Memorial for Cooper

Today Bill and I attended a funeral for the son of our dear friends Sharon and Ted. Cooper was killed last week while he was with his mom at the neighborhood bus stop. A teenager that was driving hit Cooper with his car. The bumper hit Cooper's bike and he got pulled underneath the car. Sharon was able to pull him out from under the car, Cooper was screaming. Minutes later he started to go into shock, when the ambulance arrived they worked on Cooper and then he was flown by life flight to PCMC. While he was being taken to PCMC his heart stopped, life flight was able to get it started again. He was taken immediately to surgery, the internal damage was too serve to save him. They were met by a social worker at the door to tell them he didn't make it.

This experience that happened to our friends has brought back many memories to my mind of Rylee's death. It is interesting how I have been able to compartmentalize my feelings of Rylee's life and death. When I know someone who may have a similar experience it brings all the emotions up to the surface. This experience for me has helped release a lot of suppressed emotions. The funeral was absolutely beautiful. It sounds so crazy to think that through a tragedy so great, that a beautiful spiritual experience can happen. As Ted talked he told of the spirit that has been with them so abundantly these past few days. He told of a blessing he gave Cooper after the accident, he felt angels there with Cooper, he also felt that Cooper would not survive this tragedy. As he talked of the anguish that they felt and the questions related to where Cooper was and what will happen to his spirit, I remember having those same feelings. The spirit has strengthened them and has brought to them peace and comfort. If I had not experienced a death of a child myself I don't know that I would really understand how that could be possible. I remember feeling the comforter so intensely when Rylee died and for several weeks after her death. I also felt her spirit, which was so comforting and peaceful to know that her spirit could be with me even though her body couldn't. There are no words to truly express the heartache and sorrow a parent feels when losing a child. I realized that my ability to feel empathy has grown through losing a child. I wouldn't have chosen to have Rylee be disabled or die for that matter, but I am so grateful that I have been to the depths of despair and anguish, because it was only then that I could understand the love of Christ and the Atonement. I was so strengthened by the words that Ted spoke and the love that he showed for his family, Cooper and towards the teenager that killed their son.

Ted told of how when they meet with this boy and they were so nervous because they didn't know what or how to feel. When the boy came into the room where they were they went to him and embraced him. They were able to feel peace and love for this boy who had taken the life of their son accidentally. Sharon said that at that moment that she hugged the boy, she was able to feel peace and feel Cooper's spirit. I can't imagine how they must feel knowing that this tragedy was all an accident. I can't imagine the hurt or pain they would feel comforting the boy who killed their son. They of anyone had the right to feel wronged and to harbor ill will toward someone for taking the most prized possession they had, their child. However, they were not offended, they were able to show unconditional love. It made me think of silly little things that happen in neighborhoods, families, work, any kind of life experience where one would be offended by someone else. I dare say that in most cases the offense would not be a great as an accident taking your child's life. Yet, Ted and Sharon were able to not only forgive but show unconditional love. This is a true example of a follower of Christ. I left the funeral wanting to be a better person. It was so nice to remember the love of God and the comforter and peace I felt at the time of Rylee's death. I don't want to forget those feelings, because they were real and they helped us make it through a very difficult time in our lives.

Thank you Ted and Sharon for your examples and giving such a beautiful tribute to your special little boy, Cooper. We love you guys!

My Little Gymnast

Hailey had her first gymnastic recital this week. She is in level 2 and her teacher said at the recital that she is the leader in her group and she shows the other girls how to correctly do things. She was so cute at the recital. They had a beam, bar and floor routine, so cute. I was told to sit upstairs so I didn't get a good video of her or pictures. We are so proud of her hard work and determination. She got a little medal and a T shirt for participating in the recital. She was so proud of herself and so were we. We love you Hailey!

First Day of School

I can't believe the kids are back in school. They were all so excited to go back. Cute Hailey has been asking for weeks how much longer until she can go to school. Megan was up at 6:00 AM ready to go to school. She is trying so hard to be organized this year. She has a great system, if she can stick to it she will do very well. Parker couldn't sleep the night before school because he was so excited. I am very happy with all of their teachers and so are they. It is nice to have the structure of school but the homework is not my favorite. I hope this is a great year for all of my kids.

