Showing posts with label pictures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pictures. Show all posts
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
A cousin's example . . . from Jake
I probably think about David about everyday. I think about him when I see something I know he'd like (a movie, song or game), when I remember something we did together or just when I'm driving on my long commute and feel lonely. Unfortunately all the thought has produced very little action. I have been thinking about what I would say for this occasion of his 33rd birthday and in preparation dug into my stash of letters that he wrote me. It was probably only the second time I had read most of them. The dozen or so letters that were saved span from his high school days (I read about what he did for his birthday 15 years ago, the designing of our own Star Wars board game, college life) to his mission (what it was like in the MTC, first reactions to Mexico, advice to a future missionary such as myself), to my mission (his difficulty finding a girlfriend, working and studying, eventually meeting and being swept off his feet by Cristina). He was my best friend during this period of our lives. These past 11 months I have sat back and read what his siblings and spouse wrote about him and didn't even realize how much first hand (literally handwritten) sources I've had. They have some really sweet things about his family, his early courtship with Christina (kind of the other side of Cristina's journal entries that Lani read at the funeral) and lots of goofy funny stuff too. He was a real nerd but boy we had some good nerdy fun! So anyway I will scan these letters and make sure they are posted on the blog.
I feel I owe so much to David and have so many memories of him that the possible volume of this thought would either be impossibly big for me to complete or else a pitiful fraction of what I know and feel. I want to just tell a couple brief memories that show his journey from faithful but immature and agnostic teenager to mature man of God (a phrase he used frequently in his correspondence, not in reference to himself but in his goal). I feel like we took this journey at the same time.
We were headed back from scout camp where we were the two oldest scouts in attendance so David must have been 17. Bruce was driving and David sat in shotgun while I was in the back. I don't think they knew I was listening because I remember feeling secretly privy to a very intimate Father/Son conversation. David asked his dad if he thought Heavenly Father treated His children in the Church differently than the rest of His children, "Does he answer their prayers the same as he answers a church member's?" He probably wasn't doubting the existence of God but kind of wondered why He would need a single true church when we were all his children and thus why he, David, would need to participate in it. The discussion went from "does he listen to and reward our prayers differently" to the disparity of our various positions at birth. I don't remember all of Bruce's wisdom on doctrinal exclusivity or fore-ordination that day but I remember it was gracious, encouraging and calming. I think of this conversation when the topic arises in study or church about "consider the lilies of the field" or "where much is given much is required" or what it means to make covenants. What I've come to think this means is that David was a thinker. He pondered on the big questions and did not shy away or let doubts get the best of him. I think David was after two things; first, he wanted to know his standing with God. He wanted to know if Heavenly Father heard his prayers. He was always a good boy. He didn't have an ounce of rebellion in him, he wanted to know what the right thing was so he could do it. Second, I think this question shows his compassion for other people. He wanted to know how they fit in the Plan of Salvation if they didn't have the blessings of the gospel like he did.
I believe it was the following Summer that we went to Youth Conference. On the last evening a testimony meeting was held in which David played an unusually large role. I actually don't remember what he said if he spoke at all but I remember multiple (like a half dozen or more) people talking about him. They all said that their lives had been touched by David's example. It was his example of kindness, stories about him being their only friend, or about him running with Eric Carrillo or showing kindness to a less fortunate. All of these people said that his example brought them closer to the gospel. I remember thinking about these statements in light of his uncertainties. When others were wavering and needed an example he could be depended on despite his own doubts. He acted righteously even before he was blessed with sure testimony. I don't know whether it was because of something he said or whether I said it in my head but I remember thinking at the time and since that his faith preceded the miracle, that he was willing to act before he had a certainty, obey before blessed.
In Alex's poignant and perfect eulogy he spoke of an experience he had with David that must have happened not too long after this because David had not yet gone on a mission. This story seemed to put a bookend on the timeline of David's testimony development. Somebody, a return missionary apparently close to them, had flippantly expressed incredulity at Joseph Smith's divine role. David made a point afterwards to take Alex aside and tell him that person was wrong, that Joseph was indeed a prophet and that David knew it. It shows not only his love and concern for his little brother's spirit (a responsibility he undoubtedly learned from his older brother) but also his own spiritual growth from doubt to surety.
