...I'm off to McDonald's to enjoy a birthday lunch for you! :)
I love you!
Kipp
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!
Wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday Dad! I hope you have a wonderful day and get to share it with everyone that loves you!!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Flowers and Rainbows
Time goes so quickly I can't believe it's been a year, Dad! You're probably collecting something there even more sparkly than anything you could find in Idaho. Hope you can see us and know we are thinking about you today. Missing you a lot and don't forget to take time to smell your flowers. Hope you like them! Now send us a rainbow or something! I love you! Kipp
Remembering Papa Bob
I can't believe it has already been a year since Dad passed away. We had a full morning of remembering him by going to the canal where he took his last steps and breath. We then went and cleaned his grave and took some flowers out to it, thanks for the help with the flowers Kipp. I think we have also had our share of oreos and milk the last few days!! We love and miss you Dad and Papa Bob!!
Graduation Anniversary
Just thinking of you today Dad, on the anniversary of your "graduation" day. Hope you are well and happy. Here are some pictures of your flowers...They are beautiful! Love you!
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Call ~ No Need to Say Goodbye
I posted the following blog on my family blog back in February, and I feel so strongly about it that I wanted to post it on Dad's blog so that we might all continue to remember his angelic influence in our lives...as we approach the 1 year anniversary of his passing.
The beginning of October 2008, I heard a talk from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland that really impressed me at the time. He spoke of how God knew the challenges we would face and how lonely and troubled we would sometimes feel while in this mortal life. He then mentioned that "from the beginning down through the dispensations, God has used angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children...usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times."
He also shared a story about his friend Clyn D. Barrus.
Referring to his childhood on a large Idaho farm, Brother Barrus spoke of his nightly assignment to round up the cows at milking time. Because the cows pastured in a field bordered by the occasionally treacherous Teton River, the strict rule in the Barrus household was that during the spring flood season the children were never to go after any cows who ventured across the river. They were always to return home and seek mature help. One Saturday just after his seventh birthday, Brother Barrus's parents promised the family a night at the movies if the chores were done on time. But when young Clyn arrived at the pasture, the cows he sought had crossed the river, even though it was running at high flood stage. Knowing his rare night at the movies was in jeopardy, he decided to go after the cows himself, even though he had been warned many times never to do so. As the seven-year-old urged his old horse, Banner, down into the cold, swift stream, the horse's head barely cleared the water. An adult sitting on the horse would have been safe, but at Brother Barrus's tender age, the current completely covered him except when the horse lunged forward several times, bringing Clyn's head above water just enough to gasp for air. Here he turns to Brother Barrus's own words. "When Banner finally climbed the other bank, I realized that my life had been in grave danger and that I had done a terrible thing--I had knowingly disobeyed my father. I felt that I could redeem myself only by bringing the cows home safely. Maybe then my father would forgive me. But it was already dusk, and I didn't know for sure where I was. Despair overwhelmed me. I was wet and cold, lost and afraid. I climbed down from old Banner, fell to the ground by his feet, and began to cry. Between thick sobs, I tried to offer a prayer, repeating over and over to my Father in Heaven, 'I'm sorry. Forgive me! I'm sorry. Forgive me!' I prayed for a long time. When I finally looked up, I saw through my tears a figure dressed in white walking toward me. In the dark, I felt certain it must be an angel sent in answer to my prayers. I did not move or make a sound as the figure approached, so overwhelmed was I by what I saw. Would the Lord really send an angel to me, who had been so disobedient? Then a familiar voice said, 'Son, I've been looking for you.' In the darkness I recognized the voice of my father and ran to his outstretched arms. He held me tightly, then said gently, 'I was worried. I'm glad I found you.' I tried to tell him how sorry I was, but only disjointed words came out of my trembling lips--'Thank you...darkness...afraid...river...alone.' later that night I learned that when I had not returned from the pasture, my father had come looking for me. When neither I nor the cows were to be found, he knew I had crossed the river and was in danger. Because it was dark and time was of the essence, he removed his clothes down to his long white thermal underwear, tied his shoes around his neck, and swam a treacherous river to rescue a wayward son."
