1 year since losing my dad
1 year since losing my dad
Today marks one year since losing my dad. I miss him.
He made life fun. He always made me and Abbey laugh. He was a central part to our family.
I'm grateful for the lessons he taught me and memories I have of him.
He was incredible in many ways. He had his quarks. I'd say we were more different than similar. Regardless, I loved him.
I don't get emotional about my dad's passing often. But when I think about what I'm missing out on by not having a dad, it hits me.
Usually in the form of anger and then sadness.
When it comes to my mom, I feel there's so much I should be doing to help. I want to be there for her but am pulled in many direcitons with my own family, work, and church.
It's challenging and worries me.
It's funn how things happen. The same week I was put into the bishopric in Lehi, was the week my dad was released as bishop due to his health.
Before he passed, he wanted me to have his suits. I didn't realize how much they'd be reminder to me of him. Sunday's where I get to where one of his suits or one of his ties, brings me joy.
It also brings a sense on responsibility knowing my dad's faith and how he raised me to be a rightous priesthood holder.
Today was Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter and we had a special one hour sacrament meeting. It was also my month to conduct.
Which meant I was th conclusig speaking in a 3 musical, 3 adult line up.
As I wore one of my dad's icon tan suits he loved, I shared the followign testimony wtih ward members.
Set the stage. Listening to our high councilors speak on Elder Kearon’s talk on new beginnings has had me thinking about an experience I had a while back.
Towards the end of 2024, in our family group chat, we got a text out of the blue on a random Thursday.
My dad casually said, “Elder Kearon apostle is coming to house at 6."
I thought. Wow, Ok. Guess I better be there. It’s not every day something like this happens.
My dad had been battling cancer for some time and had been really struggling after a surgery didn’t go as planned.
Presumably, his illness was the reason for the visit.
We sat and visited for a while getting to know each other. We laughed, we cried, and to end, we gave my dad a priesthood blessing.
As I reflected on the visit, there was something Elder Kearon said that has stuck with me.
He said, “Time is not a part of eternity."
Which got me thinking…
Our challenges in life are often related to the concept of time.
As earthly beings, we see time as the past, present, and future. Where the past is fixed, the present is active, and the future is unknown.
And we often measure our lives by clocks and calendars.
But I believe God measures our lives by our becoming and our progression.
I like to imagine our heavenly Father's concept of time is a different way of existing that is beyond how we think about time and all eternity.
If God exists outside of time as we know it, then so does the atonement.
The atonement surpasses time because Jesus suffered for EVERYONE across ALL TIME.
Through Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice, we can have hope.
Hope for Those who feel behind Those with regrets Struggling parents and leaders Unanswered prayers
Testimony Focus: Feeling God’s Love
Life, ministry, resurrection. Because of the atoning sacrifice, we can live again.
Jesus broke the bands of death. It means that because of HIM, we can have hope.
Jesus Christ is Risen. He lives. He is the way.
He is evidence of God’s love.
I testify of these things, in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
You don't always know how the message is received by those in the congratiion but it felt like it was received well.
Regardless, I know my dad would have been proud.
the remainder of the day was enjoyable. 75 degree, sunny weather.
After a quick walk around the park with the family, I took beau to play pickleball. This is one of my favorite things to do.
We do drills where we have to get 10 serves in, 10 hot feet hits, and 10 dinks.
It's a blast and great 1:1 time.
Afterwards, we went over to my mom's house where we spent time with Anna and Sam.
It was good to be with them. We spent time talking, watching old videos of my dad, and eating dinner together in the litle house. Probably one of the last few times we do that.
The kids got easter gifts.
Then we went the grave site where my dad was burried. We did a little easter egg hunt. Sat and ate side car donuts. And spent time enjoying the sunset.
It was a great day to remember my dad.
Dad - I love you. I'm excited to see you again.