I haven't posted for a while. I have been putting it off because this one is hard for me. The first week in December I received a call informing me that my Dad had suffered a stroke. I was crushed to say the least. It is very hard for me to talk about and even harder to put on here, so many of the details will not be written here...but only found in my journal. I flew to Wyoming, where my sister Teresa had been caring for him for several years.  We were informed that he could be treated for his many issues, but his quality of life would be horrible. Luckily for us, he was coherent enough to help us make the hardest decision any of us had ever faced. Dad responded to this situation by saying he wanted to be with his Mom. He was tired of fighting.  So, all of us (Dad has 12 children) came to the conclusion, with his help, that it was time for us to let him go. Three of my sisters and I were blessed to have the privelege and challenge to care for him in the last days of his life. Teresa was able to take him home... to her house, where we could take care of him. This experience was the single hardest thing I have ever done. My Dad is an amazingly strong man, and to see him this way was the most heart wrenching thing for me, yet I would not have had it any other way. My sisters and I spent the following days keeping Dad comfortable. We were blessed with many "tender mercies" throughout this challenge. Dad was able to communicate his needs... squeezing our hands, blinking his eyes and even an occasional word or phrase.  (Although much of his communication was unspoken) We all consider it a major blessing that the stroke did not take him and we were able to be with him one last time. We cared for Dad together. I am so glad I could be there with him.

Dad passed away on December 9th, 2010. No amount of preparation could have eased the pain of losing my Dad. Without my knowledge of the gospel, I do not think I would have had the strength to do it, but because I know I will be with my Daddy again, and I know he is always and will always be with me, I was able to let him go. Dad had a beautiful graveside service, with amazing experiences and words spoken that we will always treasure in our hearts.

I was incredibly blessed to have the support of a wonderful husband and amazing kids there with me. Two of the most important men in my life were able to be pallbearers. That means a lot to me.

Teresa continually reminded us that "Dad raised strong girls," and so he did...each and every one of them. That will always be a strength to me, throughout my life, when faced with something I think unbearable...I was raised by a strong man, who "raised strong girls." Dad would be happy to know that he brought his daughters back together, when we were all scattered so far apart in our own lives. We are now keeping in touch and building new friendships that I know would make Dad smile. I am so blessed to have had such an amazing man for a Father. I will miss him dearly. Iwill never forget you, Daddy... Love You Bunches!