After listening to this talk, I felt a great love for my son Carter who was turning seven. I thought of the responsibility of a seven year old riding a horse to gather in the cattle. I felt grateful for the angels in our lives that watch out for and protect us. I also felt the great love between the father and the son as they embraced knowing prayers and faith were answered by God.
Exactly one week and a day after being impressed by this talk, I got a phone call that my dad had passed away due to a major heartattack. Today it has been four months to the day that I received this phone call. I have done a lot of thinking and listening in the past months.
The last time I saw my dad was August 11, 2008, which marked the 3 year anniversary of the death of Matt's brother Mason, my brother-in-law, killed in a head-on collision going to work. I don't think there is any meaning behind the date, just coincidence I suppose. But it has made me think a lot more about Mason. Also, January 9th, 2009, my sister-in-law's sister was in a car accident with all of her family. Two drunk young men ran into them and killed their two little boys ages 6 and 11 and caused serious damage to her and her husband's health. They had already lost their middle son due to premature labor, many years ago. All three of their children have been taken home to our God. So, this has also caused me to think about mortal life here on earth.
I watched Narnia - Prince Caspian, which really has nothing to do with this conversation at all, other than the song at the end which really caught my attention. I searched it out and have listened to the words over and over again. They have great meaning to me now.
I think about Elder Holland's talk about angels and how they are among us. I have reflected at the timing of his talk one week prior to my dad's death. This talk has helped me realize that my Dad, Mason and these boys are more alive than they ever have been. They see things more clearly than ever before and they are near us whenever we need them and probably more. The words to "The Call" help me realize that they are there when we call them. I have found much comfort in these thoughts and it helps me seek out quiet opportunities to listen and try to feel them near.
When things are hard and I start to feel despair in the tragedies that have happened in their lives, effecting each of our lives, I remember Elder Holland's following words and seek comfort in them. Elder Holland says, "I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He 'would fight our battles, our children's battles, and the battles of our children's children.' And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing. Then all things shall work together for our good, if we walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith we have covenanted.' The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants."
I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that gives me Hope. The ray of sunlight peeking through the darkness is the hope of Jesus Christ that I seek after, because nothing else can lift me up out of the darkness.
I just realized that the phone call I received of my dad's passing was like this song "The Call" there really is "no need to say goodbye." We will see them again. "See you Soon." Those are the words I last said to my dad as his casket closed. (Matt looked at me and asked why I said that...he has been freaked out ever since.)
I like the words to the Hymn "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again." Those words ring truth to me.
Love you Dad! Thanks for all the good memories.
Alice
The beginning of October 2008, I heard a talk from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland that really impressed me at the time. He spoke of how God knew the challenges we would face and how lonely and troubled we would sometimes feel while in this mortal life. He then mentioned that "from the beginning down through the dispensations, God has used angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children...usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times."
He also shared a story about his friend Clyn D. Barrus.
Referring to his childhood on a large Idaho farm, Brother Barrus spoke of his nightly assignment to round up the cows at milking time. Because the cows pastured in a field bordered by the occasionally treacherous Teton River, the strict rule in the Barrus household was that during the spring flood season the children were never to go after any cows who ventured across the river. They were always to return home and seek mature help. One Saturday just after his seventh birthday, Brother Barrus's parents promised the family a night at the movies if the chores were done on time. But when young Clyn arrived at the pasture, the cows he sought had crossed the river, even though it was running at high flood stage. Knowing his rare night at the movies was in jeopardy, he decided to go after the cows himself, even though he had been warned many times never to do so. As the seven-year-old urged his old horse, Banner, down into the cold, swift stream, the horse's head barely cleared the water. An adult sitting on the horse would have been safe, but at Brother Barrus's tender age, the current completely covered him except when the horse lunged forward several times, bringing Clyn's head above water just enough to gasp for air. Here he turns to Brother Barrus's own words. "When Banner finally climbed the other bank, I realized that my life had been in grave danger and that I had done a terrible thing--I had knowingly disobeyed my father. I felt that I could redeem myself only by bringing the cows home safely. Maybe then my father would forgive me. But it was already dusk, and I didn't know for sure where I was. Despair overwhelmed me. I was wet and cold, lost and afraid. I climbed down from old Banner, fell to the ground by his feet, and began to cry. Between thick sobs, I tried to offer a prayer, repeating over and over to my Father in Heaven, 'I'm sorry. Forgive me! I'm sorry. Forgive me!' I prayed for a long time. When I finally looked up, I saw through my tears a figure dressed in white walking toward me. In the dark, I felt certain it must be an angel sent in answer to my prayers. I did not move or make a sound as the figure approached, so overwhelmed was I by what I saw. Would the Lord really send an angel to me, who had been so disobedient? Then a familiar voice said, 'Son, I've been looking for you.' In the darkness I recognized the voice of my father and ran to his outstretched arms. He held me tightly, then said gently, 'I was worried. I'm glad I found you.' I tried to tell him how sorry I was, but only disjointed words came out of my trembling lips--'Thank you...darkness...afraid...river...alone.' later that night I learned that when I had not returned from the pasture, my father had come looking for me. When neither I nor the cows were to be found, he knew I had crossed the river and was in danger. Because it was dark and time was of the essence, he removed his clothes down to his long white thermal underwear, tied his shoes around his neck, and swam a treacherous river to rescue a wayward son."
