It's About Them---And us!

Yesterday, we met some family members at the cemetery near Brush Prairie. We placed flowers at the graves that were there. We thanked God for each life.

We admired the headstones that had American flags placed by them. Those who gave their lives in service for our country--and those who placed their lives in jeopardy by serving in the armed services. But we were remembering our loved ones.

These dear ones are listed in the order they entered eternity.

Carrie Lynn Rudberg - Stillborn, June 13, 1977

Joseph Iner Mozena - March 25, 1921 - September, 1979

Henry C. Quiring - September 11, 1917 - July 19, 1991

G. William Rudberg, Jr - September 26, 1943 - February 3, 2006

Kara Joanne Epperson McKinney - July 10, 1976 - October 27, 2007

Henry Blair Graybill - November 12, 1944 - January 31, 2010

Rose Ann Richert Quiring - October 3, 1917 - November 12, 2010

Kathleen Joanne Sherman Mozena - December 18, 1946 - July 25, 2011

Mary Theresa Delany Mozena Hough - June 25, 1923 - January 21, 2014

Of course there are many more I could list, but I would say these people were closest to our hearts.

Carrie Lynn did not see the light of day, but she was planned for. Hoped for. Wanted. Missed. Her headstone said: Safe in the Arms of Jesus.

Joseph Mozena, Jim's father, had a strong influence on his children. He stressed the importance of a higher education. Seven of the eight graduated from college--some with MD's, PhD's, Master's Degrees.

Henry Quiring, my father, was a huge influence in my life. In many ways, but most profoundly, spiritually. One time he said when I was practicing the organ at church, "I love to hear you play." That's all, but I feel his approval and applause from heaven each time I play any instrument. His headstone said: He preached the Word. 

Bill Rudberg, obviously influenced me in so many ways. I never would have taken flying lessons, climbed any mountains, climbed any giant rocks--and more. He influenced his children too. Our son, Todd, wanted to fly because of him. They built an airplane together. Erika loved her dad with a fierce loyalty.  Bill stressed excellence in anything he did.  His headstone said An Extravagant Gift Of The Creator. 

Kara McKinney was a free spirit. Her stepfather, Jim, loved her and helped raise her. He responded to her drumbeat--that was different than most--and they were close because he did.

Blair Graybill was in my life only for two years, and his kindness and love will never be forgotten. On his headstone lists the dates of his two marriages. Married Patricia Venebles, December 23, 1971, Married Shirley Mae Rudberg, August 16, 2008.

Rose Quiring was my mother. She too, had a tremendous influence in my life. She was a teacher of teachers. Until 13 days before her death, she was still teaching. She influenced me to try anything I aspired to. Her headstone said: She Taught the Word.

Kathy Mozena was an artist in her garden. She, with Jim's help, made a rough farm into a peaceful, woodsy haven. She loved her family and loved her Lord.

Most recent in departing earth, Mary Hough. I knew her for only a short time, but I could tell she loved life. Even though Altzheimer's had ravaged her mind, she still had that life-loving attitude and we danced together the first time we met.

All of these lives are important to me in so many ways. Some I have not yet met.

Thank you God, for each of these lives. My life would not be the same without these.

Carrie Lynn, the first to enter eternity

Mary T. Mozena Hough, the most recent to enter eternity