Early February 2nd, my hero and protector, my Dad...went to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. My heart broke that day, and still has a void that cannot be filled. His life, his very personality, was larger than anything that could be contained on earth. He was a spiritual giant, that loved his family. I watched my sweet babies mourn the passing of their Papa, and I felt like they were robbed of future memories with a man that adored each and every one of them. His greatest joy came when he became a Papa.
I was given a gift, before he passed, of spending a week in Arizona with he and my Mom. There were amazing moments, when I was able to sit and hold his hand, talk about my life and things in the future. He told me as often as he could, how much he loved me during that trip...Dad, I already knew. I felt your love in the tears of pride that were shed on my graduation from High School, when I danced with you at my wedding, and when you held each of your grandbabies for the very first time. It was the little moments with you, that I treasure, and dearly miss. The night before I left Arizona to fly back to Kansas, I slept in the hospital, alongside my Mom and was able to hug and kiss my Dad goodbye, and again hear those sweet words he uttered as he looked into my eyes and said, "I love you Amy!". Oh how precious a moment I was given, the last I would spend with him in this life.
Thank you Dad, for teaching me to be good to those around me. To treasure my moments with my children, and Allan. To not be afraid to love with all my heart, without caring who saw me express it. You taught me to cherish the scriptures, and to love my Heavenly Father, and the gospel he blessed us with. You showed me the importance of the atonement of Christ, and how through his sacrifice we all will be saved, if we but follow him. I am so very blessed to know that our family is eternal, and that like our savior, will live again when our journey ends on earth.
Caitlyn sang my Dad's favorite song at his funeral, and I know, with tears running down his cheeks..he whispered the words along with her, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound..."
