Wednesday, September 25th, 2002
"I cannot express exactly how I'm feeling, but that of great sorrow and yet, peace. Alice Ashton called tonight to tell me that Georgia Marriott, my best friend since we were about 5, passed away this evening. Dear, sweet, wonderful Georgia! Oh, how I love her! I love her with all my heart. She has truly been my role model every since I've known her. If someone has been capable of living a perfect life, she has. She absolutely loved life! Every minute of it! And she generously shared her joy with all around her. I think of the scripture Mosiah 18:9 - "...to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death....that ye may have eternal life." She will be so missed. I am comforted by the Spirit, and in knowing that I will see Georgia again! :) We'll play duets and eat gummy bears and sing songs in heaven. How I love that girl! She is truly a bosom friend. It is hard to imagine/think of life without Georgia. What a precious, pure, beautiful jewel she is! It makes me want to join her. :) She's probably already touching lives here and there, meeting people, and reuniting with old friends. I bet that her passing away will ultimately bring hundreds to the knowledge of the gospel. I was reading today in Alma chapter 24, and it says, "thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people." The righteous people were slain, and as a result, more than a thousand people were brought to the knowledge of the truth. Georgia is such an incredible missionary and always will be! I know she is even now serving and she's in good hands." :)
Thursday, September 26th, 2002
"The Lord is so quick to give comfort to His children. I can't comprehend the love He must have for all of us. I had a tender experience at the temple today. I did an endowment session for Mary Casselman, one of my ancestors. I looked at the card and saw that she was born on 12 November in Indiana. As you may know, Georgia's birthday is November 16th, and she passed away in Indiana. I liked to think of it as doing a session for her as well, :) since she has not yet been endowed [at least to my knowledge at the time - I apologize if I was wrong about that]. Who knows what sort of miraculous things she is doing right now?! :) What an angel she is! I felt very warm and extremely comforted and loved as I sat in the Celestial Room and sobbed. It was as if a soft blanket was wrapped around me. I can't imagine the joy Georgia must feel to be with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Yay! What a glorious thought!"
Monday, September 30th, 2002
"Today I have been filled with inspiration and peace and joy. Mom, Rosalie, Jeanette, and I attended the viewing and funeral for Georgia. Wow! It was so uplifting and powerful! The Spirit was overflowing. So was the stake center - so many people who love her dearly. :) I am amazed by the strength and faith of the entire Marriott family. They truly put their trust in the Lord and let Him take care of everything. They told me they trust the Lord's timetable, they know that Georgia is where she's supposed to be, and that she is very happy. :) Here they are comforting all of us. David said to me, "What are you crying for? Georgia would want us to be happy." Words cannot describe what incredible, faithful people they are. There was such a peaceful feeling in that room where Georgia lay. The tributes and talks were very powerful, beautiful, endearing, uplifting. The music was heavenly. I know Georgia was there, probably singing and playing with them. What a glorious, tremendous human being she is! They shared letters and journal entires of hers, including her testimony, which blew everyone away. She exemplifies one who lived a life dedicated to the Lord, in service, love, joy, and gladness. Georgia is a light to all who know her. She radiates with the spirit, giving off love and joy. They spoke of her spirituality, as well as her bright, fun, silly personality. :) What a joy she is! 'm sure she's very happy and serving faithfully with all of her might. It was a strengthening, testimony-building meeting. Wow! I love Georgia so much and look forward to seeing her again."
I love you, Georgia!!!
Lexye
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tribute from Lexye
Dearest Georgia! :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I just recently discovered this glorious blog, and have since devoured every last entry! What a spiritual feast! My soul is bursting with all kinds of emotions - you see, I have had very little contact with your family these past 8 years, unfortunately, so I've never been able to share all the wonderful thoughts and memories of you with them. After I got home from my mission, I got married and soon after moved to Texas, and we've been here ever since. I can't even tell you how refreshing it has been to read about you this past while - from those who love and cherish you as I do! I don't even know where to start, but I'd like to share a few of my journal entries with you. First I'll give a little background....
When I received word you had passed away, I sobbed until my body couldn't produce any more tears. I pleaded with the Lord for comfort. Then I opened up the scriptures and read Mosiah 16:8 - "But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ." I was so struck by these words. I already had a testimony of the Resurrection, and I knew I'd see you again. But it never had occurred to me that the pain, or the "sting" of your death, could be "swallowed up" through the Atonement as well. At that moment I could relate to Alma when he said, "And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!....there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again....on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy."
