Monday, May 10, 2010

Happy Mothers Day Sara




The kids did a great job singing "Mothers Day" songs at Church. We sure missed the opportunity of making the day special for Sara. She loved breakfast in bed, Brad getting everybody ready for Church, and reading the newspaper in bed while Brad and kids prepared a gourmet dinner.
We love and Miss you Mom!!!
Many tears were shed for you today.

Brad, and kids decorating Sara's grave with flowers and roses from our yard.
Thanks to all the wonderful treats, letters, and acts of service provided to my family today. We love you all.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Katelyn's New Smile

Katelyn with new braces!





Look how happy she is to finally get her braces.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Avrie's Kindergarten Graduation


Our baby is growing up.
She is making her mom and dad proud.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Letters to Mom / Sara (from funeral)

Dear Mom,
I love you. You are nice. You helped my teacher at school. You picked me up from school.
We spent time together going to the store.
We went to McDonalds one time. You love me.
We had a lunchable at Lin’s together.
I’m happy you are in heaven. I love you very much. I miss you.
Love, Avrie. (5 years old)

Dear Mom,
I wish you were still here. You died on Easter Sunday. You are sure beautiful. I love you. I miss you so much. Dad really misses you too. He wishes you were here and he could hug you. It has been a tough week.
Love Annie (7 years old)
PS you really did die on Easter.

Dear Mom,
I love you so much. I wish you were still here. You are a good Mom and always took good care of me. Our family misses you so much! I love you! I bet you are in a wonderful place now. There are a lot of people doing nice things for us. We are really sad, but we will be ok- don’t worry about us. I know you are in heaven with Jesus, and happy. I hope to see you soon. We love you!
Love Kyle. (9 years old)

Dear Mom,
I love you, nobody can replace you. I can remember when I was little you used to help me collect seashells at Lake Powell. You were always helping us. I really miss you. You were always offering service to everyone. I’m sorry that you missed my birthday on April 1st, But I know that you wished you could come. I pulled some good pranks. We know you are in a better place now, watching us. You are the best mom ever, and I can feel you. I know you will help us get through. I love you mom.
Love, Tyler (11 years old)

Dear Mom,
This has been a very tough week. We all
miss you so much. We have all cried a ton. I’m
going to miss you doing my hair mostly
every morning (well dad can try), and
P.S. Just promise not to haunt me if our dog Emma gets pregnant….you telling me what NOT to wear for church. I’m
also going to miss massaging your back, and
you yelling at our dog Emma because all the naughty
things that she has done. Well for sure, someday,
I’m going to prove that Emma can be a good dog, and
outstanding! (but it may take a couple of years…)
And don’t worry, I’ll try my best to keep my grades
up! I miss you so deeply, and am glad to know that
you are happy where you are, and not in pain.
I love you…
Katelyn (12 years old)

Dear Sara,
Over the past few days I’ve picked up on one of your old habits – I’ve been checking out the obituaries section of the newspaper to see if I’m in it. As you know, You’re in it, and I’m not too happy about it. My heart is broken and I hurt like never before. I miss you.
I received much hope and strength from General Conference over the Easter weekend. The prophet and apostles seemed to have written their messages only for me. I didn’t realize at the time that it was to help prepare me for today – me, sitting here, sobbing like a baby with our kids – and you, in front of us, resting in your casket.
I could really use one of your big warm hugs – and your kiss on my cheek. I know you are here now - so plant one on me.
Thank you for the past 20 years. I remember the first time we met – July 25, 1990, 5 pm, at the St. George Taco Time. We were both experiencing our first day of our first job together – and yes, it was YOU, not me, that burned the meat on that fateful day. I remember thinking a few weeks later at work, as I was approaching my 16th birthday, who I could take on my first date to Pine View Homecoming dance. I remembered the counsel of parents and leaders that “you marry who you date.” Then I wondered who my wife would be and what she looked like – I fantasized for a moment – then looked up, and there you were, running the drive-through cash register. What a hottie!
Our Heavenly Father brought us together – it was meant to be – You were my first kiss and only girl I ever dated – My true and only love. Our marriage, 5 years later, in the St. George Temple will seal us together forever. What joy you bring to me – 5 wonderful kids and a glorious future through eternity together.
I will do my best, but I can’t fill your place in our home. Stay close and keep an eye on us. Especially the kids – they need to feel your comforting love.
Tell our loved ones with you on that side of the veil – a big hello, and we miss them, too. Also, put a word in, that some of us, here, are a little anxious for the Lord’s return – I know you will be coming with him. Until then, I’ll try being patient – that will be new for me and the kids – but you are worth the wait. We have a great bunch of family, friends, and ward who are being life savers for us. I’ve never felt so alone and empty – or that so many people cared.
I love you, Sara – and hope to see you real soon. Love Brad.
PS – I was serious about you planting a kiss on me today.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Thanks to All.


