Obituary of Sandra C. Harrington

Sandra C. Harrington, 54, a resident of Ethel for 15 years, passed away on Thursday September 22, 2005.She is survived by her husband, Phillip L. Harrington; sons, Steven P. Harrington, Vincent D. Harrington and Kevin M. Harrington; daughters, Carol Paul, Donna Belden, Cris Patten, Michelle Bretzel, Ann East, Sheila Benson and Tracy Dane; brother, Vincent Kelley; foster sisters, Debbie and Evie; foster brother, Jimmy; father, George Kelley; foster parents, Jim & Reba Wilson; 27 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Memorial donations may be made to Phillip L. Harrington, 2086 US Highway 12, Ethel, Washington, 98542. A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2005 at Faith Temple, 519 W. Cherry, Centralia. - - - - - - - - - - I feel time slipping away; Days are shorter as is our time here on earth. I am not scared for I know we will always be together, even in heaven. We have shared so much happiness, our children, yours, mine and ours. And God only knows we have endured some pretty rough spots but like troopers, we’ve always come out on top. Sandra C. Harrington Dearest Wife, Loving Mother, Friend to all. Sandra was born December 28, 1950 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. At a very young age Sandra and her brother Vincent set off traveling around the United States with their father George Kelley. She later settled down with a very loving foster family. Sandra left home and married at a very young age. Searching for the love of her life, she found Phillip L. Harrington in the early part 1971. She brought a son to Phil – Vincent Dean. Phil offered her his family, a son and six daughters. She accepted his love and his family as her own. Together they were a happy family. Together they brought another son Kevin to the family and all was good and right. Phillip and Sandra were together from the day they met until the day she left us. Together they raised six girls and three boys. Their sons’ names in order of age: Steven Harrington, Vincent Harrington, and Kevin Harrington. Their daughters’ names in order of age: Carol Ann Paul, Donna Belldon, Christine Patten, Michelle Bretzel, Sheila Benson, and Tracy Dane. Late in the mid 1990’s it was discovered the Phil had fathered a child he never knew about. Sandra received a call from our sister Ann stating that she was looking for her biological Father. Ann was welcomed into our family, ultimately accepting our mother and father as her own, and began her life with nine siblings that she never knew she had. For several years Sandra, with kids in tow, made sure the man she loved had his family with him while he was operating a crane on various construction projects across the U.S. After moving around the United States, Dad and Mom eventually settled down 15 years ago in Ethel, Washington. With her children and families of their own, Mom and Dad retired together in a house and a community they grew to love very much. Phil and Sandra spent 15 wonderful years together building their dream home. At the young age of 54, our Mother left us unexpectedly on September 22, 2005. She awaits us in Heaven and is going to be missed by all very much. Rest in Peace Mother – We Love You … It is very rare to meet someone who loves with all their heart. But you welcomed those into your life and loved them from the start. The comfort you’ve provided us with your laughter, your smile, your touch. To you it came so natural, but to us it meant so much. The memories you’ve instilled in us will never go away. For in our hearts, we’ll carry you with us every passing day. Pamela L. Harrington Mother, Sweet, Sweet Mother The time we shared was 31 years. We had each other thru good times and bad times. Loss of family and tears. You were always there for me even in the darkest of days. You wouldn’t let me go to drugs or evil ways. My scariest of fears I lived out in a very dark reality. But even at my worst when I almost gave up on my life of addiction, I would somehow see a shining light pulling me back. Alight so strong there was just no other way. I had to come back… You would fix me and I would break again. You never, ever, gave up on me mother. I would ask you what it is you see in me… I would tell you to leave me alone… let me be… let me live my life… you go on and live yours. You would say to me, No Son. You may think there is no way out of this despair and you would tell me to hold onto what I grew up believing in and someday you will see light at the end of your darkness. You would say… That light is me Son… You would say when you’re out there and you’re tired or scared and you want to come home and rest or you are ready to try a good life again… All you have to do is call my name… I’ll never be far away. The light will always be on and your father and I will always be here for you and love you. You always would end that conversation we had so many times with… “Always Remember I love Son and I will never give up on you… no matter what…” You always told me you would stay alive for 150 years if that’s how long it took for me to decide to come back from my journey to the dark. You said that you would never rest until I was happy and then once you were sure I was happy and stable here on earth, you could leave here and go to heaven knowing that you’re leaving a boy who is now a man living the way he was most happy with. You just wanted Good for me and happiness in my life. Well, you can rest in peace… Beautiful Woman… It was a long hard journey from the start, a recreation with friends… the end of that long painful journey was ultimately prison. I can’t take back the pain and tears and wasted years… I can’t bring you back. Your souls vessel is gone forever from my sight and touch… But Mother I give you to the higher power of our souls with a promise and a thank you. I promise you Mother I am the man you raised from a boy… I will never go back to the life that hurt us all so much. And I Thank – You… My Mother from the bottom of my heart for loving me and our family with unconditional love you showed us the whole time we were together… here on this rock… If it weren’t for you… keeping the light on in your heart for me all these years, I don’t know where I would be today. Mom when you left us, you left me and knew me as the happiest man I have ever been and you can rest in peace. With your soul knowing the last darkness my life will ever see, was brightened forever with your love and persistence. You got to know my family for the last four months. I know your soul is at peace and you approve. I am so glad my family got the privilege of meeting the most wonderful woman on this earth. We all love you very much. May your soul find love and peace wherever you travel. I’ll see you when I’m done here. Please, keep the light on for me. P.S. Don’t worry about Dad. We will take good care of him. Hey beautiful, I sure am going to miss walking in the house in the morning and giving you a hug and kiss. I’m going to miss twirling your hair all the time too. But I know you’re not in pain anymore so that makes me feel a little better. I know we didn’t have much time together, but in the short time that we did have, we grew so close together. I felt comfortable talking to you about everything, and anything. No matter what I’d tell you, you’d always have faith in me that I was being good. Thank You. It hurts every time I get up in the morning and you’re not here or when I get home from school and you’re not there waiting to ask me how my day was. I am going to miss you so much, but I’m never going to say good-bye to you. You will always be here in this house and in my heart forever and always. I will always love you with all my heart. Love always, Niki I Am Home As I lie dreaming, I was awakened by a voice that called out to me. I awoke to find I was in a meadow surrounded by beautiful wild flowers and majestic mountains. I felt the warm glow of golden sunlight on my face. A figure in a white robe approached me from out of the golden light; he reached out to me with his hand and said to me in the softest, gentlest voice, Don't be afraid my child, take my hand and I will show you the way. He gently took my hand in his and led me along a golden pathway through the meadow. We passed through magnificent pearl and golden gates, as we entered into the other side we were greeted by Angels singing beautifully. There were singing birds and peaceful flowing streams and meadows where children and nature played together. Familiar voices called to me. I turned to relatives and friends whom I have not seen in years awaiting to greet and welcome me with open arms. I looked around at this beautiful and magical place, filled with peace, love and joy. I know this wonderful, beautiful place. I know where I am. I am Home.