Tomorrow is Dad’s birthday and we are so excited. We want to show him how much we love him. With the help of a lot of people we have come up with the following:
Friday February 18th
7:30pm Gather in driveway to sing Happy Birthday and Come Come Ye Saints (one of Dad’s favorite hymns)
7:40pm Lighting of floating lanterns (like in the movie Tangled)
7:40 – 8:30pm People drive by to see the floating lanterns and honk to express their love for Gary
Gary's and Raynee's address is 2955 South 1500 East in Salt Lake City
Gary's and Raynee's address is 2955 South 1500 East in Salt Lake City
We will have candles for people to hold and a huge card for people to sign for Dad
Dad will not be able to visit with anyone, but he will see and hear people singing to him and hear the horns!
am or pm?
ReplyDeleteWonderful! See you guys tomorrow night! We are planning on being there. We wouldn't miss for anything. Please, please, please let me know what I can do to help out. ANYTHING!
ReplyDeleteLove you all!
Tammy
PERSPECTIVE...HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY/FAMILY.
ReplyDeleteSomewhere over the rainbow way up high
in the land that I heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow-skies are blue
and the dreams that you dare to dream
really do come true.
Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up
where the coulds are far behind me,
where troubles melt like lemon drops
high above the chimney tops
that's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
and the dreams...that you dare to dream
really do come true.
If happy little bluebirds fly
above the rainbow
Why, oh, Why can't I?
My friend wrote this poem and read it in Relief Society.I was in tears hearing it and it reminded me of the wonderful Bengtzen family and what you are going through. I have such wonderful memories of growing up in the neighborhood and spending summers learning to swim with Raynee. I rmember being the only girl in the primary class full of boys, Cory, Grant, