Early in October we got the sad news that my big brother Jesse had passed away. Because of a very generous family friend, Cannon and I were able to quickly leave for Utah and spend two weeks with my family.
It was rough. One of the hardest things I have ever done. It made it harder because Ryan wasn't with me. And Cannon got croup. But I got through it all and I summoned inner strength that I didn't know I had. It was one of those times that I could actually say that the Savior was my rock. I was glad to be there with my family and support them. And I feel humility and gratitude to everyone who blessed our lives in big and little ways. The plane tickets were a big one, I'm not sure how we would have been able to get to Utah otherwise. It was comforting to come back to my mom's house with a fridge full of nourishing food that friends and church members provided. And every thoughtful expression of kindness through cards, flowers, prayers, and words, were very much appreciated. It ALL helped in some way.
The funeral went well and I even spoke. I hate public speaking, but for some reason I felt compelled to speak. The Relief Society sisters in my mom's church provided a luncheon for us afterwards. It was probably a small act of service for them, but it meant so much to me. I was so emotionally drained and it felt so good sit down with my family and eat good food. My dear sweet sensitive Cannon had a major meltdown at the church during the luncheon, but other than that everything else went smoothly.
The rest of the trip was nice. After we visited Jesse's grave with the kids I felt a lot of peace in my heart. The weather was gorgeous, just enough cold to get the autumn feel, but lots of days were sunny and warm. And Cannon was able to play in snow! Something he has been wishing for. We spent a lot of time outside, which was healing. And we were able to celebrate Kennedi's fourth birthday!
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| Jesse was buried next to our grandfather |
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| Mimi holding my cousin Haley's baby, Dallin. She's 90 years old! |
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| I think this is my favorite picture because there are no words to describe the feeling of watching pure joy within your child! |
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Our first day in Utah was drizzly, so we drove up the canyon until the rain turned to snow!
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| Hiking fun! |
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| Cannon and I drove up to Snowbird to find more snow! |
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| I took Cannon and Kennedi to Wheeler Farm |
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| Tractor ride |
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| Drilling our pumpkins! |
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| Crazy geese at Sugarhouse Park! |
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| He LOVED to just play and roll in the grass! |
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| He loved the skate park by Nana's house |
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| We took a day trip to Temple Square |
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| On Kennedi's birthday we went to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point |
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| For Kennedi's birthday dinner the kids made their own pizzas |
Here are a couple of pictures of Jesse with Cannon:
2 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear about Jesse. Death is so hard. I think everything you wrote is just perfect. I'm so glad you got to come. The pictures of everything you did are great. It's such a beautiful time of year. And the pictures at the end are very sweet and I'm sure ones you'll treasure forever. Hugs!
I can't imagine losing a sibling. I am still so sorry for you and your family's loss. I am so glad you could go and be there. I love the picture of Mimi, she looks great. The pictures of Cannon and Kennedi are priceless. I am glad there could be some healing while you were there.
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