My friend, Aubrey's, father, Bob VanDrimmelen, passed away suddenly on Saturday afternoon. We just got back from his funeral service today. I love the fact that in our church a funeral is always a celebration of life and an "I'll see you soon" and not really a goodbye.
Aubrey and I have been friends for a long time. Her husband, Jon, was our home teacher for at least a year. The first time he came over Cara, who was still pretty young, decided to hit him in the head with an empty 2-liter bottle. Nice, I know. Can you believe he kept coming every month? Jon & Bryan worked together for a year in an accounting office here in Arlington. Our kids love and play with each other very easily. When I needed a babysitter quick I could always call Aubrey. When we wanted to get out of the house, they were always up for a game night. They moved to Ft. Worth two years ago and we don't see them nearly often enough but one easy way we kept in touch was through her parents.
Bob was the stake Sunday School President. Jody is the stake Relief Society President. When our stake got all crazily realigned in April, we were lucky enough to end up in their ward. The Vans had us over for dinner just last month. Sister Van is someone who can make the impossible look easy. She's a fabulous public speaker. She is service-driven and always has a smile, hug and a "How are you, sweetie?" for me. In a ward that we knew practically no one in, that was exactly what I needed.
Brother Van was a master teacher. He had a knack for making you look at things in a completely different way than you'd have ever thought of. One time (before the realignment) he was teaching Gospel Doctrine (for his calling) in our ward. I'd read the assigned chapters ahead of time and was all prepared for what I thought the lesson would be... He turned it all around and asked how the temple related to the chapters. It was an "a-ha" moment for me.
By the number of people and cars at the church today you'd have thought it was Stake Conference. It was obvious to anyone there that Brother Van has touched many lives for good. I'm thankful that I got the chance to know and love him.
When things like this happen close to home it is always a good time for reflection and self-analysis. I've spent a lot of time thinking about my own parent's mortality as well as the things I can work on in my life to be more like Christ. Life is a blessing indeed.
My niece, Amanda, got married this week to a great guy named Beau Bramwell. They both took out their endowments Thursday night in the Bountiful Temple. Bryan & I had been in Tooele since we arrived in Utah and hadn't seen any of the Boyer side yet. So when we met for the 5:30 session it was the first time we'd seen them for awhile. Could there be a better place for a family reunion?
This cutie squeezed into a crack at the Salt Lake Temple where they were sealed on Saturday morning. It was a tear-jerker of a ceremony and the Temple Sealer gave some really great advice. I can only remember a thing or two about our sealing so every time we get to attend someone else's wedding, it's a nice reminder.
Cara with her girl cousin closest to her age, Taylor. They always have fun together.
Jordyn followed Amanda around the whole night. She said Amanda looked like a princess and kept reminding anyone who would listen that "Amanda is MY cousin!".
The happy couple leaving under a bridge of sparklers. Congratulations Amanda & Beau!!
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