STANDING FOR SOMETHING

I'm remembering Michael Jackson

It finally hit me. Michael Jackson is dead. I had not planned on watching his memorial today but I found myself doing so and grateful. I suppose I was in some sort of shock induced denial. I didn’t put myself in a situation where I would hear more news or listen to his music. I know now why. He did have an influence on me. There is something captivating in his music. I grew up in it. The loss is great and now I’m feeling it with the world. I sob instantly when I hear his music. I am taken aback, recalling my years past and how his music moved me then and now. I remember dancing to his music in grade school for a talent show. I remember swooning over him during my early teenage years. I remember as a newly aunt rocking my baby nephew to his song. I remember his song being my graduating high school song. I remember feeling his bond to unite the world and make it a better place. I remember those kind of fond memories and more. His children has fond memories too and so I ache for them above all. God bless you little ones!

I love you Michael Jackson and thank you for your music. Rest in peace.

Labels: funeral, Michael Jackson

In Loving Memory

Steven and I went to a beautiful funeral service this morning in memory of Brother C. I met him and his wife at my previous ward and have come to love them. I have fond memories of Brother C. I truly smile thinking about him because I recall his happy countenance, fun wit, and incredible knowledge of the scriptures. He radiated a bright spirit and it was nice to be around him. I want such radiance someday. I love you Brother C. See you later.

Labels: funeral

Until We Meet Again Uncle Jesse

Jesse Ochoa

April 22, 1951 - January 23, 2008

See here for his story

Yesterday the family spent the day remembering my brother-in-law, Uncle Jesse, as many of us have come to call him. At the viewing I got a chance to see him one more time and he looked young and peaceful. I missed the chapel service since I had to pick David up from pre-school but I heard that it went well. On our way to the interment the kids fell asleep so I stayed in the car with them. I did hear the firing of the guns (Uncle Jesse was a veteran) and when the kids finally woke, the ceremony had just ended.

Privately I was thinking of him. I was remembering how I had just spoken with him about a week before his passing. We talked on the phone for over half an hour. He spoke mostly of his want to go home (he was in the hospital at the time since Christmas night) and be with his wife. How he wanted to be around the fire place snuggled with her. He spoke of many adventures he wanted to do more with her like fishing. He just ached to be with her in the home setting. He missed his own bed. I listened and wished for his wished to come true. At the close of our conversation, I wished him well and told him that we love him and he said that he love us also.

I kick myself for not calling him again. I would have liked to have talked to him again.

For the brief time I got to know him, I admired him. I saw how happy he and my sister-in-law was together. I certainly will miss you Uncle Jesse ... until we meet again ...