Life is a game of sorts. In my moms game, she has played with all her heart. She has had so many cheerleaders that cheered along the way. She has had tremendous coaches to give her the plays necessary to play the game. Her fans have been here cheering for their favorite team. But…with heavy hearts, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.
The results of the biopsy are in and the cancer is winning.
With this news, we are going home, getting some rest, watching the sunset and leaving the rest of this game of life in the hands of the Lord.
No one ever knows how the game of life will turn out, I guess all we can do is play the best we can and see what happens. My mom is a fighter, she has fought this horrible disease with dignity, grace and determination. She has played the best game of her life.
Love,
Liza, Amanda, Jennifer and Matt
My heart is breaking for your family. I just don't even know what to say. I know it has been years since I have seen Irene (though she will always be IVB to me) but I still have memories of all of us over at your house, your parents in the kitchen and gummy bears hidden in the piano bench. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you guys. Brandy and I love you.
ReplyDeleteHi Gary and Family,
ReplyDeleteOur prayers and thoughts are with you and Irene.
God Bless You!
Ron & Peggy Fugere
I just spoke with Amanda and my heart is upset. I moved here 22 months ago and was assigned as your visiting teacher with Janice. One of the first things you said to me was "tell me about you, I want to know you." We all have stories and you wanted to know mine when I was feeling to along and displaced. I knew you would always be my friend. The soul of a woman is remarkable and yours is full of grace and dignity. Cancer can do a lot but it can not take away who we are, the memories we've planted or our Faith in the Lord's plan. You crossed my path and left a remarkable imprint. I cherish our times together, and I love you Irene. Karen Black
ReplyDeleteWords are so difficult - our hearts are heavy. We keep looking out our back window at the home we watched the Barrus family raised in. Doesn't seem that long ago the neighborhood kids played in our respective back yards. Seems like Amanda was a new little Beehive not too long ago. Gary was the most amazing bishop and helped our family through some difficult times. I remember the annual golf tournaments in St. George when I was afraid to play with Irene because I heard how good she was (I was terrible) ! She was so kind and fun to be with that I wondered why I worried:) I remember Gary saying, about her golf game, that she had moments of greatness. He was right - in lots of ways besides golf! The memories make us happy. We can't begin to help with the pain you are experiencing right now as a family, but we know the Savior understands completely, and that He has the power to ease your suffering. We are so grateful for that power and for the strength we feel from the unity of your family. May God bless you and your wonderful Mom and Dad. We will continue to pray for you all.
ReplyDeleteLove, Mike and Marty Smith
Dear Barrus Family,
ReplyDeleteI just learned of Irene's battle today and my heart sank. Your posts here are so touching--your faith, your memories, your hope, the strength you have found... I wish you peace. I hope you feel the love and comfort generated by all of those who are praying for your family. I hope too, that you continue to have the assurance that it is God's plan and we are all in his hands. All will be well.
Love,
Anneliese
Reni, Gary, and
ReplyDeleteFamily:
Rocky and I read your last blog entry late Friday night, and have been SO very, very sad all weekend.
Colossians 1:9 " For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."
You have our love and support.
Love, Virginia & Rocky
I am heartbroken that your mom is going through this. We will pray for all of you. Your blog posts were so full of love for your family and a sweet testimony of how important those relationships are. Lots of love and prayers, Shannon Snarr Spilker
ReplyDeletePlease let you sweet Mom know how much I love her. My thoughts and prayers have been with her since I first heard about her cancer. My daughter Heather cried all night and wished we could turn back the clock to years ago when everything felt safe. Wherever Irene goes on her journey it will be an amazing one I'm sure. I hope and pray she defies all odds. I just wanted her to know how much I have always loved and admired her. Let her know she is an Inspiration to me and many others.. xo Judy
ReplyDeleteIt’s said the true measure of one’s love is not how much we love but by how much we are loved. By this standard Irene’s love is immeasurable. We are saddened by the recent news but celebrate a life lived abundantly in love. Love in Christ. Don and Laura Koller.
ReplyDeleteThe Righteous have the assurance that the Lord is in charge of our 'arrivals' AND 'departures' from this Life. Your MOM is a righteous woman, and hopefully that knowledge is helping to lessen some of your family's earthly trauma.
ReplyDeleteThat knowledge was a saving grace for ME some 24 years ago when one quick phone call informed me that MY MOM had passed away in a car accident..... No warning, no preparation, no goodbyes..... and nothing to soften the sudden blow - except for the Spirit which was there instantly!
We LOVE your family and are here to support in any way we can (including continual prayers).
CHRISTENA & BILL (& Family)
Irene is one of our Sisters & we love her dearly! She is a precious gift to all who have the privilege of knowing her. Our hearts are broken that she, Gary & the whole Barrus family are having to experience this trial! We are praying for you all and for time...more treasured time...with those she loves the most...her sweet family! Will you please give Irene a kiss & hug from me?
ReplyDeleteHugs & Prayers & So Much Love,
Esther Cahoon
Gary and Irene,
ReplyDeleteWe both just want you to know that we love you both with all our hearts. You have both been such amazing friends and neighbors as well as two wonderful people that we have cherished in our life. At this time we hope you feel the love that we send to you each and every minute we think about you. Our prayers are with you as we hope this difficult time will find you with peace in your heart and know and feel the great love that surrounds you. Irene, I have fond memories of greeting you on a Sunday morning after a great Utah win over the team down south. The joy on both of our faces will last forever. You are loved by so many. Thank you so much for sharing your golden heart with us. All our love, Jeff and Kathy Sidwell
I have also been following this blog. My family has been fasting and praying for all of you. I have attended the Idaho Falls temple regularly and put your sweet Mom's name on the prayer roll. I truly love your family and your amazing parents. They have always been a part of my life and great examples. We will continue to pray for all of you. I was listening to this on the Mormon Channel today and thought of all of you. Maybe it could help in some way: http://www.mormonchannel.org/enduring-it-well/lessons-learned-in-life
ReplyDeleteSending my love and prayers, Angela Jordan Maddock
I cannot express to you the sorrow I feel in my heart at this time. I pray that your family will be watched over and comforted during this hard journey you are facing. Please send your Mom and Dad all my love. Your families will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteMissy (Smith) Bryner
Gary and Irene,
ReplyDeletePlease know that we are praying with all our hearts. We love you both so much. You are both such examples of goodness, kindness, and your testimonies of truth and love have strengthened us. We cherish your friendship. Sending you love, hope and positive thoughts and energy--and many many prayers. Love to you both and your wonderful family, Debbie and Alan Call
You're all in our family's thoughts and prayers. Still remember Irene as my awesome cub scout leader, and what great neighbors the Barruses are! All our love,
ReplyDeleteScott and Amy Robinson
Gary, Irene & family,
ReplyDeleteWe spend most of our lives planning ahead, then gentle we are reminded we are leaving footprints. Your family footprint is joyful, imaginative, encouraging, patient, willing, endearing on so many levels. We were blessed to have shared and crossed paths with the Barrus footprints. For that we are eternally changed & grateful.
Blessings
Dick, JoAnn Frost
Dust & Ashley England
Jeff & Alexis Sproul
Marcy & Ramie Memmott