Youth Conference Trek

About two weeks ago I had the rare opportunity to go on a pioneer trek for the 2nd time with my new stake. This in itself was a huge blessing, due to the fact that #1 most teens don't get to go on a trek at all, and I got to go twice, #2 I got to go with people I didn't know very well, but found it a blessing to get to know them all on a rare personal level, that wouldn't have happened any other way, and #3 it was held at our beautiful Clear Creek Family Ranch.

But the reason I've decided to blog about it on this specific blog is that I spent a lot of time with Uncle David in the 3 days I was at The Ranch.
Before Trek had started, we were asked to pick somebody, preferably a pioneer ancestor, to "bring with us" on the trek. The purpose of this was to allegedly help us become closer to our pioneer heritage. I know we have some pioneer heritage in our family, but a lot of people don't, so it was an option to just pick someone who you felt like would have been important to "bring with you." I was totally being lazy and waited at the last minuet possible to pick someone to bring with me. I had done no research about our ancestry, and I had no idea who to pick. Suddenly a very bright light bulb came on in my head and said "You dumby, just bring Uncle David with you!". I thought "Obviously, what a smart idea!", and wrote his name on the dog tag I was given for the occasion, and wore it around my neck the entire time.

This was one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. Being at The Ranch, a place David loved so dearly, and just thinking about him constantly was so great for me. I often felt David walking next to me on the difficult trail, and I knew that he'd never give up, and I surely couldn't give up either. David was in everything I did and saw, and I know he had fun with me at this trek. He literally was walking next to me, just how he was with us at Yellowstone on that hike to the waterfall. David still loves spending time with us, even when we can't see him. We miss you David, but I know you're still having fun with us!

Seven

Seven long months today our worlds were forever changed.  I am grateful for the many things about the Plan of Salvation that I am learning.  And I know that I've been strengthend through the Spirit, but I still wish we could have him back.  Life just isn't the same without him here.  Love you every day DJK.