You dread the day you bury your spouse from the moment that you have one.
This picture was taken January 26, 2010 - the day we learned of her tumor.
April 10th, 2010, 74 days later, was the day we buried our wife and mother. It has been a tough few months for our family, we are hurting, lonely, and overwhelmed on a regular basis with challenges stemming from Sara's absence. We are so grateful for the love and support from family, friends and neighbors. The compassion shown us has been unexpected and overwhelming. I actually felt sick to my stomach and had to lie down the other day as I was thinking of all the Christlike acts done for me and the kids. It is wonderful - thank you.

I know Sara has completed her mission here. It is the Lord's will for her to have gone to the spirit world at this time. NOT BECAUSE HE NEEDED HER MORE - THAT'S BS!

It seems to "suck big time," as I have heard it expressed, but one day I will look back and realize the Lord's wisdom and love for our family. I will see a bigger purpose in His plan for me.

Now, there is only "onward and upward" - which translates to "now what the heck do I do?!?!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Sara's Obituary



St. George, Utah: Sara Michele Campbell Baker, age 35, passed away Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010 in Las Vegas University Medical Center. She was born September 15, 1974, in St. George, Utah, the first child of Roger and Jane Esplin Campbell. She was raised in St. George and graduated from Pine View High School, 1992. She married her first love and high school sweetheart, Brad Baker on June 8, 1996, in the St. George Temple. They are the parents of five children.

Sara loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She was an amazing organizer. She also loved to plan and set goals. Sara was kind, tender, compassionate, genuine and wanted things perfect. She was active in the LDS Church and served as a Primary teacher and counselor, cub-scout den mother, and as a Relief Society Counselor. Her greatest love was her husband and children. She was such a good wife and mother. Her whole life was centered on her family. Family time was so important to Brad and Sara. Their children know how much they loved each other.

She is survived by her husband, Brad and children, Katelyn, Tyler, Kyle, Annie, and Avrie; parents Roger and Jane Esplin Campbell of Beaver; sisters Jennifer (Beau) Barney of Lehi, Amanda (Aaron) Felstead of St. George, Christina (Tamron) Lee of Cedar City and brother Michael (Meagan) Campbell of St. George; Grandfather - Bybee Campbell of St. George. Father and Mother-in-law Phil & Lynette Baker of Washington City.

Sara is preceded in death by: Grandparents, T. Lavoy and Phoebe Esplin, Clidene M. Campbell. Nephews: Brecken and Brayden Felstead. Niece: Audrie Campbell. Brother-in-law: Charlton Robert Palmer.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 10, 2010, 11 am, Sunset 1st Ward, 82 N Dixie Drive, St. George. Viewing for friends and family will be held Friday, April 9, 6 - 8 pm at Spilsbury Mortuary and Saturday 9:30 to 10:30 proir to services. Interment will take place in Tonaquint Cemetery.

Special thanks to Dixie Regional Medical Center, St. George, Sunrise Hospital and University Medical Center in Las Vegas for their kind and compassionate care.