At the time, I was completely immersed in the missionary discussions, getting ready to enter the MTC. As I look back, I know that the timing of my mission was a tender mercy from the Lord. I thought it strange when I received my call that I still had to wait almost 4 1/2 months before I would enter the MTC. Maybe that's common to have that long of a gap, I don't know. Either way, I am so grateful I was able to see you one last time - my mission farewell was the day before your funeral. I have always viewed it as a "double farewell" - I was off to NYC to preach to the people in Manhattan, and you were whisked away to Heaven, to preach to the spirits there. Remember how we would talk about being missionary companions? Well, perhaps we had our wish - building the Kingdom together, on both sides of the veil. :) I was privileged to take my violin with me, which I had named after you. :) Every time I played, I thought of you, and there were times I felt that you were so near. Those moments are very sacred to me and I will continue to treasure them. Like I said, my soul is overflowing with memories, but I guess I'll just start here, with the journal entries....
I just recently discovered this glorious blog, and have since devoured every last entry! What a spiritual feast! My soul is bursting with all kinds of emotions - you see, I have had very little contact with your family these past 8 years, unfortunately, so I've never been able to share all the wonderful thoughts and memories of you with them. After I got home from my mission, I got married and soon after moved to Texas, and we've been here ever since. I can't even tell you how refreshing it has been to read about you this past while - from those who love and cherish you as I do! I don't even know where to start, but I'd like to share a few of my journal entries with you. First I'll give a little background....
When I received word you had passed away, I sobbed until my body couldn't produce any more tears. I pleaded with the Lord for comfort. Then I opened up the scriptures and read Mosiah 16:8 - "But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ." I was so struck by these words. I already had a testimony of the Resurrection, and I knew I'd see you again. But it never had occurred to me that the pain, or the "sting" of your death, could be "swallowed up" through the Atonement as well. At that moment I could relate to Alma when he said, "And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!....there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again....on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy."
At the time, I was completely immersed in the missionary discussions, getting ready to enter the MTC. As I look back, I know that the timing of my mission was a tender mercy from the Lord. I thought it strange when I received my call that I still had to wait almost 4 1/2 months before I would enter the MTC. Maybe that's common to have that long of a gap, I don't know. Either way, I am so grateful I was able to see you one last time - my mission farewell was the day before your funeral. I have always viewed it as a "double farewell" - I was off to NYC to preach to the people in Manhattan, and you were whisked away to Heaven, to preach to the spirits there. Remember how we would talk about being missionary companions? Well, perhaps we had our wish - building the Kingdom together, on both sides of the veil. :) I was privileged to take my violin with me, which I had named after you. :) Every time I played, I thought of you, and there were times I felt that you were so near. Those moments are very sacred to me and I will continue to treasure them. Like I said, my soul is overflowing with memories, but I guess I'll just start here, with the journal entries....
From Georgia's Journal on her Birthday
Happy Birthday, Georgia! Today you would be 30 earth years old. I looked back ten years ago in your journals and I thought your brothers and sisters would like to hear some of the things you wrote when you were a 20 year old at IU….
November 12, 2000
Sundays are wonderful. Especially ever since I made the goal to take Sunday off completely and give it to the Lord. I am able to rest and patch up the wounds or rough spots on my soul from the week. Tonight we had a special fireside given by President Hinckley to the youth of the church – what a wonderful man! After firesides I usually get all sad because it’s like I have to change my focus from the spiritual things I had just heard to things more of the world. But this time, I went away invigorated, ready to face my monstrous week and the world, comfortable in the sureness of this church.
November 18, 2000
My birthday was wonderful. Kate went all out with it. She had people come over in the morning and surprise me. It wasn’t the most pleasant surprise because I had just gotten out of the shower….it was quite humorous. Anyway, I got to school and there were fliers all over the music school with random pictures of me all over them, saying ‘Happy Birthday Georgia!” Wow, I was surprised. There were also baby pictures all over the place! I warmed up to the idea as the day went on and it gave me a chuckle every once in a while, esp. when people I had never met told me happy birthday. ..anyway the day was great and low-key – just how I like it.
Kate made it special and gave me various presents throughout the day. In master class the studio sang to me and after, Kate, Christian and William honored me by giving presents and watching “Singing in the Rain.” Still love that movie. The best gift, though was a little book of note paper shaped as a boot. Inside, Kate had asked all of my good friends at IU to sign it, writing what they loved about me. It meant so much to me. I think every person should have a day like that, when they feel loved and needed. It was a great birthday.
March 3, 2001
There is something so pure and healing in the morning sun, coming through the windows, spilling out on me. The view ahead of me is simply lovely flowers that I picked out for Kate for her senior recital last night. And next to me…sacred music is filling the apartment. I want only to be close to love and truth and joy. All of those things are found within my family. What I feel there is inexpressible, quite honestly. I know that is eternal and real and true—it will never leave me, and why? Because it is founded on this church –Christ’s church.
March 17 President Hinckley will be at Kate and Christian's wedding dinner tomorrow because he is related to Christian. So exciting—I can’t wait to see him!