I know by the time he served a mission he had a deep and unshakable testimony that we bore in every letter and at every opportunity. I just wanted his kids and nephews and nieces and anyone else who might read this to know how he got it. He acted in faith, doing his best and hoping the Lord would give him answers. He continuously tried to improve himself and to love those around him. He cared enough to be curious and study and he followed the many good examples in his life. I'm so grateful that he shared that progress with with me and that I could now testify that he knew.
I never said much about my thoughts and feelings at the time of David's passing but would now like to take the opportunity here. My family had gathered from multiple states for Dana's boy Carter's blessing. A few days before our arrival we heard that our maternal grandmother had passed away after years of widowhood and dementia. At the time we counted it a great blessing that we could all be there for her funeral. The morning of the funeral was the same dark Friday that the unthinkable happened to David. My family was planning on staying with David and Cristina one of the nights of that trip but hadn't actually bothered calling to arranged it because I figured I could rely on their automatic hospitality as I had in the past. Thus I missed my last mortal opportunity to talk to him. I count it a miracle that Joe, Karyn, Dana, and I were in Salt Lake and close enough that we could visit the hospital to say goodbye and to hug our loved ones in so much pain. A few days later the double baby shower (for Moses and Lincoln) turned into a wake and I remember feeling so grateful to close to my many beloved cousins and Jimae and Bruce in our hour of common grief. Being near them physically and emotionally helped. My thought at the time was that it was such a tragedy that someone was taken that had so much going on, that had so many depending on him, that was such a good and worthy person. Of all of us why him? And yet the fact that he had accomplished so much, had so many loved ones, was so worthy perhaps made him a better candidate because he had had a fuller life. That fact that in such the short span of his earth life he was able to influence so many, live a wonderful love story and father two great kids made him a more prepared and merciful sacrifice than another. I also count it as a tender mercy to have said the closing prayer at David's mortal farewell just as I had at his missionary farewell. Nobody but me would have remembered who said a prayer in some meeting 12 years earlier but I did and it meant a lot.
How David celebrated his Birthday 15 years ago
Our calendar of stuff to do during winter break '96.
We did this every time we got together, this was the only one I can find.
We did this every time we got together, this was the only one I can find.
Cousins hike to Emerald Pools
EFY at BYU 1999 and yes Jared loved it
David came up with this totally original battle scheme for our
Star Wars game that we spent months making but never played a complete game.
Star Wars game that we spent months making but never played a complete game.
Not a great photograph but you can tell Dave and I are on top of the world
hanging out with three of the five most beautiful sisters in Orderville.
hanging out with three of the five most beautiful sisters in Orderville.
David on having annoying companions
David on the family speaking Spanish. Johnny and now Lexie continue the tradition.
David on hanging out with Ben. Of course he
later developed the same closeness with Alex just as he wished here.
later developed the same closeness with Alex just as he wished here.
David said, "Thanks for the Far Sides" which I would send with every letter. As I read the one about the man milking the cow standing up, I couldn't stop laughing. Everyone thought I had lost it, but seriously I couldn't help it. It was honestly the heartiest & heaviest I've laughed for 10 months.
He wrote me about a special girl named Cristina he fell in love
with on a trip to Merida with my dad and Joe
with on a trip to Merida with my dad and Joe
I feel I owe so much to David and have so many memories of him that the possible volume of this thought would either be impossibly big for me to complete or else a pitiful fraction of what I know and feel. I want to just tell a couple brief memories that show his journey from faithful but immature and agnostic teenager to mature man of God (a phrase he used frequently in his correspondence, not in reference to himself but in his goal). I feel like we took this journey at the same time.
