He makes families possible

Dear Josie

Dear Josie,

I wanted to take the opportunity to write some thoughts and feelings down. Kaylene called and let me know that things were not looking good. I called and let Kylie know. She had just arrived in Brazil. I also tried to explain what was happening to my kids. We prayed for you and it wasn't long after that initial phone call that I heard from my Aunt Kathy letting me know that you had passed.

This is hard for me. Grandma and Grandpa Bair have both passed. Grandma Dawson has passed. Grandpa Dawson is still alive, but unfortunately I haven't seen him for some time. When we first moved to Utah and started visiting you regularly, you filled a hole for me. When I was around you it helped me to remember Grandma Bair. We have been visiting for the last 6 or so years now.

You filled a similar role for Kylie. My kids came into the world and you shared your love with them as well. They loved coming to visit you and Pat. They loved your hugs. They enjoyed singing for you. They also loved the little treats and $2 bills.

I think this is especially hard for me because of the amazing person that I think you are. If I were to name the few people that I feel have had a significant influence on my life, you would be one of them. We visited you at your home and at the hospital, went to BYU games together, went out to head several times at Sizzler's and other places, and made trips to family reunions because we especially wanted to see Josie.

I'll never forget seeing your excitement at BYU games. You loved watching the cougars and you wore an old royal blue Sailor Cougar sweater. Security would check you purse as you walked in and just smile when they saw that you packed chocolates, nuts, and other treats for the games. I'll never forget when we walked out of Vivint Smart Home Arena. We were waiting on the corner and someone was standing there holding a sign asking for money. I did my best to just look straight ahead while you reached into your purse and did as Christ would do.

Our visits were always surprises. One time we popped in and you were putting together breads that you collected from bakeries. You took these around to people that were in need. I had the opportunity to drive you one time and I could help but think that you were 80+ years old and people should be doing this for you.

You loved your garden. You were so grateful for the little effort it took for us to rent a tiller and prepare the ground one spring. You used your garden to take care of everyone else like Grandma Bair did. I think about this with my little garden every year and try to be like you.

You had that sparkle. You would wink at me and make me smile. You never married, but I never sensed bitterness. You gave your life taking care of Pat.

I'm not sure how you did it, but one of the things that I admired and appreciated the most is the amount of love you shared. I could feel it. My family could feel it. We thought we were coming over to do something nice for you, yet we always left feeling so much better because of you. I felt like you could see in me, things that I couldn't really see myself. I wanted to be better because of you.

During Christmas break Kylie and I thought it would be good if I had some one on one time with you. I left and surprised you. Lavell Edwards had just passed away and he was one of the first things you brought up. You mentioned the influence that he had on so many and I can't help but think now about the influence you have had. Though I could see that your physical body was tired and in pain, you still smiled. We still talked. You expressed how much you loved me, my wife, and our children. I expressed our love for you as well. You had to look in your drawer for treats to share with me and for me to take home to my family. I'm so grateful I was able to have these moments with you. It was hard to leave and I'll never forget this special moment.

I miss you so much Josie. I know that you are in a better place now. You are with Grandma and your other siblings and parents. When I got that second phone call and told Addy, the first thing she said was, "Josie went back to be with Heavenly Father." I've repeated those inspired words from my four year old daughter over and over in my mind. We are members of His true church and I really do believe that family relationships do not end at death. We will live again and can be with each other again after this life.

I want you to know Josie that I think about you often. I think about what you have taught me. I think about wanting to be a good person like you.

Thank you for everything Josie! I love and miss you!

Obituary

Adelyn and Jacob Bair at the Cemetery in Preston, Idaho

Pat and Josie

Photos shared at the funeral

Photos and stories of Josie participating on the bowling team

Josie gave $2 bills do so many people

Josie and her parents

A poem written about Josie

Legacy of Love: Gene and Ruth Barrus

I'm so proud of my sweet wife and the hard work she put into this family history project about her Grandpa and Grandma Barrus.

Reengage!

I've said it before, but it is time to reengage!

Still working on learning about my family, just not blogging

For those interested, I'm still searching and learning about family. I just haven't been as diligent blogging my efforts. One of my lines only goes back into the 1800's. I've spent tons of time thinking to myself, I can push this back and find more. After several attempts (I will not include the word 'failed'), today is the day I've found some additional information.

Louise Ingman and her husband George Ingman are people I've known little about. You were buried in my hometown. I have census records that show Louise that you were born in England. I knew your first name from these records and from your gravestone, but I have not been able to find your last name. I had some additional information on George from my mom's family history binder.

Today Louise, I learned what I believe is your last name: Warren

Hallelujah

Remembering you today Grandma

1931-2015

I know that Grandma's spirit continues to live, that I will one day see her again, and that families can be together forever. This brings me peace.

 

Jacob Bair

Dear Jacob,

You recently turned one year old, ALREADY! It seems like just yesterday we were at the hospital, we held you in our arms, and your sister walked in with a huge smile full of love. Now you are not only walking, but moving our kitchen chairs to climb onto to then climb onto the kitchen counters. You love to pull everything out of the kitchen drawers and cupboards. You love your sister and follow her around like a shadow. You are quick to smile and I love listening to you laugh.

We've had a few medical concerns with you and we've done our fair share this last year of visiting multiple doctors, hospitals, and other professionals. You've had our concerned hearts before you left the womb. I'm grateful for your health. You've shown me that despite any concerns that there might be, "Life can be enjoyed, and not just endured." You amaze me!

I want to be a good father for you. I want you to know that I love you. I want to be there for you, everyday! When I'm at work I enjoy it, but I also look forward to coming home and playing. It is easy for me to be distracted  by the chores of daily life that need done. I need to spend more time rolling around on the floor playing with you.

I want you to believe in our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is real. He loves you. He knows you. There is a purpose to this life and a plan for all of us to return to life with our Savior and Father in Heaven. I hope my actions show you that I know Christ and am trying to follow Him.

One year passed. Let's have fun with this next one!

I love you son,

Dad

Rejoice!

Peace in World of Turmoil

There is so much turmoil in the world. So much heartache and suffering.

There is also reason to have hope and joy. I know that there is a Savior, Jesus Christ. He does just that - saves, heals, comforts. He is the Savior for all mankind. As black as the night sky can be, the contrast of the noonday sun is extraordinary.