A Tree of Life

My dad and I had the opportunity to go to Midway Elementary today, where a tree was planted and dedicated in loving memory of my mother, Susan Wolthuis Williams. I have yet to post a proper tribute to my momma as I am still feeling very raw and emotional. Nothing I could write would tribute my mother the way she deserves. I have page after page of thoughts, memories, descriptions and otherwise that I hold as a treasure inside my own soul. Someday I will share my mother and her memory with the world; until then, I will share with my brothers, family and friends the daily life I am trying to get used to.



The tree planted for my mother

The staff of Midway Elementary, with much help and many donations, planted a Canadian Chokecherry tree in memory of my mother and the legacy she left behind. She was a gifted woman with a talent for teaching children speech therapy. She worked at Midway Elementary for many years. I especially like this picture because of the morning sun that is burning so brightly.



The Children She Left Behind

The morning was more difficult than I anticipated. I thought I would go see a tree and go to work. The most touching part of the morning was when the preschool stood by the tree and sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Tears ran down my cheeks and soaked my coat. To hear the sweet voices that my mother once taught made me feel her in everything around me. My mom was lucky to have the opportunity to teach these children; these children are very lucky to have had the opportunity to be taught by my mother. It was very hard to grasp that concept.






My Daddy and Me

My dad has been such a strong example to me through all of this. It is hard for me to take my thoughts off of myself and realize that I am not the only one who is broken--my whole family is. He has been someone I can talk to about my mom whenever I want to.



The Rock

Some of the speech students painted this rock that sits at the base of the tree.



The Perfect Spot

I must say that my mom now stakes claim to two beautiful places all her own. I think her grave site is in a perfect location with wonderful scenery (mountains and fields) all around her. This is her very own tree with her very own view of Timpanogos. I love this picture.

We, as a family, were so blessed to be touched by such a wonderful person. She consumes my thoughts and my actions everyday. I hope to someday be the kind of person she always was. Today's tribute by her "school family" was absolutely touching and beautiful in a way I could never describe. She loved what she did and she loved her students. Today, we were able to see that love returned to her. Love you, Momma.