I've known Mary Ellen (Mom Larsen) for 36 years now. My early memories are definitely different from my latter. As I was thinking back about when Russ and I were first married I felt like I should write some of these memories down. I'm not very good at expressing myself, but here's just a few.
Russ and I had only been married a couple of months, when one day he announced that his mother cleaned the bathroom everyday! Obviously, he didn't think I kept it up to the same standard. I assured him that I would NOT be cleaning the bathroom every day. I was in school full time, pregnant and working. Besides the bathroom is my LEAST favorite room to clean in the house. She left HIGH standards.
We were married 4 months when I found out I was pregnant with Kristy. A few months before I was due, Chet, Mary Ellen and my parents showed up to our apartment in Logan with a washer and dryer they'd purchased from Aunt Aprilla. Mary Ellen had called my parents and asked them if they wanted to go in on buying the set for us. She was convinced we needed our own washer and dryer when we had a baby! What a blessing that was!! I think it was around 10 years old and I used it another 20 years. It was a VERY thoughtful act of kindness that meant SO much.
When I married Russ and mom found out I didn't sew, I know it was a BIG disappointment to her. She gave me her old sewing machine hoping I would learn. Every time we went to visit them, when I was in the other room she would ask Kristy, "did your mom make you that?" She would reply, "no, she bought it at the store." Then she would ask Kristy if I ever used the sewing machine. She would tell her it was in storage. I was mortified. Kristy was only around 5 years old at the time.
I do have to say, that over the years I used that sewing machine more than she knew to make many blankets for humanitarian trips, quilts for grandkids & others, costumes for Halloween & other activities.
Whenever mom and dad came to visit us she could never just sit still and visit! It drove me crazy sometimes. I just wanted to visit with them, because we didn't see them very often and they never stayed long. She was always wondering if there was something that she could cook, clean, wash or mend. I told her nothing. She got so desperate she'd want to mend Barbie clothes!!
When they came to Oklahoma one time she wanted to throw a couple of things into the washing machine. I suggested we wait until we had a few more things to wash with it. About half hour later I heard water running all over my kitchen floor. Mom started the wash anyway (without me knowing), but didn't know you had to put the hose in the kitchen sink to drain. It made quite a mess!
I can laugh about all these stories now, but at the time I couldn't. I'm sure part of it was I was the daughter in law & was always a little worried about her expectations of me. I learned over the years that mom had all of our best interest at heart. She worked hard and was very giving. I'm glad she learned to relax more & just enjoy visiting. My kids have fond memories of her playing games and reading stories with them. She never worried about them getting into things or having too many treats. She'd always say, "they're just kids, let them be." I know she loved our kids, even though sometimes her long hugs and long looks were uncomfortable for them. All of them enjoyed their visits with her and showing interest in their lives. She will truly be missed!!
Dad and mom came up to visit us one summer and our Collie had just had puppies.
This was taken at my niece, Misty's wedding. I love her natural smile here.
I believe this was the day Sherrie and Dave left on their mission.
One of the last pictures taken of Grandma Larsen
Another tender mercy was Tuesday, the day Jan took her to the hospital. In my morning prayers I prayed extra hard about someone I should call or visit that day. While I was in the middle of sewing DFG's kits I had the distinct impression to call Mary Ellen right then. I followed that impression, which I am sooo grateful I did and called her immediately. I was very alarmed when she answered and I could hear her wheezing through the phone & having a hard time catching her breath. We didn't talk long, but she told me how wonderful the wedding was and how cute all the kids looked in their bow ties and suspenders. I was able to tell her how much I loved her and then text Russ my concern. He was able to talk to her that day also. I feel so blessed I followed that prompting, as it was the last time we talked to her.
