Chapter 6

Dad asked me to write his “Chapter 6” post for him. I'll admit that I have been putting this off because this is difficult. Dad has always had a sense of humor about his adventures and never complained, so I feel that I should follow in his footsteps, but feel so inadequate to do so.
    In his last week, Dad showed his family the depth of his patience and love. His testimony of the Savior and his desire to share it was foremost on his mind. Notwithstanding his fundamental aversion to having others care for him, he tolerated not just Mom’s care and attention, he also endured patiently his four daughters stepping in to try to help. He never complained, but, was capable of shooing everyone out of the room when he needed some quiet and wanted the room cleared.
  There were many tender, sweet, and spiritual moments this last week that we will never forget. One of these moments occurred early Wednesday morning. He woke up and acted like he felt better than he had in weeks. He and Mom celebrated her forthcoming birthday (which was Sunday) with some sparkling cider and a long talk. We are so grateful for that tender mercy. Later that day he was still very talkative and blessed us with his testimony of the atonement. I have no doubt that he knew his Savior and Father in Heaven personally. It was a precious moment that I will never forget.
    Friday evening, Dad's children (all but Norman who is in Colorado) gathered with him for a final time. It was another unforgettable occasion. Mom shared some thoughts and Howard gave him a blessing. The spirit was strong in that room as Howard promised Dad that the kids would take care of Mom for him. Dad has always been concerned about making sure Mom was taken care of and, even when he was unable to get out of bed, he worried that she was getting enough sleep and taking care of herself. We all think this is what he needed to hear in order to let go of this mortal world and join his family on the other side of the veil.
    Eleven short hours later, his joyous reunion with his parents, brother, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and numerous other family members, as well as his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his Heavenly Father, commenced. We have no doubt that Dad was welcomed back with open arms and the words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”.
     We will miss Dad terribly, but take great comfort in knowing we will see him again, that we have the opportunity to be an eternal family and that he and his sweetheart can be together forever. We cherish his example, his words of wisdom, his humor, his kindness, his love, and his testimony. It strengthens us for the times ahead.
    Thank you for sharing this journey with him and with his family. We look forward to hearing the rest of his “Chapter 6” when we meet again.

KayLyn
(with editing help from siblings)

 Information for services for Dad  
Viewing: Friday, February 14, 6-8 pm
 Lindquist Bountiful Mortuary 727 N. 400 E. Bountiful  

Viewing Sat, February 15, 12-1:30
 Funeral 2-3
2505 South Davis Boulevard Bountiful