Familes are Forever

Familes are Forever

Saturday, July 21, 2012

You never know how strong you are

The world came crashing down around me or maybe I was falling unable to catch myself.
Family surrounded me to help cushion the blow...but the world kept turning.
I would watch people, laughing, going on with their lives.
What is wrong with them can't they see that the world isn't the same,
MY WORLD ISN'T THE SAME!
Everything I thought I knew had changed in an instant.
I have walked these halls, I know these smells, but never with such emotion.
Never with such fear of the unknown.

And once I hit the bottom the only way to go was up.
Never have I felt the power of prayer so strongly.
I never knew that I could actually feel the prayers of others
lifting me, guiding me, and giving me hope
To get up, to try, to build, to move forward
with a strength beyond my own.

The panic of the day seemed like it would never end.
But hours turned to days, and days into years.
And the wound continues to heal, some days forgotten
Some days so real.

It changed who I am
I am stronger than I know
It makes me a better person.
A better mom.
And a stronger wife.
It changed us, we are stronger for it.
We work for it.

One chess game at a time.
Each move strategic.
We rebuild, we over come.


"We learn by chess the habit of not being discouraged by present bad appearances in the state of our affairs, the habit of hoping for a favourable change, and that of persevering in search of resources."
Benjamin Franklin

"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have."
 Author Unknown

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Hearts of the Past: Gene Austin Greer: Military Service

Hearts of the Past: Gene Austin Greer: Military Service:        

In my Grandpa's handwriting about his military service. He rarely talked about it so this is precious to me, I have typed out a translation though at the bottom if you have trouble reading it.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Blue Ribbons and Flags

Saturday they laid to rest Officer Aaron Beesley.

His funeral was at my High school and was buried in the same cemetery as several of my family members.

Alex and I had talked with our children about what had happened to this hero, this police and fireman and as part of the fire community we wanted to show our support to his wife and children and fire family. Unfortunately Alex had to work and although my intentions to take the children were good but as some mornings go with four kids it didn't go as planned. I was disappointed but figured they would have some of it on the evening news.

My cousin's husband was baptized Saturday evening. I didn't know the way to the church so I followed my parents. I was so surprised to see blue ribbons lining the road. I realized that this road was the procession must have taken to the cemetery. It brought tears to my eyes, volunteers had walked the 14 mile procession route and tied blue ribbons on every tree, sign post, and light pole. I pointed them out to my children whose eyes excitedly looked for the next ribbon. Lydia was the only one old enough to understand the meaning of what we were seeing. And seemed as amazed as I did.

As we got closer to the city the cemetery was in American flags started dotting front lawns. And then they were every 3 to 4 feet on each side of the road, as far I could see. I found myself no longer able to point out ribbons to the children. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe the view. Business's signs honoring him. It was difficult to hold back the tears.

We turned before reaching the cemetery entrance. The baptism was beautiful, it was great to watch a person turn their life around and a family come together, and the opportunity for an Eternal family for my cousin and her children if they continue on this new path in their lives. There was a talk given how baptism is a representation of death and the resurrection. Laying down our sins and as we arise out of the water clean sinless. A visual representation of a symbolic promise of turning our life over to Christ and becoming whole in Him. Redeemed in Him.  And to watch his face as he came out of the water, the joy there was undeniable.

It got me thinking of when the resurrection will actually happen, the rejoining of body and spirit, husband and wife, parents and children. Because He conquered death, we will too. And how joyful that day will be.

I got lost trying to find the park where the dinner was to be served. I once again found myself on the road lined with flags and was less then a mile from the cemetery. I drove their and called my dad to get better directions. After I got off the phone the kids wanted to see Great Grandpa and Uncle Aaron's graves. Since we don't get that way often I obliged them.

As we walked I observed more blue ribbons and in a quiet corner the many floral arrangements for Office Beesley. Lydia, my sweet Lydia asked if we could leave something at his grave to say thank you. As we hadn't brought anything because this was a unscheduled trip. Then I looked to my Uncles grave. The four flags we placed there memorial day were still there and still looked new. Lydia asked if we could just take two of the flags over. I don't think my Uncle would mind, I think he would have wanted that. So we took  two flags and walked to the floral arrangements. I wish I had my camera with me, they were so beautiful, one from the UHP, one with a firetruck and boot, and many with the words of Father, Husband, Son, Friend, Hero. I sat with the kids and again talked to them about the sacrifice he made. And they thanked him in their own little words. It was so touching. They placed their little flags in the ground next to the flowers and headed back to the car. The children laughing and skipping across the lawn. I just watched them.

