September 22, 2017

By the time we were all ready to leave, kids had been collected from school, bags were packed, and a lunch thrown together, it was later than I had wanted to leave.  We were supposed to leave by 11:00.  It was now noon.  As we pulled out of St. George, I said to Greg, "We will never make it in time."

I knew it would be okay.  We had plenty of time to make it to the viewing, but my mom had wanted us there by 4:30 to have some private time as a family.  The drive normally takes us 5 hours at least.

Greg told me not to worry.  That we would make it just fine.

I dozed in the car, emotionally and physically exhausted.  At 4:15, we pulled into Hooper!  We must have been flying on the wings of angels.

I went to the mortuary with Judi and JB in Dad's truck, and Greg brought our kids a half hour later.

It was hard to see my Dad lying there.  It just didn't feel real.  We cried together.  Then my kids came.  And we all cried again.  Kyle led us all in family prayer.  There were tears all around.  Then, after a few instructions from JB, we opened the doors and let the crowds come in.  And what a crowd it was!

People were able to read the life sketch while in line.  They were also able to pick up a copy of my Dad's book, "Hooper, and Its Sons of Ditches," (an awesome memoir with a hilarious title!), to keep.  So many people came.  We all felt so loved and buoyed up by old friends and family members.  Some of my dear childhood friends came and it meant so much to me.  Eli Dawson, Clint Schiffman, Mark King, Mitch Pebley, Amanda Weston, Kristin Jensen, and of course, Emily Haws Russ.  It was a wonderful reunion with friends I hadn't seen in years.  We hugged and talked for a long while.  I was amazed that I stopped crying.  I think I had just already cried too much, and I was already used to the idea that my dad had died, and I was tired, and I was feeling so lifted up by everyone's love and concern.  Still, it surprised me, though, to see myself holding it together so well.

My sister-in-law, Jill, and her husband, Nate Kramer, came all the way from Provo.  It was so nice.  So many people came.  It ended up being a wonderful night.

I'm in the blue...Emma's in the flowers. :)

Mom looked so beautiful!  And Sunee was so good to stand by her all night.

Rindi and Greg :)

Here we are with bro-in-law, Clint Weston

Here is Clint telling me I really am his favorite!! 😂😂

Talking to Judi...

My Mom is so wonderful...so beautiful!

Lots of hugs...

My dear cousin/best friend Emily

Greg with Jill and Nate

Mom with Stalee and Judi

Uncle Wayne... he has given me a lot of comfort this week.  He really loved my dad (his brother).

Always surrounded by love...

I have to mention that Emma watched all the kids back at Judi's house.  It was hectic and difficult and I am so thankful that she did that for me.  And Greg was so wonderful to go home early to help.  He means so much to me.

Finally, we cleaned up and went home, tired and content.

I am so thankful for my dad.  And I'm so thankful for all of the dear people who came to show us their love.  It was a beautiful night.  Dad would've loved it. 💖