Ellen Hornbrook's Homegoing

Several words come to mind when describing my mother in-law:  gracious, humble, loving and hospitable are just a few.  I've had such a privilege being in the same family with her.  I"ll be honest, years ago (1984), I was blown away with my mother in-law.  So much so that I decided that I could never measure up to all that she was.  Sam, myself and a friend, Kandie (Johnston)Stilwell, went down to Mexico in 1984 so that I could see what I was getting myself into by marrying Sam.  I came back feeling like I could never do what I saw my mother in-law do.  I felt inadequate for the job of: missionary wifery.  Sam was good to convince me that I could learn to do what every missionary wife and mother has had to do.  I still fall way behind when it comes to all that my mother in-law has done all these 50 plus years here in Mexico.  I'm so thankful that I got to rub shoulders with my mother in-law.  Not all the Hornbrook sister in-laws have gotten as much time with Mom as Ruth and I have due to living here in Mexico.  We all however got to experience her love and kindness.  Mom was quick to jump up.  Ellen was also quick to play with her grandchildren.  I have fond memories of her playing dolls with my girls and legos with our son.  She always brought a special book up to read to the children when she and Sam Sr. came to Mexico City.  Our children always looked forward to her yummy desserts that she also brought along.  We miss Ellen tremendously but we know that God hasn't allowed something to happen to us that we can't handle.  And we know that good will come from this.

There were so many flowers.