After finally finding our way to the park and having a nice BBQ we headed home down the same road, the flags were no longer there but blue ribbons still lined the street. I decided to follow them to the High school. Again the showing of support for this family overwhelmed me. Not just as a person but as the wife of someone who puts their life on the line.

 Lydia asked if they would do this for her Dad when he died and I told her I didn't know. I really didn't want her to know that this usually only happens when they die in the line of duty. Somethings she is just to young to know.

Sometimes I wish I didn't know, that sometimes life doesn't seem fair, that parents shouldn't have to bury their children, young children shouldn't have to bury their Daddy or Mommy. That things change, time goes on and people we love go to their Heavenly Home.....

All in all it was a beautifully sad and wonderfully happy day on so many levels.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Please look and listen!

Please take a minute to view the link below, a car pulled in front of the Ambulance and the passenger in her car died. Pulling over for EMS/POLICE/FIRE vehicles will only take a minute of your time, it could save a life, it might be yours.


http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=21140398&title=ambulance-crashes-into-vehicle-1-dead&s_cid=featured-3

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The Fireman in my life.....

Most people may not know but fireman and police officers usually have a 2nd or 3rd job to support their families, Because we live in a small community our Fire Department is made up of completely volunteer fireman as is roughly 70% of all fire departments. What does that mean? He wears a pager with him 24/7 and responds to calls when we are in town. He goes to trainings once a week for at least a two hour training and gets paid apx. seven dollars per meeting. For each call it is roughly 12 to 13 depending on their training. That is per call, not per hour. So if it is a 1/2 hour medical or a 12 hour grass fire he gets paid 12-13 dollars. Sometimes they will be compensated a little extra if the call is extremely long. If none of our fireman are in town we are lucky to have a bigger town that backs us up and transports our patients when needed.

They don't do it for the pay, the do it for the love of their community, they do it because they love to serve. Their families sacrifice them during important events, my husband has missed Birthday parties, baby blessings and special anniversary dinners. But that is okay with me, I signed up for this they day I married him. It is one of the things that I love most about him. Yes, I have finished many movies or shows by my self but I am so proud to be a fireman's wife.

They serve even when they are not on duty. My husband works driving a cement truck driver as his "day job" but even while doing his "day job" he never misses an opportunity to serve. Yesterday he witnessed a car clip the back of another causing the car that was clipped to roll 5 times. He pulled is cement truck over and rushed over to asses the people.

Fortunately for them everyone was wearing their seat belts and walked away with scratches. Below is the video he took as he was leaving once the Salt Lake department arrived and giving his eyewitness statement.


As much as he loves to serve, we would ask that this summer you play responsibly. Be sure to have adequate water source, clear all dry brush, and have a shovel handy when you light off your fireworks. If you live in an area with firework restrictions please follow them. Do not use illegal fireworks. If you don't know the restrictions in your area contact your local government.

Please take the time to wear your seat belts, they do save lives.

And if you choose to go hiking please know the trails and area, pack enough water and take essentials for if you are stranded for night. Tell someone where you are going. And have a buddy.

Remember, wildfires and rescues cost a lot of money, but they put peoples lives in danger.
Sadly this week we lost one of our UHP officers. He was assisting with a mountain rescue, gave up his seat in the helicopter for one of the teens they were sent to rescue and lost his footing and fell.
He also served as an Assistant Fire Chief for the Corrine Volunteer Fire Department.



Utah Hghway Patrol Trooper died doing what he loved, helping others
Officer/Asst Chief Beesley
He leaves behind a wife, a 7 year old son, and twin 4 year old boys.
Our hearts go out to all of his families, his personal, police, and fire families.
Officer Beasley, heaven has a special place waiting for you.

Please pray for our Fire and Police officers this dry fire season. And please pray for their families too.

Monday, July 2, 2012

I never thought I would hear.....

Lydia: Mom, I wish I was white like you, not tan like Daddy. I would give my kidney stone to be white.


Oh and since today was a rare day that I worked she made me lunch. I am such a lucky Mom.