March 18, 2001
The wedding was beautiful! Kate looked gorgeous and was beaming despite the load of snow that was dumped on the day. It was a long day but worth seeing the way Kate and Christian looked at each other and the spirit of love surrounding them. My (patriarchal) blessing said that my husband is preparing and will be waiting for me. Anyway, I was Kate’s maid of honor and I just love her. My dress was a little too tight and by the end of the long night of dancing at the reception (so fun with my whole family) I had a hole in my armpit. So it didn’t really matter when I jumped up in the air and caught the bouquet of flowers while ripping basically the whole armpit (of the dress). Life is so rich in blessings.
Today was Adam’s farewell and it was so special….my little brothers got up and each recited a scripture and why they love it. My brothers are noble, wonderful people! Then Caroline, Paige and I struggled through a trio – ‘Here Am I’- neat song, hard harmony. Paige swayed back and forth between alto and soprano and caused me a few chuckles…the older boys sang “In This Very Room” beautifully - and then Adam. He is powerful! He is a true servant and son of God. …I know he will be a marvelous missionary. His talk was strong and sure…I love him and know he will be blessed in Korea. For the closing hymn my family all sang “Go Ye Now in Peace.” It was so awesome to be with all of them. (minus Kate) My testimony of family cannot and will not ever be shaken. It is my greatest blessing and joy in this world. I know it is divine and without it I would not be happy. I am so grateful for righteous parents who put the Lord first and taught me in his ways. What light has poured into my mind this week as I sought God and found him.
The dinner with the Mitchells and the Prophet was good. I talked to President Hinckley’s wife a little and she is beautiful and so meek. I could feel a genuine interest and love for me emitting from her. She said, “Thank you for talking to me.” Later Cannon and I sang “Pie Jesu” and it was so special, the spirit was there. She reached up to grab my hand to thank me as I walked back to my seat.
April 1, 2001
How can I discern evil from good?....Only by trusting Christ and the Father, only by following the spirit. Only by truly being humble, sincere, and honest with myself, God and others. Only by denying myself of ungodliness –by doing that I lose nothing of worth. (L. Aldin Porter said that, I love that!) Only by faith, hope, and charity. Only by holding fast to God’s word. I’m certain these are right. I hope to do them all -- I pray I can come closer and be saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love, Georgia
And so, there is a little glimpse into your sister’s heart on her birthday, isn’t she funny? And deep? And earnest? And deeply spiritual…. Happy Birthday dear daughter.
Love, Mom
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Happy 30th
I had a rough night last night, as all moms do at times, and I woke up dreading the day until I remembered it was Georgia's birthday. It's changed my thoughts and in turn, my actions, and that is what is so special about Georgia's legacy. The good way she lived her life is something she can take with her to heaven, but ironically, it's also something she was able to leave behind. I love her. Happy Birthday!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A Little Elgar
Last night I dreamed that I was asked to speak at Georgia's funeral. When I arrived at the church, I found Cami and Haleigh on the stand, ready to speak as well. We were so glad to see each other and celebrate Georgia's life. I remember not feeling sorrow, just feeling like I missed her.
I chose to speak about how playing music with Georgia was like being her friend in life, and for some reason I centered my remarks on a piece by Elgar that we as a quartet had played with the Young Artist Chamber Players: Elgar's Introduction and Allegro for Solo String Quartet and String Orchestra. I spoke about how Georgia was reliable, how you could always count on her to give you the right cue and bring you in at the right time. I spoke about how there was a strength in her sound which gave you confidence to play your part with equal strength. I spoke about how she sometimes smiled when she played to reassure you that your parts were fitting together correctly. And I spoke about how if she played an out of tune note here or there, she wasn't bothered by it and just moved on. I spoke about how these lessons have given me strength as a musician, a person, a mother, and a friend.
And I woke up with the image in my mind of Georgia sitting across the quartet from me, and the sounds of the Elgar in my ears.
I chose to speak about how playing music with Georgia was like being her friend in life, and for some reason I centered my remarks on a piece by Elgar that we as a quartet had played with the Young Artist Chamber Players: Elgar's Introduction and Allegro for Solo String Quartet and String Orchestra. I spoke about how Georgia was reliable, how you could always count on her to give you the right cue and bring you in at the right time. I spoke about how there was a strength in her sound which gave you confidence to play your part with equal strength. I spoke about how she sometimes smiled when she played to reassure you that your parts were fitting together correctly. And I spoke about how if she played an out of tune note here or there, she wasn't bothered by it and just moved on. I spoke about how these lessons have given me strength as a musician, a person, a mother, and a friend.
And I woke up with the image in my mind of Georgia sitting across the quartet from me, and the sounds of the Elgar in my ears.
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