Last Day of Summer

This summer has come to an end. We thought that we should do something fun with the kids for a last hurrah before going back to school. They have been dying to go to Liberty Land, so we went. We had a blast! My kids loved every ride and activity there. They have had a difficult time in the past going on rides no matter how tame, but they went on every ride and loved them all. Their favorite was the roller coaster. The girls went first and they had so much fun they dragged Parker with them the next time. At first I could see his face and he looked scared, but by the last time around the roller coaster he had a big smile on his face, he loved it. If you haven't been to Liberty Land you should go it is very fun!

High School Flash Back

This is a tag from my friend Jenny.

1. Did you date someone from your high school?
Yes, he was a great guy and we had a lot of fun.
2. What kind of car did you drive?
I drove my moms, we had several, a white pinto, my grandpa's big blue van(way fun to drive with a ton of people)and some other old car I am not sure what it was.
3. Were you a party animal?
Definitely not.
4. Were you considered a flirt?
No way, that would have required me to be confident.
5. Extra-curricular activities?
I was a choir geek. I was also on Seminary Council. They were both a blast and I had the best friends.
6. Were you a nerd?
I guess you could say that, but I had fun.
7. Were you on any varsity teams?
No way!
8. Did you get suspended/expelled?
Never!
9.Can you still sing the fight song?
Yes, I can. Most people at my school didn't even know the fight song, since I was in choir I learned it, as well as the high school hymn.
10. Who were your favorite teachers?
Mrs. Janeen Bowen, I had her for English for two years, loved her.
11. Where did you sit during lunch?
With a bunch of friends in the lunchroom.
12. What was your school's full name?
Hillcrest High School.
13. School mascot?
Husky
14. Did you go to homecoming and who with?
I went a couple of times, with the guy I liked one year, and a good friend another year.
15. If you could go back would you?
No way!
16. What do you remember most about graduation?
It was long and hot, after graduation I went with my friends to a bunch of different parties and we stayed out until 5:00 AM, it was way fun.
17. Where did you go senior skip day?
I have no idea, I probably just hung out with friends.
18. Were you in any clubs?
I was in drama club for a few years. I was swing choir and I spent most of my senior year singing.
19. Have you gained some weight since then?
Are you kidding me?
20. Who was your prom date?
The guy I liked. It was like a fairy tale. We went to La Caille for dinner, the dance was a blast and we danced the whole night. After the dance we went on a carriage ride around the city. I felt like a princess. My mom made my prom dress which was beautiful and my date looked so handsome. The next year my good friend wanted to go but he didn't have any money so we went to a play and out to dinner instead.
21. Are you planning to go to your 10 year reunion?
The only reunion I went to was my 20 year, last week. It was so fun. (Looking great in 88)

I tag all of my friends now!

Five Months Old

I can't believe that my baby is five months old. He is the happiest baby ever. He is just happy to be alive. The only time he fusses is when he is hungry and tired, other than that he is content. What a huge blessing he is for our family. Megan tells me weekly that she is so glad that we had him. He has been a great source of joy and healing for our family. We love you chubby boy.

20 Year Reunion

This past weekend I attended my 20 year high school reunion. We went to Little America for the event. Robyn Johns and I went to the same high school so I told her if she would go to the Friday night event with me I would go to the Saturday night event with her. It was really a blast to see friends that I hadn't seen for so many years. It was so nice to see that my good friends have great lives, with wonderful husbands and children. I forgot about so many people that I went to school with. I was amazed at how many people don't look that different from what they did in high school. On Saturday night Robyn and I took our families to Alta Canyon park for a big family picnic. I had never been to a reunion before and I am really glad that I was able to go to the 2o year. It was great to reconnect with old friends, hopefully we can stay in touch.

Gina and Paula are two good friends from Seminary Council. They both are kind and beautiful just like they were in high school.

My friend Denise and I were in choir together, she is a riot. We went on our senior trip together, we went camping with a bunch of friends. She played the guitar and we sang the whole time.

Mary and I became friends in Junior High, it was so nice to have a friend that was taller than me. She is such a happy person that just seems to love life. It was fun to meet her cute husband and beautiful girls.

These are my seminary council friends. Kurt, Jeff, Paula, Jennifer, and Gina. There are five that didn't make it to the reunion.

This is my good friend Bridgette, we were in drama together. She was a riot, we would always recite the Jabber wok when we forgot our assignment. She is the kindest person ever.