Remembering a lovely young woman!

Yesterday was the first anniversary of the tragic death of my lovely niece Robynn, daughter of my brother Richard and his wife Julie.  Robynn was truly a light in the eyes of those who loved her, and her death in a horrific car accident shocked and saddened our family.  She had been married for a year and a half to Aaron De Namur, and they had a 5 month old son Lenox.  A year later, it still seems somewhat unreal.  When you don't live near a person, and didn't seem them on a daily basis, it is sometimes harder to realize they are gone.  Her family, however, has daily dealt with the loss, and it has been a difficult year for all of them.

 

But time does inexorably move forward, and we learn to live with the new normal.  We were with Richard and Julie last month, and though they are still very sorrowful, they have moved forward.  We are grateful for that.

The greatest gift we can give to acknowledge a life is to live better.  I hope I am doing that!

We love you Robynn - and Richard and Julie!

A brief recap

As many of you know, our lovely niece Robynn was killed in a horrific car accident on November 3rd.  She was only 23 years old, had been married to the love of her life for just 18 months, and left behind her husband and 5 month old son.  Her  family was devastated, and we were all in shock at this sudden, sad turn of events.  

Her brother's wedding - to Phoebe's old roommate Missy - had been planned for November 7th.  It was to be a very small affair.  With the change in plans, the wedding went ahead as scheduled, but because so much family was in town for the funeral the next day, there were many more guests there than had been planned.

 

On a side note, Missy's mom was one of my classmates on the BYU Study Abroad Program in Grenoble, France in 1966.

 

Missy and Rich were married, and though the celebrating was subdued, it was nice to have a positive event to celebrate.

 

And it was great to see so much family.  There are lots of Claytons - and lots of them were there.

 

This photo shows Ryan, Aaron - Robynn's husband, Robert, and his new wife.  Aaron wanted the celebration to continue - he said Robynn would want it that way.  But it was bittersweet nonetheless.

Of course the obligatory shot of all of us with Mom was arranged.  It was indeed a blessing that we could all be there - we felt the love and strength that comes from a united family - and a united belief that Robynn was only just gone for awhile.

It has been over a week since all of this began, but I still find myself sorting through my thoughts.  There have been lots of posts on Facebook, lots of friends and family posting photos, memories, and thoughts.  But it is still difficult for me to "wrap my head around" the idea of the fragility of life.

I will do another post with photos from the funeral - lots of family and friends that we don't always see were there - so some aspects seemed almost "family reunionish" but it was hard to get away from the finality of it all.

In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with Aaron, Richard, Julie, and their family for peace and comfort for them.

A sad report

On Monday the 3rd, our sweet niece Robynn Clayton DeNamur was killed in a horrific traffic accident in Utah.  She had been married for less than two years and had a 5 month old baby.  She was alone in the car, and lived for a few hours after the accident.  This allowed her family to come to say good-bye - a gift for which they are all grateful.

She was as bright and sparkly as her photograph.  Eliza pointed out on her blog that her FB posts were always positive, upbeat, and cheerful.  She was full of life - and full of gratitude for the wonderful happy life she had.  In this month of thanksgiving, we can take a page from her life and decide to see the best in everything and everyone.

 

Robynn is the daughter of my brother Richard and his wife Julie.  Many years ago, when we lived in Centerville, Utah, Julie and I were assistant librarians in the ward.  When my brother got home from his mission, I set them up.  It's the first and last time I successfully set someone up, but I am grateful for that one success!

At this happy, holiday time of year, it is sobering to realize that everything can change in a heartbeat.  Please keep the family in your prayers - I do not have a photo of her husband, and I only met him once, but he is devoted father and husband and he will need your prayers of comfort also.

Much to contemplate here - especially the comfort we have in knowing that there is a plan of happiness.   Ultimately the only comfort that is truly meaningful.