Our beloved Becky - Wife, Mother, Daughter, Granddaughter, Cousin, Teacher, Coach, Counselor, Mentor, FRIEND.
These are just some of the many hats that she wore. We are all here today to honor this beautiful woman that in some way has touched our soul and imprinted our hearts.
Although it brings grief to those left behind, death is part of "the merciful plan of the great creator", it is a "mechanism of rescue" and "essential step in the lords great plan of happiness".
Good afternoon, for those of you that don't know me, I have been a classmate, teammate, and friend of Becky's since 7th grade. Together we have laughed, cried, fought, forgiven, shared, learned, coached and socialized. Becky is truly a beautiful woman inside and out, that I will forever hold close to my heart.
I had to laugh, I asked her dear friend and assistant coach for many years, Lynn Sawyer if she could write a few words. She expressed almost exactly the same words I just read. I would like to add and I quote "We may go days or even weeks without speaking but I would always trust Becky to pick up right where we left off. She amazed me how much she influenced her players, her co-workers, her friends, her family, even strangers with her smile and confidence".
I noticed on Becky's facebook page she listed her favorite quote as "Don't cry because its over, smile because it happened".
I believe this is how she would like for us to feel about her on this day. This day we are gathered to celebrate her life. A life that was truly lived to the fullest. We mourn her loss partially because of her age. As a society we view her life as one that "cut short" and not fulfilling. I believe all too often people are "waiting" for life to begin. Waiting for more money, kids to grow up, job opportunities, etc. However, those of us gathered here today know that it is just the opposite. Becky was full of life and spent many years, days and hours dedicating herself to the community and her family.
Some of the beautiful tributes I have seen this week include:
*Thanks for believing in me when no one else did
*I am where I am today because of you
*You helped me through difficult times
*You taught me to push harder and dig deeper
I believe that one of her greatest passions other than her family, was coaching. there are many young ladies that had the opportunity to play ball for her. She coached High School, Jr. High School, Little League, Travel ball and was getting ready to take over the swim team.
Becky was an outstanding athlete in high school. She played Volleyball, Basketball and Softball. Becky was part of State Championship teams in both Basketball, where she played for Petro, and Softball. Lynn Sawyer, who coached with Becky for many years and I were teammates with her in High School. We had the pleasure of playing with her in 1988 when we gave WHS it's first State Championship in Softball.
Twenty Two years later in 2010, Becky and Lynn led WHS Softball to State and captured the State Championship Title. Again, I got to be a part of this amazing moment and celebration as my daughter was a part of that team. It was another defining moment in our friendship.
Through coaching she has helped numerous young ladies. She was not just a coach but a mentor, counselor and friend. She pushed the girls to dig deeper and push harder. She helped develop character, through hard work, determination, setting goals, teamwork, passion, respect, love, kindness, self esteem, support, communication and dedication. She let by example and gave 100%. Many of those girls have gone on to play college ball and have successful careers.
On Monday morning there was a flock of Geese on the softball field. It was suggested that one look up the symbolism of a goose, the following is that information:
The animal symbolism of the goose hasn't got it's full honor. Too often in myth and lore we see the goose representing silly attitudes or lazy dispositions. On the contrary, the symbolism of the goose is quite inspiring. When we consider the goose never leaves one of it's own kind behind, we begin to see the goose in a different light. Just like the US Marines "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful) is the motto of the goose too. Geese annually migrate to warmer climates during the winter. Should a goose become injured during this trek, another goose will leave the migrating flock to stay with it's fallen comrade. The goose will stay with the injured until he has recovered or until it's final breath. Indeed this kind of Valor puts the symbolism of the goose in a far different light. Here are some attributes of the goose:
*Communication
*Determination
*Fellowship
*Teamwork
*Confidence
*Protection
*Bravery
*Loyalty
I believe these all represent Becky as well.
Becky's other passion was her family. Commonly known as "The B Family". Bill, Becky, Briana, Bryce and Brynlee. Although coaching took many hours away from her family her children were the light of her life. She was so proud of each of them and their many accomplishments. Each one continually striving for and reaching academic excellence in their classes. Talented, smart, funny and dedicated.
I had the opportunity to coach with Becky last summer in Little League. My youngest daughter was now a part of Becky's coaching. It was a great season. Becky had just recently teamed up with Chip and created a travel team. She was excited to be able to again coach her daughter Brynlee as well as Lin and Chips girls. There is a new generation of young ladies that are going to miss Becky and miss out on getting to know an incredible woman.
President Thomas S. Monson has this to say regarding death "my brothers and sisters, death eventually comes to all mankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. It's summons are heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life's journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children. Death is one fact that no one can escape nor deny".
Frequently death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life's feast, putting out it's lights and gaiety. Death lays it's heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness death comes as and angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness.
The darkness of death can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth. "I am the resurrection, and the life" spoke the master "he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosever liveth and believeth in me shall never die".
This reassurance - YES, even confirmation of life beyond the grave could will provide the peace promised by the savior when he assured his disciples; "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid"
Out of the darkness and horror of Calvary came the voice of the lamb saying " Father, into thy hands I command my spirit" and the dark was no longer dark, for he was with his father. He had come from God, and to him he had returned. So also those who walk with God in this earthly pilgrimage know from blessed experience that he will not abandon his children who trust in him. In the night of death, his presence will be "better than light and safer than a known way".
I'm coming home, I'm coming home
Tell the world I'm coming home
Let the rain wash away
All the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits
And they've forgiven my mistakes
I'm coming home, I'm coming home
Tell the world I'm coming
Well Becky, I know your home, and I know that as soon as you crossed that veil between heaven and earth that God indeed greeted you at home plate, wrapped his arms around and said "Well done my good and faithful servant, well done: you can play on my team anytime".
I say these things humbly in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN
Kristi Tausinga <3 font="">
