A Celebration of Life

My dad is my Hero. He always will be.

Growing up he was a great example to me of what a good husband and father looks like. From daddy daughter dates, to holding family prayer and scripture study in the home, to attending all of my sporting and dancing activities.

3 years ago, my once active dad found out some devastating news. He had been diagnosed with ALS, or "Lou Gehrig" disease. ALS would eventually affect all voluntary muscle groups including his ability to breathe on his own. Thankfully ALS does not affect the senses, bowel function and his ability to think or reason. For the last few years, it has been hard for us to sit back and watch his strong body, get weak. The small limp in his right leg, progressed through his body and other muscles weakened, until he needed a lift to get him into bed and into his motorized wheelchair.
His love was his family, he loved his grandchildren. Throughout this diagnosis and his new life, he never lost sight of who he was, the Lord was so active in his life, and often blessed him with treasured moments. He was so positive, he accepted this trial, and still found joy in the journey. He felt an urgency in his life, so he spent his days with his family, his grandchildren, traveling with his childhood sweetheart, my mother, doing family history, attending institute classes, doing missionary work, and spending time in the temple. This year has been quite rough on him, after 2 boughts of pneumonia, a collapsed lung, and respiratory distress, his lungs were weak with minimal hope of recovery. His last 2 weeks of life he was in the hospital, until he asked to go home.

My dad was being called on a mission. He wanted to go home, his heavenly home. Our family flew out and met them at home, and spent his last hours and days by his side. We are grateful to have had the chance to be with him, to talk to him, and express our love. Although his body was ravaged by this awful disease his mind was still bright. He knew exactly what was happening. He was at peace. It was a peaceful passing.

The service was a beautiful celebration of his life. My mother and us girls spoke along with his best friends. He had the service program planned.
I know he is gone from this life, but he will always be with me.
I know he is happy, his beautiful spirit is no longer confined to his imperfect body.

Us girls after a long day. After the service, and burial, and luncheon.
It was back to the house to relax.

Our little family.

Jude giving his little sister a nice hug.

The following pictures were on display at the church during the viewing and service,

to celebrate my father and his life.

This one is my favorites. It shows my mom and dad's relationship in high school, with their school dance pictures, and his love letters he wrote in her yearbook.

I love you Daddy.
PS- Happy Birthday today!