We were headed back from scout camp where we were the two oldest scouts in attendance so David must have been 17. Bruce was driving and David sat in shotgun while I was in the back. I don't think they knew I was listening because I remember feeling secretly privy to a very intimate Father/Son conversation. David asked his dad if he thought Heavenly Father treated His children in the Church differently than the rest of His children, "Does he answer their prayers the same as he answers a church member's?" He probably wasn't doubting the existence of God but kind of wondered why He would need a single true church when we were all his children and thus why he, David, would need to participate in it. The discussion went from "does he listen to and reward our prayers differently" to the disparity of our various positions at birth. I don't remember all of Bruce's wisdom on doctrinal exclusivity or fore-ordination that day but I remember it was gracious, encouraging and calming. I think of this conversation when the topic arises in study or church about "consider the lilies of the field" or "where much is given much is required" or what it means to make covenants. What I've come to think this means is that David was a thinker. He pondered on the big questions and did not shy away or let doubts get the best of him. I think David was after two things; first, he wanted to know his standing with God. He wanted to know if Heavenly Father heard his prayers. He was always a good boy. He didn't have an ounce of rebellion in him, he wanted to know what the right thing was so he could do it. Second, I think this question shows his compassion for other people. He wanted to know how they fit in the Plan of Salvation if they didn't have the blessings of the gospel like he did.
I believe it was the following Summer that we went to Youth Conference. On the last evening a testimony meeting was held in which David played an unusually large role. I actually don't remember what he said if he spoke at all but I remember multiple (like a half dozen or more) people talking about him. They all said that their lives had been touched by David's example. It was his example of kindness, stories about him being their only friend, or about him running with Eric Carrillo or showing kindness to a less fortunate. All of these people said that his example brought them closer to the gospel. I remember thinking about these statements in light of his uncertainties. When others were wavering and needed an example he could be depended on despite his own doubts. He acted righteously even before he was blessed with sure testimony. I don't know whether it was because of something he said or whether I said it in my head but I remember thinking at the time and since that his faith preceded the miracle, that he was willing to act before he had a certainty, obey before blessed.
In Alex's poignant and perfect eulogy he spoke of an experience he had with David that must have happened not too long after this because David had not yet gone on a mission. This story seemed to put a bookend on the timeline of David's testimony development. Somebody, a return missionary apparently close to them, had flippantly expressed incredulity at Joseph Smith's divine role. David made a point afterwards to take Alex aside and tell him that person was wrong, that Joseph was indeed a prophet and that David knew it. It shows not only his love and concern for his little brother's spirit (a responsibility he undoubtedly learned from his older brother) but also his own spiritual growth from doubt to surety.
I know by the time he served a mission he had a deep and unshakable testimony that we bore in every letter and at every opportunity. I just wanted his kids and nephews and nieces and anyone else who might read this to know how he got it. He acted in faith, doing his best and hoping the Lord would give him answers. He continuously tried to improve himself and to love those around him. He cared enough to be curious and study and he followed the many good examples in his life. I'm so grateful that he shared that progress with with me and that I could now testify that he knew.
I never said much about my thoughts and feelings at the time of David's passing but would now like to take the opportunity here. My family had gathered from multiple states for Dana's boy Carter's blessing. A few days before our arrival we heard that our maternal grandmother had passed away after years of widowhood and dementia. At the time we counted it a great blessing that we could all be there for her funeral. The morning of the funeral was the same dark Friday that the unthinkable happened to David. My family was planning on staying with David and Cristina one of the nights of that trip but hadn't actually bothered calling to arranged it because I figured I could rely on their automatic hospitality as I had in the past. Thus I missed my last mortal opportunity to talk to him. I count it a miracle that Joe, Karyn, Dana, and I were in Salt Lake and close enough that we could visit the hospital to say goodbye and to hug our loved ones in so much pain. A few days later the double baby shower (for Moses and Lincoln) turned into a wake and I remember feeling so grateful to close to my many beloved cousins and Jimae and Bruce in our hour of common grief. Being near them physically and emotionally helped. My thought at the time was that it was such a tragedy that someone was taken that had so much going on, that had so many depending on him, that was such a good and worthy person. Of all of us why him? And yet the fact that he had accomplished so much, had so many loved ones, was so worthy perhaps made him a better candidate because he had had a fuller life. That fact that in such the short span of his earth life he was able to influence so many, live a wonderful love story and father two great kids made him a more prepared and merciful sacrifice than another. I also count it as a tender mercy to have said the closing prayer at David's mortal farewell just as I had at his missionary farewell. Nobody but me would have remembered who said a prayer in some meeting 12 years earlier but I did and it meant a lot.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Our Memories, from Joe and Karyn
From Joe Bodell:
A few weeks ago I came across some pictures of the trip to Merida I took with David and my Dad in 2002. Since it was a few months before I left for my mission, it was a special, formative time in my life. Learning about David's missionary experience firsthand and in the place he served really helped get the most out of my time as a missionary. In fact, it seems that whenever I have spent time with David, his example was slowly and quietly changing me into a better person--more like him: caring, humble, and full of charity. I will also never forget how David met Christina on that trip, and I count it as a blessing that I was there for the beginning of such a special eternal relationship that has been a model for my own marriage.
