Love through loss. .

The day after you passed Ben looked like he had been hit by a truck. We knew you were sick, but I don't think Ben ever accepted the fact that he might lose you until he did. We tried to talk about funeral arrangements, etc. but he was clearly terrified about monetary means needed to provide for your boys as well as honoring you, funeral arrangements etc.

Brother-in-love Philly called and told Ben he would help with burial/cremation (Phil has always had a special place for you and Ben in his heart). Melanye and the parents helped price out different mortuary and funeral home options and our sweet Bishop Owens from our church agreed to not only conduct the memorial service, arrange a luncheon for family, set up at the church, type up and print programs but also came over late that night and created a program for the Memorial Service with our input and forwent a marathon he had committed to the morning of your service.

Our Aunt Chris wrote an arrangement of Amazing Grace for both the piano and the cello and she and our cousin Matthew Smith (concert cellist) gave the most moving performance. Volunteers from my ward prepared and served our lunch and so many of your nursing friends brought additional food for us as well. The memorial service was a beautiful tribute to you and to the 100's of people who have been there for you in life and in death. What seemed an impossible task the morning after, got done somehow with lots and lots of help and love.

Through this tremendous loss, a darkest hour, people have poured (DUMPED!) love on Ben and this family. Past trials had severely dampened his trust in people. . . his faith in people has been restored ten fold. We are so thankful for this outrageous outreach.