What Happened to April?

Seems like the month has come and gone - and it has all been a bit of a whirlwind. With Randy trying to recovery from his ordeal, then Paul's death, we've been trying to figure out what happened with the time. We've tried to carry on while waiting for the funeral and burial and have pretty much gone about with our daily routines. Some people just can't figure out why we're not weeping and wailing - it's just not happening that way. Sure, we have our moments of profound sadness, but mostly we are just so pleased everything went as smooth as it did and Paul's life was honored in such a way. The graveside service was good. The Bennion family had it organized with opening and closing prayers and Randy giving the dedication of the grave. Randy had his own plan. He gave a brief talk and asked if we could change the closing song to "Come, Come Ye Saints" after the dedicatory prayer. Then he brought out his pistols and had anyone who wanted to shoot of a shot in the air (blanks, of course). Deborah was skeptical, but was one of the first to take a shot. I was last. It was good, and I think Paul would have liked his cowboy sendoff.

Sad Hearts

Our hearts are saddened since we learned we lost our Paul. I remember the first time I met him. He was a cute little kid with reddish hair and the biggest impish grin you ever saw. You just knew there was mischief on his mind. He justed wanted to play and run and tease, he had a zest for life and wanted to live it to the fullest.
I got to know him over the years and had the pleasure of watching him grow into a very handsome man. He was an exemplary Eagle Scout and had his goals set high. He filled an honorable mission and learned a language that would offer him several opportunities. He was a man of service and selfless love and gave of himself freely. Everyone loved Paul, and I can't think of anyone he didn't like - well maybe one or two people bothered him, but he was always kind and never said hurtful or mean things to or about anyone. No matter how exasperated he made me at times, he always gave a big hug and expressed his love which made the hard times easier to forgive. Tough love is hard to dish out and oftentimes not appreciated by the receiver of that love. We expected a lot from Paul, and I believe he really tried to step up and face his responsibilities, and I truly believe he was on a path toward fulfilling some of his goals.
The lessons I've learned through all this is that I need to be kinder and gentler to the people I love, and to savour the last hug and kiss as if it would be the last hug and kiss. Life is precious, and we must never for a minute take it for granted. I'll miss you, Pauly Poo.