I also have to share the unbelievable--and slightly less serious--story of how we were driving a ranch truck from Arizona when it broke down at night in the middle of nowhere. After being stranded for an hour and running out of options, the idea came to us to use the propeller of the ultralight, which was strapped down to the truck bed, to push us up the hill until we could jump-start the broken ignition. Sure enough, it worked and soon we were cruising down the highway in a fan-powered truck at around 30 miles per hour. After the truck would not start for the second time, David, my sister, and I piled on to the ultralight frame and drove it almost a mile back to the ranch.
From Karyn Bodell:
Last December for a Book of Mormon class I was taking, we were assigned to choose one area in our lives we wanted to work on for 6 weeks. Since this class was a couple months after David’s passing, I remembered people at the funeral mentioning how they never heard David say anything bad about anyone. He cared about everyone and you could feel the love he had for others. During the funeral I thought how I wanted to be like David. I wanted others to feel that same sincerity and love that David demonstrated in his life. I wanted others to be able to say the same things about me as they said about David. So for those 6 weeks I chose to improve my language by not complaining, being sarcastic, gossip or say negative things about others. I kept track of my progress by putting a tack in a jar whenever I caught myself saying something negative. I tried hard to say kind things about people when others starting to gossip around me. I kept a reflection journal each week and included things I was grateful for, which helped me not complain and be more positive. I read at least one chapter in the Book of Mormon each day and a conference talk each week. Lastly, I prayed each day for the strength and guidance to accomplish my goals. By the end of the 6 weeks, I felt closer to my Heavenly Father and my love for His children greatly increased. I know that many people admired David because he lived this principle in his life. His example is one that I continue to follow in my life, and I feel blessed to have been able to know him
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
"Me and My Papa", photo books of service from Courtney
I was given the opportunity of service by David's sister Laura asking me if I would be willing to make photo books for Josh and Jasmine.
I am so grateful to have been able to do this. I feel like I came closer to David through this project of sorting and searching through all the pictures of him and his sweet children.
I have learned in the past year from David's death to cherish every moment with the ones you love, and to take lots of pictures.
I am so grateful that Cristina took so many pictures with the kids and their Daddy. These pictures are going to be constant reminders of who their Dad is and how much he loves them.
David was loving, kind, thoughtful and fun, all of these traits come through in the pictures that were taken of him during his life.
Thank you David for being such a great example and for teaching us all how we should live even after you have left this world. We miss you and love you.
David was loving, kind, thoughtful and fun, all of these traits come through in the pictures that were taken of him during his life.
Thank you David for being such a great example and for teaching us all how we should live even after you have left this world. We miss you and love you.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Dear David, From Mitzi
Dear David,
You also talked about how you ran at regionals for cross-country and got first place for Highland J.V. You were always about improving yourself. In high school you didn't like that you were getting overweight so you decided to join the track team. And a little while later, you were taking first place!
