John would have been 29 years old today. I wonder how old he is in Heaven? 5.62318934 billion? Do they even keep track there? Hmmm...I told Johnny all day yesterday that today we were celebrating daddy's birthday, so he was pretty excited. We started by going to the Children's Museum in Ogden with my friend Katy and her son Emerson, who is only a few months younger than Johnny. They had lots of fun. Johnny was a bundle of energy running from one thing to the next! After that, we had lunch at Rumbi Grill where I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that I wasn't gonna have to clean up all the rice that spilled.
A quick trip to Base, and then we came home for naps (plural). A little playtime outside and then Grandma and Grandpa Alley came over. They took us out to a super nice restaurant for dinner - Sego Lily Cafe - right here in Bountiful. I have always wanted to go there, so it was an extra treat for me.
Then we headed over to see John's grave. I brought super yummy cupcakes and we (barely) lit some candles (the wind was blowing), sang Happy Birthday, and let Johnny blow out the candles. It was so great being there with my in-laws. I love them so much; they are the best people. Johnny ran around chasing robins, and Dave, Eva, and I all shared some of our favorite memories of John.
I miss him so much. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of him and miss him. I am not unhappy; there are lots of things for me to be grateful for, and lots of wonderful people in my life. I am so grateful for my faith which gives me the strength to trust in my Heavenly Father, that things are as they should be. And that everything is going to work out in the end. I just have to be patient, and make sure I do everything I can to fulfill my purpose here.
In honor of John, and for his birthday, I have created a new blog called I Still Have a Voice - a compilation of his journals and notebooks. I hope it brings inspiration to those who read it, and a smile on the face of those aching to see him again. Cuz faith or no faith, we still miss those we love.
5 comments:
It was so nice to be with you this special day. You are a gem. We love you, too.
Wish I could have been there to sing Happy Birthday to him with you guys. Happy Birthday bro.
Happy Birthday John Harold. I thought of you often as I glanced at my "Family" wall calendar and could see your smiling face. I am so looking forward to "I Still Have a Voice" which your loving wife is composing. What a sweetheart she is. Your son is the apple of all our eyes!!
Thanks for putting together a wonderful birthday celebration for our John. As deep is the sorrow from missing him, having you and Johnny nearby lifts us up.
Love ... Grandpa Alley
Derek was just talking yesterday about a camping trip he went on with John right before John went to the Academy and right before Derek went on his mission. We think of him and you guys often. I'm happy to see that he's such a regular part of your lives. I'm looking forward to looking at the new site. You're doing a great job Emily!
Post a Comment