Feelin' a little blue...

Last Saturday I was home visiting my parents during General Conference weekend and to celebrate my dad's birthday. I knew that a family friend was not doing too well and thought it would be a great time to pay her a visit. As it turned out, she had to cancel my visit at the last minute because she was having a really rough day. I told her daughter that I understood and to tell her that I loved her and would try again another time. There won't be another time.

Sister Sleight has always been there. My memories growing up at church include her. She was at girls' camp, roadshow practice...you name it. I have memories doing YW's activities at her kitchen table and closely examining her wall of family photos in her family room. I feel most fortunate, however, to have had her as my seminary teacher my senior year of high school. Boy was she a dedicated seminary teacher! And we studied the Old Testament that year! Sister Sleight always wrote with a pencil. Her scriptures were fresh for our new year of study. I can still see her black quad sitting on the table every morning.

Later on, she was kind enough to throw me a bridal shower when I got married and a baby shower when I had Reagan. She gave me great advice when I prepared to go to the temple. My recipe books are filled with Sharma Sleight originals. She gave me a hug any time I came home to visit during college. (Even though President Sleight gave me a hard time about being there ;)) She was a friendly face in the Vienna Ward Relief Society any time I was around.

I remember seeing Sister Sleight a little while after she had a double mastectomy. I was afraid I would hurt her if I gave her a hug. She told me it would be fine and I'm glad to say that giving her that hug in the church foyer is my last personal memory. I'm also glad I went ahead and asked her daughter Nicole to tell her I loved her. Because I sure do.

Saturday night I happened to call my dad on his cell phone. He had just left the Sleight's and told me what happened. I was so sad. I'm still very sad. But I feel so happy for Sister Sleight that she is no longer suffering. She had a long courageous battle and now she is free from her pain and discomfort.

I worry about President Sleight. He sure loved his wife. I know he misses her and will until they are again reunited. What a love story! What an example!

I feel so very blessed to have had her in my life. Sister Sleight, thank you.
'Til we meet again...