Ever since Dave's dad's passing I have thought about what I would include in this post. I've thought of leaving personal things out, and have come to the conclusion that it is really for our posterity and while they are tender, heart felt, and still very near the surface, I don't want to forget the tender mercies, miracles and workings of a loving Father in Heaven during this trying and difficult time in our family.Note: This is very long. Proceed with caution
5 August 2010, Mormon Night at Dodger Stadium: Don has run Mormon Night for the past 6 years and this year would be no different, or so everyone thought. He had just been back a couple of weeks from his 2 week trip in Europe with Val. In previous years, it's been a family outing with all the family that was able to go. This year it was just him, Val and Justin. Normally Val was in the stands, unable to come with him onto the field. This year he handed her his pass and told her she was coming down to the field with him. While he was taking pictures near 3rd base, she stood a little ways off and saw him go down. She ran over, called to him and immediately had this incredible spirit (like she was being protected) come over her and knew that he was gone.
At this time they were honoring some firemen on the field who then came running over to start CPR. Within a minute the Dodger's doctor came with oxygen, continued compressions and loaded him into the ambulance. Val rode in the ambulance with him and a friend of the family brought Justin to the hospital. Had mom not been down on the field with him, she never would have seen any of this, never would have even known anything had happened. He passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital and the family quickly gathered there.
The location of where all the family was when we got the call
The family that lives in California were relatively close and able to get to the hospital to be there with Val. LaNae was down in the Long Beach area visiting a friend, close to the stadium and the hospital. This is out of the ordinary since she usually stays close to home. Scott was working the veil at the LA temple, close to the hospital. He was supposed to be out of town on business, but due to getting sick in Europe a couple weeks prior, his trip was postponed. Mark was at home with kids and were able to call in-laws down the street so they could head to the hospital.
The rest of us that live out of town made arrangements to get there as soon as we could. Kaylene left after swimming lessons, and Brianne got a flight the next morning. Dave and Adam on the other hand, had a brother to find. Eric was camping in Great Basin Nat'l Park without cell reception so they drove up in the middle of the night to catch them before heading off hiking or to the caves they had reservations for. Eric was grateful that they came up to find them and didn't leave it to the ranger to give him the message.
The girls were still awake and aware of the phone calls that were coming in. There was no hiding it from them or preparing them to deal with the death of their grandpa. They were very upset that first night but have continued to smile and remember the fun games grandpa played with them. They fully understand that he has gone to heaven to live with Heavenly Father again and look forward to being able to see him again. One of the first things Kelsey said after hearing the news was, "Grandpa will be so sad in heaven because he doesn't know anyone." We informed her that he was quickly reunited with both his parents and Val's parents, as well as many others that have been waiting his return."
Although we don't know, we like to think while some of these things (the handing over of the pass, and the location family members) may be insignificant, the Lord had a hand in all of it.
I am so thankful for the knowledge and comfort the gospel brings at this time and while it doesn't take the "sting" out completely, it softens the shock of the sudden passing of a loved one.
Don was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed dearly by all who knew him. The service was beautiful, touching and funny, and Eric carried a lot of the weight, singing a song he'd written and then giving his eulogy. For the many years of service he gave as a bishop and stake president, we may never know the impact he had or the lives he touched, however the attendance (standing room only at the stake center) was such a testimony of that.
We will forever miss the example he was, the counsel he gave and unconditional love he showed to all us, his wife, children, spouses and grandchildren. We love you, Don.
At this time they were honoring some firemen on the field who then came running over to start CPR. Within a minute the Dodger's doctor came with oxygen, continued compressions and loaded him into the ambulance. Val rode in the ambulance with him and a friend of the family brought Justin to the hospital. Had mom not been down on the field with him, she never would have seen any of this, never would have even known anything had happened. He passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital and the family quickly gathered there.
The location of where all the family was when we got the call
The family that lives in California were relatively close and able to get to the hospital to be there with Val. LaNae was down in the Long Beach area visiting a friend, close to the stadium and the hospital. This is out of the ordinary since she usually stays close to home. Scott was working the veil at the LA temple, close to the hospital. He was supposed to be out of town on business, but due to getting sick in Europe a couple weeks prior, his trip was postponed. Mark was at home with kids and were able to call in-laws down the street so they could head to the hospital.
The rest of us that live out of town made arrangements to get there as soon as we could. Kaylene left after swimming lessons, and Brianne got a flight the next morning. Dave and Adam on the other hand, had a brother to find. Eric was camping in Great Basin Nat'l Park without cell reception so they drove up in the middle of the night to catch them before heading off hiking or to the caves they had reservations for. Eric was grateful that they came up to find them and didn't leave it to the ranger to give him the message.
The girls were still awake and aware of the phone calls that were coming in. There was no hiding it from them or preparing them to deal with the death of their grandpa. They were very upset that first night but have continued to smile and remember the fun games grandpa played with them. They fully understand that he has gone to heaven to live with Heavenly Father again and look forward to being able to see him again. One of the first things Kelsey said after hearing the news was, "Grandpa will be so sad in heaven because he doesn't know anyone." We informed her that he was quickly reunited with both his parents and Val's parents, as well as many others that have been waiting his return."
Although we don't know, we like to think while some of these things (the handing over of the pass, and the location family members) may be insignificant, the Lord had a hand in all of it.
I am so thankful for the knowledge and comfort the gospel brings at this time and while it doesn't take the "sting" out completely, it softens the shock of the sudden passing of a loved one.
Don was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed dearly by all who knew him. The service was beautiful, touching and funny, and Eric carried a lot of the weight, singing a song he'd written and then giving his eulogy. For the many years of service he gave as a bishop and stake president, we may never know the impact he had or the lives he touched, however the attendance (standing room only at the stake center) was such a testimony of that.
We will forever miss the example he was, the counsel he gave and unconditional love he showed to all us, his wife, children, spouses and grandchildren. We love you, Don.
1 comment:
That was so touching, Andrea. I am so sorry for loss that you, the girls, Dave and his family have gone through, and continue to go through.
What a loving Heavenly Father to share those tender mercy's at the end of a great man's life.
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