Today marks the 10th anniversary since my dad passed away. I was in High School and had just started my senior year. My brother was serving a mission in France and my sister was visiting an aunt and uncle in Montana. Brian had left on his mission to Guam just 2 days before (on the 16th). He and I spent a lot of time with my dad, helping him and just keeping him company. It is so strange that it has been 10 years - in some ways it seems like it's been much longer. In the past I remember meeting people who have lost a loved one and if it had been over 5 years or so since that person had passed I remember thinking, "That's a long time, they should be over it by now." But now I know. I know that doesn't happen. You don't just get over losing someone you love. Because every time something sad or happy or wonderful happens in your life you miss that person and wish they were there to be part of it. And it kind of makes everything wonderful in your life bittersweet, and every sad thing in your life a little sadder. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and that even though I'll spend every day of this life missing my dad I know I'll see him again, and that when I do the time that we've been apart will seem so short in comparison to the time we'll have together!
The last family picture we have - at the airport just before my brother flew to France on his missionToday is also my Grandma Johnson's birthday! She is my dad's mom. She is so wonderful! I love her so much and am so blessed to have her as a grandma. She is one of the most loving and kind people I know, who always looks for the best in people. I love you grandma!
Isn't she so cute!!
19 comments:
Thanks baby girl.
I love you sissy!! I miss you so much! Tell Brian thank you for helping take such good care of daddy. I don't know what he would have done with out you both. Your post hit the nail on the head! I used to say "you never get over it, you just get used to it" but sometimes that doesn't seem very true either! love you
Look at our cute grandma!!! She is the best!!
Great picture and post, Lexie. Thanks to you (and Emily) for posting about your dad. Every once in awhile I'll think of him and your family and wonder how much he's laughing at your kids antics from the other side. And your Grandma??? Man, I love that lady too! You have some fabulous and inspiring people in your family. Thank you for sharing them with everyone else from P-town. I may not love them as well or as much, but I do love both your dad and your grandma. Lots of prayers for you all today.
I have to say that sometimes I feel like I am meant to read your posts. My dad speaks so highly of your dad and laughs often of their teaching experiences. We have admired your family's strength and have prayed for you during the loss of your dad. We are so thankful that we have the gospel and that Jesus Christ has made it possible for us to return to our Heavenly Father and our loved ones. We can only pray that we live our lives pleasing unto the Lord so we can return to live with them again. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your letter. I truly needed to hear that today. God Bless You and your family. Our thoughts are with you today.
Beautiful thoughst. My love and prayers are with you and the rest of the family on this day. I love you all so much. John
I wish I could give you a hug today. I will always remember what a great dad he was to you, and how he always treated me like part of the family. I always had a great time after school at your house and NEVER felt out of place. You have such a great family and I miss you ALL!!!
So true!!! I remember that day (the last family picture)!!! I think I was taking the picture. I feel fortunate to have known him, he was an awesome father!!! Thanks for letting me be a part of your family!! Love ya!!
Hannah
Our thoughts are with you,
dad and Mom Phillips
Beautiful Words Lexie. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories with us. Love you.
Your family is in our hearts & prayers today. Love you!
That was the last time I saw Dad. How crazy! Thanks for the post. and Grandma is amazing isn't she.
I was just thinking about how it's been a month since my dad's funeral. I think a lot of the time I am still in denial about the whole thing.
I never knew your dad but I'm sure he was a wonderful dad from what I've heard from you. My thoughts are with you today in remembering such a difficult thing.
I think you're right, you don't EVER get over losing someone. You have such an amazing legacy ahead of you with your dad and that awesome grandma of yours. I can imagine your dad taught your kids some of his crazy tricks before he sent them down to you.
You don't ever get over it! I love your dad, and ten years later, it still breaks my heart for you. I am grateful your mom met John too. He is a wonderful grandpa too. I know oyur dad is proud of all of you. I just love your grandma! Happy Birthday to her. What a bitter sweet day.
What a precious post about your Dad!
Your dad made such a difference in so many lives. My older sibs took classes from him and he made such a difference to them. He was and is such a wonderful man. Thanks for posting about him.
Lecka I love you! Your dad was awesome! I love all the fun and funny memories I had at your home with him there. I can't write more than that right now for the tears!! I miss you as always.
Oh, I can't forget "grandma". Happy Birthday if you are reading this Betty! She is so wonderful! I love thinking about Buck and Betty's and Corey and Penny's love for one another. I am sure you and Brian are following right along. I am glad I have been able to watch and learn from all of you. What a blessing you are.
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