Saturday, May 9, 2009

Dad


A week ago last Thursday my dad died. He was driving on I-15 southbound near the 33rd south exit. He had a heart attack, and in all that pain was still worried about the people around him and had enough sense during a heart attack and strength to pull the car off the freeway during rush hour without hitting anybody.
What a hero! In my mind at least that is what he is.
At his funeral, I talked about how there are certain people in everyone's life probably, that you think won't ever really die. There is so much I have learned about my dad, since this all happened. I was completely dreading the viewing especially. I never really was able to grasp the concept of a viewing. I thought it was a pretty morbid tradition. After we held one for my dad though my heart overfilled with gratitude for that tradition.
It was scheduled to last from 6-8pm Monday night and we were there until 10pm. The line was so long, and everyone that came through shared their stories and memories they had of my dad. I am SO proud of him. Of who he is and all the people he helped. I walked away from the viewing that night feeling like a knew him a little better. Most of the service he did for people he never talked about. He wasn't that kind of person. What a great man.
I wondered, when I lost someone close to me if I would ever question the gospel, and the things I believe in. I thought it might, but it honestly hasn't. I feel like he is still around for sure, I just can't see him. And don't get me wrong because I would LOVE to see him. -I am just really thankful that this isn't the end. That there will be a day when I get to hug him and tell him I love him and I will get to see him again. I am so grateful to the Savior for making that possible. I can't think of a greater gift.
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3 comments:

  1. The JensensMay 10, 2009 at 8:52 PM

    What a good picture of your parents. That was a special tribute to your father and yes I thought he was a great man.
    Francene

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  2. Clark CaptionsMay 20, 2009 at 3:03 PM

    That is an amazing tribute to your dad Stephenie! Please know that our thoughts are with you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AmyJune 4, 2009 at 1:21 PM

    Stephanie and family... My heart goes out to you all, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. May your hearts be filled with Peace and Love. Take care of eachother. My sincere condolences to you all! ~Amy

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Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920

About Me

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Mother of the 2 best kids in the ENTIRE universe. They wear me out of coarse, because they take after Aaron. :) We like the outdoors- ok, mostly Aaron and the kids like the outdoors, I just tag along. We all like vacations and playing. Aaron is just as hard a worker as he is a player and I am so grateful for both. I know it sounds cheesy but life is better than I ever imagined.