This is where I took my encouragement from when Liz and Laura challenged us to do something in honor of David. I decided that I too was a little sick of carrying a little extra baby weight so I decided to run a 1/2 marathon. My dad has always talked about running a marathon so I talked him into joining me (didn't have to talk him into it too much since he was practically training for it on his mission). My brother-in-law Hock decided to join us as well. It was such a great experience. It took so much hard work and dedication, but I did it! I never could have done it w/o Hock! I would be the one in the team to wake us up for the early runs and he would be the one to keep me running once we got up! It was a good partnership. About once a week I would run with my phone and earphones while talking to dad while he was running. It was a great bonding experience with my dad too.
To close, I just want to write a few things that were at the end of David's letters. He was always such a positive kid. I love these phrases b/c I can hear him saying each of them in my head:
Remember...Attitude is everything!
Always Smile!
Don't change for the world,
Always Smile and MPH! (Make People Happy!)
Always Smile and MPH! (Make People Happy!)
I love you David James!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Life lessons from David
A list of lessons I have learned from my Uncle David:
Just because a room quickly fills with fog, does not mean it's on fire.
When you're the oldest niece, you OBVIOUSLY get to be the "maid of honor"
(even if you are only 11 years old)
How to barn dance.
To be brave enough to ask someone out on fun dates.
To make those younger than you feel important.
How to listen and make the person talking feel like 100 bucks
Treasure hunts can be more fun than any movie or paid entertainment.
To NEVER take for granted your time with your family.
To always make sure you get one last hug in before you say goodbye.
To be a friend to those who don't have many.
That castles can be in your very own backyard.
That Angels are always very close by.
That children are closer to the veil then we imagine.
What it means to selflessly serve someone-even when it's hard.
What it REALLY means to be an eternal family.
That I do not, in fact, have the worst problems in life.
He taught me that I do not want a winter wedding- because his was FREEZING.
How cool the harmonica and guitar are.
The song "Leaving on a Jet Plane"
.... And the song "Seize the day" because of the swamp monster
How fun it can be to drive down a steep hill really fast.
It's cool to be silly.
That sometimes you can actually feel the prayers of loved ones and strangers holding you up.
Thanks for all the life lessons Uncle Dave- especially in the year since we've lost you.
That I do not, in fact, have the worst problems in life.
He taught me that I do not want a winter wedding- because his was FREEZING.
How cool the harmonica and guitar are.
The song "Leaving on a Jet Plane"
.... And the song "Seize the day" because of the swamp monster
How fun it can be to drive down a steep hill really fast.
It's cool to be silly.
That sometimes you can actually feel the prayers of loved ones and strangers holding you up.
Thanks for all the life lessons Uncle Dave- especially in the year since we've lost you.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Happy Halloween! :D
About a year ago we were at the family Halloween party with David. David and I were both hippies, and we took a picture together.That same night, David,Christina, Rick, Cindy, Alex, Lexi, Spencer, and I went to a haunted house. We had so much fun together. :) Earlier David had painted his teeth black, so in the haunted house picture he made a funny pose with his teeth. :) I'm so glad I have this pictures, because they are the last pictures I have with him.
Anyway, missing you David, thanks for the fun memories!!!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Service and the Atonement, part 3
Now that the heavy stuff is over with -- time for the fun!
We've asked people who knew David and loved him to do something to honor him. It can be an act of service, it can be a commitment to improve your own life, it can be a memory tribute to Dave for his kids . . . anything!
November is fast approaching (good news for those of us who live in Las Vegas or Phoenix, amiright?) which is the time frame we set as a target date for these acts of honor. We chose November since David's birthday is November 8 and most people need boundaries for their goals. We hope to publish your deeds on this website every day from November 8 to December 8 (David's last full day on this earth).
Some people have come to us with some great ideas - memory books, quilts, train rides, marathons, and many "pay it forward" plans. We are so excited for you to "return and report" to us some more details of what you plan to do or have already done. If you are still trying to come up with something, just know it doesn't have to be anything super stellar! Something as simple as "being a better dad" or "improving my visiting teaching attitude" will be exactly what we hoped for.
