Along the path...

My friend's husband passed away this week. It's strange. He was only 46. Complications of a heart attack. Jeanette is a widow. Much too young for either of them. He was supportive and kind. A gentle giant with an eye for photography, a quick smile, and an easy laugh. He will be greatly missed. I am greatful to know that death is not forever. I couldn't find his obituary online, but have copied what a friend forwarded me below and the link to an article about his passing:  the lacross head coach at Lone Peak High School . Randy Stout (1965-2011) Randall Alan Stout (Randy) passed away suddenly on April 12, 2011 in Provo, Utah, after a severe heart attack. He was surrounded by family and friends. Randy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on May 14, 1965, fourth child to Lois and Monte Stout. As the youngest child, he was adored and tormented in equal measure by his three older siblings, Mark, Lisa (Brodie), and Conrad. He quickly became a promising athlete just to ...

A friend called recently to let me know that someone she cared about deeply had passed on. It was something that their family had been waiting for this week--that release from this mortal coil. And it was a blessing. It left me thinking (dangerous, I know), do the people I love and care about know how much they mean to me? Hopefully you do already know, but I plan to multiply my efforts to be more thoughtful and show that I care. Maybe I'll start with extra doggie treats for Cambridge right now. Thanks for stopping by my humble blog. Love you!

On Thursday morning, my dad called to tell me that my uncle had passed away. He had been struggling with leukemia and his funeral is today. Eighty still seems too young. Wenzle is my dad's oldest brother, a kind man with an easy smile. He and Aunt Millie returned to Utah a few years ago from Connecticut and have been living near the ranch. Such a good man. We'll miss you! (There were a few typos in the online obituary that I corrected in the version below.) Wenzle D. Morrill 1929 ~ 2009 Wenzle D. Morrill , age 80, passed away November 5th, 2009 at the Dixie Regional Medical Center. He was born April 4, 1929 to Dellos and Pearl Covington Morrill in Salina, UT. Wenzle spent his early years in Grover, Wayne County. He moved to Pleasant Grove in 1940 and attended Pleasant Grove High School. He enlisted with the US Army and was stationed in Govener's Island, N.Y. He resided in Staten Island for four years. Wenzle married Mildred on January 20, 1949 in Winsted, Connecticut. The...

I think if you were to look up kindness, compassion, happiness and sunshine in the dictionary that you would find Angela Rogers.

Oliver, I remember how small you were. How you whined and cried when you were left alone in your box/kennel while you were being house trained. I remember how you took to Cambridge, wanting to be with him everywhere. I remember sitting with the two of you, having structured together time; Cambridge was not fond of the new puppy and needed encouragement for patience, lessons on sharing, and reminders not to nip at the puppy. You hated going somewhere Cambridge did not go and wanted to go everywhere he did. You were always eager to love, ready for a pat on the head, playtime, offering a lick to the hand, even when I didn't put my best foot forward. Even when I scolded. What a small fluff you were. Loyal and anxious and mischievous. Wanting to climb into laps. Wanting more food, more time, more love. Always thinking you were still a puppy. Wanting to be the center of everything. Stealing toys just to steal them. Camping trips with you and Cambridge in the tent with me because I was wo...

While retagging a few posts, I thought I ought to include a missing entry. In October, I debated about posting Uncle Ken's passing. Now I wish I would have. Chronology. Memory. He is an important link in our family chain. Uncle Ken (on my dad's side of the family) passed away in October. I clarify, because my mom has a brother Ken who is married to a Karen and my dad has a sister Karon who is married to a Ken. Not the same Kare/ons and not the same Kens. He had been sick before he passed away. That release was likely a blessing for him, but leaves a hole in the lives of those left behind. I still remember hearing about how his great-granddaughter missed her grandpa and how she was so sad he wouldn't be able to watch the Price is Right with her anymore. Ken Beckstrom was also an uncle to Jared Beckstrom who passed away unexpectedly in January from pneumonia. Ken and LeGrande Beckstrom married my aunts: Karon and Colleen, respectively. More information is available online .

Early yesterday morning, Rod Davenport passed away unexpectedly in his sleep. Here he is with his daughter at her wedding. Uncle Rod is married to my dad's youngest sister. We went to Southern Utah for his graveside service and burial. Aunt Venetta is holding up well and so strong. There were about 100 or so of us that were able to attend. His obituary can be found here .

On Saturday, a cousin passed away. His death was fairly sudden and unexpected. Life is so short sometimes. Yesterday was Jared Beckstrom 's funeral. He would have been 33 this April. I remember him quiet and kind from family reunions. I am glad to know that this life is only temporary and that separations are not permanent. We mourn his void. Jared will be missed . Parents should not have to bury children. Brent and Debbie, you are in my thoughts and prayers. (As they are with Jeff, Jamie, Justin, Jana, and your families.) May your hearts be comforted with your memories of Jared and your knowledge of the Gospel. May this separation seem like a blink of the eye.

This afternoon my mom's oldest sister passed away. It seems so strange to know that she is gone. Her spirit lives on and she is relieved of the illnesses her body had held. Shelly (her youngest daughter who is about eight or so years older than me) and I were talking about what a wonderful reunion she must be having with her parents and Stan (Shelly's first husband). We sorrow at her passing and for those left behind, especially Uncle Barth. He was the picture of shock and grief tonight. I am glad that all of her children were able to spend some time with her before she left. Later, mom reminised about memories she had of her sister while she was growing up. Dalene was nearly 10 when my mom was born. Most of her memories began with a teenaged Dalene. One memory happened when my mom was eight, while her mom was at a Relief Society meeting and Dalene was in charge. Gayla wanted to go roller skating, but Dalene told her she couldn't go. Gayla and her friends went roller skatin...