Monday night we visited with Tayla's family in their home. I baked that delicious banana cake that my kids were begging to get a piece of { I love that they know my cakes are yummy! } I was very nervous to visit, i didn't know what I was going to do or say that could possibly comfort Tayla's family. I would have been inclined to stay away. But they had requested visitors, and I knew it was the right thing to do.
I was so surprised to be greeted as we walked in the open front door by Tayla's dad, with a warm and happy welcome. There were lots of people there, coming and going. It had been like that non-stop and they appreciated everyone that came to give their condolences.
The home was so relaxed, half the lounge room was covered in bouquets of flowers and the table was packed with platters and dishes for food that people were bringing.
I cried as I heard Tayla's mum talk about her. She also shared the peace she has already felt. After we left, most of the week really, Kerry and I have talked and talked.
Last night {Thursday 22nd} Camilla watched the kids as we attended the family service. When we arrived we were told that Tayla was in the nursery room if we wished to go see her. We did.
She looked different. I understood in that moment, when her mother had told us that she didn't look like Tayla. Her body was empty. Her spirit was gone.
Tayla's mum sat on a chair next to her, so composed. I could not help it. As I saw her little body laying there lifeless I was flooded with the pain. Not pain for myself, but for her family. It was like nothing I've ever felt before. It seemed so terribly wrong. As I hugged Tayla's mum she was assuring me "it's ok, it's ok"
The night was very long, and very very emotional as the long list of family members shared their thoughts and love for Tayla. There was one very common thread to each of their talks and it was this; anytime they would attend someplace where Tayla was, or if she was visiting them she would ALWAYS say first "I Love you" not just once, but many times within their visit.
I didn't know Tayla that well. But I wish I did. I knew that she loved babies, she would always see me on Sunday and ask about Carter with such a big smile on her face. But in our brief encounters I could feel and remember her sweet spirit I felt. She was genuine. She loved and cared about everyone, and I really mean everyone.
Friday {23rd} we attended the Fureral service. The chaple was packed right to the back of the rec hall. School friends, youth, friends and family were all there. Tayla's mum shared some stories of Tayla. Tayla's dad shared his gratitude to the many people who have showed their love and support to his family at this time. He shared his testimony of the gospel, his testimony of the plan of salvation and the warm comfort he felt in his heart from that knowledge which is why we didn't see him crying.
Our stake president then shared his remarks. He shared his feelings and then he shared the gospel. Assuring that this life is just a small moment, and we will all be resurrected one day, and Tayla will rise as the 16 year old girl she has been laid down as, her parents will have the opportunity then, to continue to raise their daughter, she will have the opportunity to fulfil the desires she had to serve a mission {she's probably already started another sort of mission now} to marry in the Temple and to have children of her own.
We went to Tayla's burial. It was an image I will never forget. I had not seen her dad cry, I had only seen him strong and faithful, and comforted by the knowledge of the gospel. But here, standing over his daughter laying in the ground he cried, and cried and cried.
It felt so wrong. It felt so unnatural. That a father was burying his 16 year old daughter.
They released four beautiful white doves.
By the time we returned to the chaple for a meal, it was time for Kerry and I to go pick up our kids from school.
It was draining. I can't even begin to imagin how her family felt.
