Life lessons and a great example

Dave’s poor family has had to go through so much. When Dave was just a newborn, his grandma passed away at the age of 45 from breast cancer. She left 8 kids and a husband behind. Her oldest was in his 20’s and the youngest was only 5. Dave’s dad “Big Dave” is the oldest child and was the only one with a child able to meet his mom. His brother just younger than him was married, but had not children. The brother just younger than that was serving an LDS mission when his mom passed away. I can’t even imagine how Paul felt when he was unable to say goodbye to his mother. The other 5 kids were still living at home. Dave’s grandpa, Gary was left as a young, widower. He got remarried shortly later, but I losing his “sweetheart” would be so hard!

When Dave and I went to his family reunion this summer, we told them that we were going to be having a baby. They were all so excited. Telling Dave’s grandpa was such a neat experience. He told us the story about he and his “sweetheart” finding out they were going to be parents. He also told us about what things were like when they found out she was sick. He is such a faithful man. He had such faith in his Heavenly Father, that he was able to be comforted through her illness and knew that she had to leave this earth for a greater purpose. He is such an incredible example of unquestioning faith.

3 years ago, Big Dave passed away from ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease at the age of 45. Dave was only 21 when he lost his dad. It was one of the most difficult things that we have had to go through together. We had only been married for 3 months. Poor Grandpa, had to lose his wife, and first born child at the age of 45 to disease. He easily could have been angry and bitter, but instead he was such a source of strength for the entire family. He reminded us that “Big Dave” was once again with his mom. “Big Dave” really struggled through his lifetime with living his life faithfully, but before he was diagnosed with ALS he came back to church and was there with us in the temple when Dave and I got married. We knew that his hard work to live his life faithful again had paid off and he was able to be with his mom again. Grandpa reminded us all of that.

Last week, Dave went to SLC to be with his family because his uncle Paul passed away from an illness at the age of 44. He left 4 children behind. The oldest being 20, and the youngest only about 3. He had just moved back to the USA from Cambodia so that his family could be taken care of after he passed away. Once again, Dave’s grandpa could have been negative about losing 2 children at the ages of 44 and 45 and his wife at 45. He wasn’t negative at all. He was once again a source of strength for the family. I hope to be as faithful as he is someday. He has taught me one major life lesson. Turn to my Heavenly Father in all things. Have faith always.

Who is one of your greatest examples?