for dessert. YUMMY!
Behold the Great Grandpa! He insisted that we take a photo before we left on Sunday morning and that Zoe climb up on his walker. He tried to get Grandma Lou in, but she was still in her robe and her sense of propriety wouldn't allow such a thing...and I don't blame her...I wouldn't want to take a picture in my robe either! They are so dear to us and I appreciate their willingness to be of any help that they can. They are genuinely concerned for each and every one of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. They are wonderful grandparents!
Although the circumstances were sad, and the trip was so fast, I was so grateful to be able to go to California. It was so wonderful to see the love and support of the community as they rallied around Taylor and it was an honor to witness the strength and the unity of the Messina family. It was a blessing to be able to visit with the grandparents and see so many wonderful friends! I am also so grateful for my testimony...I know that Taylor lives on and is waiting to greet her family on the other side and that through Heavenly Father's plan families CAN be together forever!
3 comments:
What a beautiful post Cathy! My eyes teared up as I read your sad news. I absolutely couldn't bear it if one our own cute YW suffered like this. It just doesn't seem fair sometimes. I'm so impressed that you drove down there. You are such a true and genuine friend!! Your actions speak volumes about your character. And I'm glad you squeezed in a little visiting and fun whhile you were there. I'm sure it felt like the strangest "visit" ever.
great post!!! so glad you could go!!!
That is so sad. I just went from laughing (previous post) to crying. I'm glad you could go and be a support for your friend and her family and I'm sure it was very very much appreciated! You're awesome.
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