A Tribute to My Dear Friend

AGNES WILLARDSON ROMANS

(November 3, 1959 - January 3, 2011)

One of my dearest friends, Agnes, passed away unexpectedly yesterday. I was shocked by the news and shed many, many tears. My dear Agnes was so special to me and I want all who read this to know why!

Our friendship started in Ohio. We both lived far away from our extended families, so it became a perfect fit to have her become a part of our little family.

She made a wonderful 'Adopted Grandma' for my girls! She loved being their 'Grandma,' and enjoyed when they used that title in reference to her. Alexia still only recognizes her as Grandma Agnes.

We enjoyed sharing a lot of sweet and simple moments together,

and it seemed like she really enjoyed getting to deal with the new adventures of being a Grandma.

We got to celebrate different events and holidays together, building more precious memories, that I now cherish even more deeply.

One event that we got to participate in was a celebration of her 50th birthday, where we got to throw her a surprise birthday bash. She enjoyed getting me in trouble for it, since she was not too fond of being the center of attention! Little did I know then, but that would be her second to last birthday here on the earth. I am so grateful for all of the amazing people that helped to make the party happen and that came and supported her on that day! I cannot thank you all enough for that!!!

Agnes was there for me, even at times when Jared could not be due to his busy intern schedule. One of those times, she joined me for the ward Christmas party, and helped me keep tabs on the girls the whole night long, as they ran through the maze created by the many tables.

We loved Agnes dearly! We also loved feeling loved by Agnes!

In May 2010, we moved away from Ohio. At that time, I was not sure how much contact we would be able to maintain, living in different states. I am so happy to say that our friendship did not end there; it grew! We talked on the phone multiple times a week, and became dedicated 'phone buddies.' We were able to talk to each other and verbally supported each other through discouragements and celebrated with each other in successes. I am so grateful for her patience and persistence in calling, because her phone calls became a thing that I could always count on.

In addition, Agnes never missed sending us cards for our birthdays. She also continued in the role of being a sweet and thoughtful grandma figure, sending each of my girls their very own cards on Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For days, they would either drag their cards along with them here and there, or find very special places to put them.

I am honestly heartbroken that I no longer will have my phone ring with the name of Agnes on it. I am really sad that I no longer will have messages on my phone with her familiar voice telling me always in creative, and often teasing, ways to call her back. I honestly thought that my dear Agnes would be my phone buddy for at least another 10 years. I am sad that my girls will never be able to receive more cards from Grandma Agnes, getting so excited to open up their own mail. I sincerely feel a great loss at this time!

Luckily, I have my sweet Adelaide, and other loved ones, who quickly helped me to see things in the right perspective. Adelaide did not shed many tears, letting me know quickly with an absolute tone, "you are going to get to see her again." Also, others brought up how huge of a blessing this was for Agnes. She has struggled with her health for so long, and it would have just gotten worse and worse. She will not have to suffer any more! I am really grateful for that knowledge! Also, the thought of some day being reunited with her, with her being able to walk perfectly without pain, is truly a beautiful comfort. Adelaide was so excited to find out that then not only would Agnes be able to walk, but she would be able to run just like her.

So, now, all I have to do is work on putting off my selfishness, by keeping things in that right perspective. I will miss my dear, dear friend, but I know with all my heart that she is in a better place, and I know that I will be able to see her again. I am so grateful that I had the privilege of knowing my beautiful Agnes! And I especially cannot express enough gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who provided the way for us to be rejoined some day with those that we love!!!