After listening to this talk, I felt a great love for my son Carter who was turning seven. I thought of the responsibility of a seven year old riding a horse to gather in the cattle. I felt grateful for the angels in our lives that watch out for and protect us. I also felt the great love between the father and the son as they embraced knowing prayers and faith were answered by God.
Exactly one week and a day after being impressed by this talk, I got a phone call that my dad had passed away due to a major heartattack. Today it has been four months to the day that I received this phone call. I have done a lot of thinking and listening in the past months.
The last time I saw my dad was August 11, 2008, which marked the 3 year anniversary of the death of Matt's brother Mason, my brother-in-law, killed in a head-on collision going to work. I don't think there is any meaning behind the date, just coincidence I suppose. But it has made me think a lot more about Mason. Also, January 9th, 2009, my sister-in-law's sister was in a car accident with all of her family. Two drunk young men ran into them and killed their two little boys ages 6 and 11 and caused serious damage to her and her husband's health. They had already lost their middle son due to premature labor, many years ago. All three of their children have been taken home to our God. So, this has also caused me to think about mortal life here on earth.
I watched Narnia - Prince Caspian, which really has nothing to do with this conversation at all, other than the song at the end which really caught my attention. I searched it out and have listened to the words over and over again. They have great meaning to me now.
I think about Elder Holland's talk about angels and how they are among us. I have reflected at the timing of his talk one week prior to my dad's death. This talk has helped me realize that my Dad, Mason and these boys are more alive than they ever have been. They see things more clearly than ever before and they are near us whenever we need them and probably more. The words to "The Call" help me realize that they are there when we call them. I have found much comfort in these thoughts and it helps me seek out quiet opportunities to listen and try to feel them near.
When things are hard and I start to feel despair in the tragedies that have happened in their lives, effecting each of our lives, I remember Elder Holland's following words and seek comfort in them. Elder Holland says, "I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He 'would fight our battles, our children's battles, and the battles of our children's children.' And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing. Then all things shall work together for our good, if we walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith we have covenanted.' The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants."
I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that gives me Hope. The ray of sunlight peeking through the darkness is the hope of Jesus Christ that I seek after, because nothing else can lift me up out of the darkness.
I just realized that the phone call I received of my dad's passing was like this song "The Call" there really is "no need to say goodbye." We will see them again. "See you Soon." Those are the words I last said to my dad as his casket closed. (Matt looked at me and asked why I said that...he has been freaked out ever since.)
I like the words to the Hymn "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again." Those words ring truth to me.
Love you Dad! Thanks for all the good memories.
Alice
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Grand Canyon
I recently had a chance to go on a trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The trip was for ten days and covered over 225 miles of river from Lee's Ferry to Diamond Creek on the Hualapai Reservation. It was my second trip to go with the Hualapai Cultural Department down the river. I knew the Cultural Department was having a hard time filling the spots they had for the trip. I kept letting them know that I could find somebody to fill one of the seats so it wouldn't be wasted and I could definitely use the help with performing my job with them which was to shoot a documentary of the trip. I started inviting family members and close friends to see who might be available to go with me if I got the go ahead from the tribe at the last minute.