Being that we are still in the first year of grieving for David, we are often unsure of the future. But with your help in honoring him in so many ways, we look forward to the months a holidays ahead. Even though he wont be with us physically, we know he will be with us in spirit. May we always remember his kind eyes and smile as we come in contact with others around us in our lives.
Love to you all, Liz and family
p.s. as you can imagine, we treasure any new pictures of David that we havent seen. If you have ANY pictures of/with him, please send them to us - even if you think we may have it, send it anyways!
We've asked people who knew David and loved him to do something to honor him. It can be an act of service, it can be a commitment to improve your own life, it can be a memory tribute to Dave for his kids . . . anything!
November is fast approaching (good news for those of us who live in Las Vegas or Phoenix, amiright?) which is the time frame we set as a target date for these acts of honor. We chose November since David's birthday is November 8 and most people need boundaries for their goals. We hope to publish your deeds on this website every day from November 8 to December 8 (David's last full day on this earth).
Some people have come to us with some great ideas - memory books, quilts, train rides, marathons, and many "pay it forward" plans. We are so excited for you to "return and report" to us some more details of what you plan to do or have already done. If you are still trying to come up with something, just know it doesn't have to be anything super stellar! Something as simple as "being a better dad" or "improving my visiting teaching attitude" will be exactly what we hoped for.
Being that we are still in the first year of grieving for David, we are often unsure of the future. But with your help in honoring him in so many ways, we look forward to the months a holidays ahead. Even though he wont be with us physically, we know he will be with us in spirit. May we always remember his kind eyes and smile as we come in contact with others around us in our lives.
Love to you all, Liz and family
p.s. as you can imagine, we treasure any new pictures of David that we havent seen. If you have ANY pictures of/with him, please send them to us - even if you think we may have it, send it anyways!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Comforting Angel
I saw this picture yesterday on the blog of a woman who lost her little girl.
She wrote:
"This sculpture, made in Slovakia. It very well depicts the sorrow of a grieving mother with her angel baby coming to her comfort. It's just beautiful.
Now instead of the 'unwanted' memories intruding my mind, my thoughts turn to this image of you by my side. It brings me much more comfort.
Sweet girl of mine, thank you for anytime you may be at my side. You are probably here more than I'm aware."
I agree that the sculpture is just beautiful. And I agree that David is by our side more than we are aware. Just like Brianne said in her latest post. I know he is so concerned for how we are doing. When we are still inside and out, sometimes we can feel him near.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Generations
This painting is called "Generations" by an LDS artist named Kerri Guthrie. Below is the "story behind the art" information. What do you think?
"After my father died, I received a great desire to paint a picture of the Spirit World, a gift of peace for my family and yours. On the right side, in the lower area by the tunnel, family and friends are saying goodbye to their loved ones who are going to earth to be born. On the left side, family and friends gather together to welcome their loved ones back home into the Spirit World; They have come through the tunnel of darkness into the light."
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Things I love about my uncle David
Things I love about my uncle David
1. his smile
2. his laugh
3. his imagination
4. his love for his wife
5. his love for his kids
6. his testimony
7. his practical jokes
8. his funny faces
9. his guitar
10. his amazing drawings
11. his treasure hunts
12. his train rides
13. his fun ideas
14. his riddles
15. his castle
16. the playhouse he built in grandma's basement
17. how he always made you feel special
18. his fun house where he hosted fun barbeques and partys
19. his smart mind
20. his example to EVERYONE around him
1. his smile
2. his laugh
3. his imagination
4. his love for his wife
5. his love for his kids
6. his testimony
7. his practical jokes
8. his funny faces
9. his guitar
10. his amazing drawings
11. his treasure hunts
12. his train rides
13. his fun ideas
14. his riddles
15. his castle
16. the playhouse he built in grandma's basement
17. how he always made you feel special
18. his fun house where he hosted fun barbeques and partys
19. his smart mind
20. his example to EVERYONE around him
I love you uncle David! Thanks for your example to me!!!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Brothers
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