Sunday, January 3, 2010

Aunt Karen's Funeral

Karen Thurgood Larsen
(April 21, 1955 - December 28, 2009)
Mountain Green- On December 28, 2009, Karen Thurgood Larsen completed her earthy mission and entered the world of spirits where she has been greeted by her parents and loved ones.
She was born April 21, 1955 in Ogden Utah, the daughter of Rex Moss Thurgood and Margaret Green Weaver. She married J. Blair Larsen Sr. on November 5, 1977.
Karen was raised in Syracuse, Utah and graduated from Clearfield High School. As a youth she worked for many years at Stokers Nursery. For the past 22 years she has been employed at Kimberly-Clark Ogden Plant where she performed in many capacities including her present position as Stores Team Leader.
She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mtn. Green Ward in the Morgan North Stake. Service is the essence of Karen's being. She served in numerous callings with great faithfulness. Karen loved to serve everyone.
She is survived by her husband, J. Blair Larsen Sr., Mtn Green; her children: J.B.(Erin) Larsen, Mtn. Green; Hailey (Joseph) Fitzgerald, South Ogden; Jeremey (Chelsea) Larsen; Austin (Nicole) Larsen; and Kelsey Larsen; all of Mountain Green; and her brother, Chris (Arlene) Thurgood of Bothwell, Utah. Karen has six grandchildren who she loved dearly: Braeden Iver, Eliza Erin, Kyan Scott, Jett Blair, Bridger Moss, and Christian Nash. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family appreciates the many prayers of faith and acts of kindness shown them. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 2, 2010. Karen loves beautiful things, especially flowers.

Display tables in the foyer for the viewing and funeral. This was an assignment from the family to my sister, mother and I. It was an honor. We chose the black table cloths so that the items on the table would stand out, there were little silver confetti stars sprinkled all over also. This was to remind us she is Celestial, an Angel, our Guardian.. (oh, and she loved sparkly things!)

The Viewing

The Funeral. The floral wreath in the center was from our family. The ribbons say "Sister" & "Aunt."

I have put off this particular post, because I just felt overwhelmed by the prospect of it.

It has so much potential to be a lasting and meaningful tribute, yet how could I ever do it justice?

I came to the conclusion that I can't. There is no way to put into words just what she means to me. So I won't even attempt.

Is that a cop out? Maybe. Or maybe it's just all too hard right now.

This Sunday will be 3 months since she left us, and I swear it was just yesterday, and then I swear it was years ago.

This whole experience is filled with contradictions. A rollercoaster ride of emotions that sometimes doesn't even make sense.

However, they are there, you cannot deny, and you just feel it and move on. After all, what choice do we have?

And so... I share just a few things that remind me of her....

Purple

Sparkles

Iris'

Memorial Day

Pumpkins

Halloween

Christmas

Chocolates

Crafts

Acrylic Nails

The faces of her Children

My Dad (a particular nod of his head)

Any talk of Kidney's

LDS Hospital

Service

Love

What an example to many. Gone but never forgotten. I love you!

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Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas 09

I think this will be the most pathetic Christmas post EVER.
Christmas was rough this year... for many reasons, and I slacked in the photo department. (to say the least)

With Aunt Karen's Cancer fight coming to an end, I look back on this season and I am grateful for what I have learned and for the spirit that has been with me. I have never before had such a Christmas season that I have felt the love and support of my Savior. So yes, we had Santa, and parties, and presents, and the kids did not go without, but the most important things that were present in the Bodily home and heart this year could not have been photographed anyway.
I learned during this month of December... that all this worldly stuff and hype is not important.
Next year (or in 10 years) I will not remember what was under the tree, or what my neighbor's gifts were, or what party we were at and what activities we did...
... but I will remember those I love...
... how they make me feel...
... and the relationships I have with them...
Families Are Forever
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Friday, November 13, 2009

A Quote...

My blog is seriously neglected. Maybe tomorrow.... But for today... I wanted to share this: "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. Sometimes the past is something you just can't let go of, sometimes the past is something we would do anything to forget, and sometimes we learn something new about the past, that changes everything we know about the present."

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Auntie K...

... was diagnosed with Lung Cancer today.
We are...
hopeful
scared
humble
positive
supportive
did I mention scared?

.... but ready to stand with her and FIGHT. She has much to live for... and she is loved.
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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Aussie Dinner

Mom's cousin Phillip and his wife Diana were here from Australia.

We had dinner at The Garden in Salt Lake City. The Garden is located on top of the Joseph Smith Memorial building and it over looks the temple and temple square. It was great to see them again along with some of my aunts and uncles. A nice night and dinner out is always enjoyable too!

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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween

Trunk or Treat 09

We were in charge of Halloween celebrations this year for Bothwell. We decided on a lighted maze in the park. I think it turned out great and the kids seemed to like it and have fun! We also had a backdrop for pictures and then we just emailed them out to everyone. It was fairly easy with easy clean up! I love fall and the decor... I just wish winter didn't have to follow!

For Halloween this year the kids were....

Kristian was a Pirate

Kassie a Mad Hatter

Kambree a Witch

Gage was Spiderman

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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Hey Punkin'!

The Annual Thurgood Family Pumpkin Carving

Mountain Green Fire Station

Monday October 26th

Larsen's and Thurgoods

ALWAYS a good time!

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