Debbie's Legacy

On Thursday September 1, 2011 my aunt Debbie Forsyth left this earth after a year and a half battle with ovarian cancer. It is sweet to think of the joyful reunion between Debbie and her older sister Kathy who passed away 29 years ago.

A lot of emotions fill me when I think of Debbie. I loved her and I know she loved me. After her first major surgery last summer my family was there as she was wheeled out of the hospital. I gave her a hug and told her I loved her and she said “I love you too Steph”. My heart is at peace because one month before her passing I did not disregard the urgency I felt to mail her a copy of the Family Slideshow. In the package I included a note where I told her we were thinking about her and loved her. Her husband Terry said she received and enjoyed the slideshow. Oh, how my heart would hurt if I had not sent it.

Debbie babysat me occasionally when I was a little girl and our families spent innumerable hours together. My dad was her annoying little brother and she still loved to tease him. She was the crafty queen and loved planning parties and having the family be together. She took the initiative to plan and hold a family bridal shower for me and Christian before we were married. She witnessed in the temple the special moment when Christian and I were sealed. Even in her tired and sick condition she came to Claire’s baby blessing in February. I love her so much and I know I have two very special aunts to greet me when my turn on this earth is over.

I think especially around the commemoration of 9/11 of how important it is that we never leave our acts of love and service unsaid or unseen. We need to tell those we care about how much we love them. We never know how much time we have left. A life motto of mine is to live with no regrets and I am trying to be better all the time in order to avoid the sting that regret leaves behind. This video from Thomas S. Monson demonstrates this principle perfectly.

There is so much sorrow in the world, but Christ will heal all wounds. All He asks is that we come unto Him.

Kenny, Kathy, and baby Debbie

The sisters in their beehives with their pesky little brothers

Sisters in grade school

Lovin' that hair. Went to Brighton High in SLC

 Claire and I flew to Utah for the funeral. Claire's first flight!

 Debbie's granddaughter curiously looking down into the burial site.

L to R: Oldest brother Ken, Deb's son Brian, and brothers: Jeff, Mike, Chris, and Steve. Youngest son Kallin is hidden behind Ken.

 We loved spending time with family during our trip. Claire, as always, was a dream traveler. 

 After all was said and done, Claire and I traveled back (on 9/11 of all days. I won't deny I was nervous). Family is everything. Debbie, thank you for the legacy of love and service you left in this world J