Missing Dad

It is amazing how much can happen in one week! Just a week ago we were sitting by the fire visiting with Shane's sister and her family and Delbert & Barbara (Shane's parents) and today Delbert's obituary is in the paper. He had a couple of falls on Wednesday night and by Thursday morning he was in severe pain and was very weak, so Debbie called an ambulance to transport him to the ER. Shane met Debbie at the hospital and I went to stay with Barbara. Finally by 4 p.m. they had him in a room and he was finally comfortable enough to sleep. They had run several tests and we were just waiting to see the Dr Friday morning to hear what they had found. Our phone rang a little before 6 a.m. and Jim (Debbie's husband) said the hospital called and he had taken a turn for the worse...we needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible. We told our kids what was going on and we left for the hospital, just as we were pulling into the parking lot we got another call that he had passed away. He passed away Friday morning around 6 am, very peacefully, he was sound asleep and just quit snoring, a nurse who was sitting with him took his pulse and there was none. Boy, what a way to go! I have always thought that it would be great, that when my time came, I could just go in my sleep!

The last few days have been very tender and emotional for all of us. Delbert was 92, but he was very vibrant, healthy, and optimistic until the past few years, when he was in alot of pain from arthritis, had trouble with asthma, and lost alot of his vision due to macular degeneration. I like to remember him how he was before all that stuff. I have known him and loved him for 20 years. when Shane & I married, Delbert and Barbara were "Snowbirds" heading south to St. George for the winters, and living up here in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. When they were home Delbert worked part time in the refrigeration business (yes...Shane's Dad was a refrigeration repair man....just like the Smothers Brothers talked about : ) ) Delbert didn't retire until he was about 75. Dell and Barbara were very social, they had lots of friends and the neighbors on the street were almost like extended family they had all lived there for so long and raised their children. Dell was the ward clerk for 30 years, and he knew everyone! That carried over to every part of his life, he was so friendly,he would strike up a conversation with anyone, and he always had a smile. Dell liked to sing, mostly around home, in the shower, and in the car, to his children, grandchildren, and his wife. Dell and Barbara knew eachother their whole lives and they were so loving and kind to eachother. He always showed her great respect and love!

We will miss him so very much! We are so greatful for the plan of salvation, and the knowledge that families can be an eternal unit. We are greatful that Dad is out of pain, and having a great reunion with his son, Larry, his 8 siblings, his parents, and other loved ones who have already moved on. The funeral is Tuesday March 11th and if you are interested you can read Dell's obituary online at: www.legacy.com/DeseretNews/Obituaries.asp, or you can go to deseretnews.com and click on obituaries.

Until later....Enjoy every moment...Live life to it's fullest and remember what is really important!