Ramblings....

I went to a funeral last Friday. A very hard funeral. Our 35-year old nephew died of cancer September 27th. He left behind his wife, an 11-year old daughter and a 7-year old autistic son.
I can't tell you how happy it makes me that this family has a testimony of the gospel and an understanding of the plan of happiness. They KNOW they will see each other again. That's the happy part. The sad part is that he was just too young! It was mentioned several times over the passed week that there must be something big going on on the other side because it seems like Heavenly Father is taking a lot of faithful young fathers away from their families right now.

The funeral was very good. The life sketch shared by his sister was great, the memories shared by his friends were touching, the song sung by his father and other sister was amazing to say the least! And seeing all his nieces and nephews up there singing Families Can Be Together Forever was especially touching.

During the funeral, we were honored to have his son, Bryce, sit with us. Bryce did such a good job! He had a little nap, then recited his a-b-c s. When he got to “I-Iguana” we figured it was time to take him out for a drink and a little walk. He came back and did really good for the remainder of the service. After the closing prayer, he very loudly said, “"AMEN!—What an imagination!" Bryce cracks us up. The innocence of children is so adorable! We have another young nephew that was there. I’m convinced he watches way too many old western movies with his dad though! During the viewing, his dad took him up to the casket to see Uncle Wade. When they returned to their seats, this little cowboy asked his dad “Who shot him?” I guess to a little cowboy like him the only way you can die is if the bad guy shoots you. His dad lovingly explained to him about cancer and that Uncle Wade got very sick and that was how he died. His dad did a great job explaining it all to him.

Sitting there listening to the memories shared by Wade’s family and friends and their stories and love for him during his very short life my thoughts wandered to my own family. I wonder if they really know how much I love them. It always seems to be easier to say unkind things to one another than it is to give a compliment, offer support, or tell them you love them. And that is really sad to me.

So… I want to tell you all, even those of you who don't like me much, that I love you. If I died tomorrow, I would want all of you to know that I love each of you! I'm sorry if I am not the person you think I should be, but I am who I am and I am happy being me. So, I want you each to know that I love you, I’ve always loved you and I will continue to love you. Life’s to short not to.

I’ve been stopping by our niece’s house after work most nights. There is nothing to say or do really, just checking in on her and letting her know we are here if she needs anything and hugging on the kids. Words don’t always ease the pain or loneliness and most times it’s hard to know what to say or do. Sometimes, we just sit. There are moments of quiet and stories and memories, and life lessons are remembered. It’s always hard to leave, I just want to gather them up and bring them home with me. But, she will move on and begin to figure out the ‘new’ normal for her and the kids and they will be fine. After all, they have the best guardian angel watching over them!!