I lived in Utah for twelve years. When I went there for college, I had no idea I would be staying that long! It is still the longest I’ve ever lived in one place.
My freshman year at BYU started off pretty rough. You can read more about that here. In the aftermath of THE breakup, I found solace in classwork, cafeteria food, dormmates and football games. But I still felt lonely.
Just “around the mountains” from BYU was a family I’d known most of my life, some of our dear family friends from early Army days. We were reunited in Utah. And without really knowing they’d done it, they took me in and filled a void left by my family who was all the way across the country.
I was immediately taken with the Kimball family {and in particular, a handsome son}. Five children who share a close relationship filled with laughter, teasing and genuine concern. A dad who is possibly the most kind and generous man alive. And a mom whose happiness is contagious and was just what I needed to lift me out of my sad state.
Many times in the Fall of my freshman year were spent in the Kimball home. I was always happy there. I felt loved and safe and I laughed a lot. The Kimball family met an unexpressed need I had -- the need for familiarity, the need for family.
I feel such gratitude for their kindness to me.
Last night the mother of the wonderful Kimball family passed away.
I feel such a great loss for the world. For her family. Her laughter sounds in my head. I can see her genuine smile. I remember the things she said. I can picture things she did.
When I see these mountains, I think of rounding the bend to where the Kimballs are. And now, when I see them, I will think of Margaret.
6 comments:
Samantha and Victoria,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your good friend.
It's always a great loss when such a great person dies...
I'm sending a big hug your way!
Sorry to hear Samantha, my prayers are with them and their loved ones. They sound like an amazing family.
What a blessing to have had a home away from home. No doubt, the Kimballs are gifted in making people feel welcome and loved. I rejoice that there is a place without tears, pain & suffering to welcome her home.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing such tender feelings and memories with us. The Kimballs and their loved ones will be in my prayers.
Thank you, Samantha, for expressing what all of the Carlsons feel.
We are pleased that Margaret did not have to suffer for any extended period after her massive stroke. We are also grateful that Victoria happened to be in town when the Kimball Family needed her empathy and recent experience in losing both a Father and Brother.
The Kimballs are remarkable friends and comrades-in-arms. We will surely miss Margaret, but we know for certain that she is in a better place than her earthly body allowed.
Funny, beautiful, generous, faithful, had the best sense of humor ever, extremely talented, smart, daughter, mother, grandmother and friend. Having lived in a body much of her life htat kept her from doing all that she wanted and was capable of, Margaret is now free and I think having a blast. I was privileged to call her friend.
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