Numerous family members wished they could come, but like all of us had jobs, school, family, other responsibilities, etc. But, I wasn't going to give up and I continued to make calls, send out texts, and emails, trying to be prepared if I did get the thumbs up to bring someone along. I've been able to have some amazing experiences with my work over the last few years and sometimes feel sad that I can't share these with family. I really wanted someone in my family or extended family to share some of these experiences with me this time.
A few days go by and I did get the call late in the afternoon, a few hours before we were to meet up in Flagstaff at 7am. So there were more frantic calls and emails and finally I was able to get one of my brother in laws to go with me, Sam Henderson. I was glad to have someone related along for the adventure. Someone else who would be able to see and experience what I would be experiencing. I was happy for the help and for the opportunity he would have to see and experience some amazing things.
The trip started and not long after it got under way something really hit me. I realized that if Dad was alive, he would be on this trip with me. He would have dropped whatever he was doing, like so many other times in my life that he did, and come along for the fun, for the work, and for another memory. When these thoughts came I was a little emotional. I know he would have come with me. It would have been another great memory to have with my father one I would have cherished forever.
And as the trip went on, more thoughts came and went. Dad was with me on the trip, maybe not every second or every moment that happened along the way, but at certain times he was with me. I don't know exactly how things work on the other side of the vail, but I know he did experience some of the trip with me in one way or another.
There are days that go by that I honestly probably don't think of Dad much, days that are so busy and hard and hectic that it's all I can do to stay afloat. And there are other days where I want to call him, want to talk with him, want to see him, but I can't, or at least it seems that way. It's really hard at times, and at other times it's not so difficult.
I guess what I'm getting at is that just because he physically is out of our lives for the time being, it won't always be that way, and it doesn't have to be that way now. I hope we don't forget him. I hope we don't forget the strengths he had that can help move us to action, to be successful. I hope we don't forget some of his weakness as well to help us to want to be better, to realize how short life really is and what's really important along the journey. And most importantly I hope we don't forget how much he loved and still loves us.
He can be a part of our lives, today. I have just felt it numerous times along a cold river at the bottom of the big 'ol Grand Canyon.
Monday, June 22, 2009
SMAK Corner
Oh, how I hated the way that Dad was always naming everything! Matt reminded me the other day about SMAK Corner, and I had honestly forgot all about it. The memory brought a smile to my face because it annoyed me every time Dad brought it up.
The first time I went to hunting camp was when I returned home from my mission. Matt was in Idaho waiting for me and after we had spent a week in Twin Falls, we went to the hunting camp to see Dad. It was a busy time of year for him with hunts, so he wasn't able to come meet me at the airport. I know he was disappointed. Anyway, when we all got to the camp, Matt and I were engaged...I know it was a short engagement, so keep your comments to yourselves! :) Dad had gone off with hunters riding horses and doing whatever they did up there. Matt and I took a little walk and the next thing you know Dad and the men and horses come around a corner on the trail. He decided to name that corner "SMAK Corner" which stood for "Saw Matt and Alice Kissing." Yeah, lame! I thought so too! But, that was Dad...always naming things so that he would never forget, and likewise...us never forgetting either! :) I am sure that every time he crossed that corner he thought about that and told whomever he was with.
Glad I could bring a smile to your face and a laugh to your belly! :) I am grateful I married Matt because he has a good memory to help me remember these silly stories! :)
The first time I went to hunting camp was when I returned home from my mission. Matt was in Idaho waiting for me and after we had spent a week in Twin Falls, we went to the hunting camp to see Dad. It was a busy time of year for him with hunts, so he wasn't able to come meet me at the airport. I know he was disappointed. Anyway, when we all got to the camp, Matt and I were engaged...I know it was a short engagement, so keep your comments to yourselves! :) Dad had gone off with hunters riding horses and doing whatever they did up there. Matt and I took a little walk and the next thing you know Dad and the men and horses come around a corner on the trail. He decided to name that corner "SMAK Corner" which stood for "Saw Matt and Alice Kissing." Yeah, lame! I thought so too! But, that was Dad...always naming things so that he would never forget, and likewise...us never forgetting either! :) I am sure that every time he crossed that corner he thought about that and told whomever he was with.
Glad I could bring a smile to your face and a laugh to your belly! :) I am grateful I married Matt because he has a good memory to help me remember these silly stories! :)
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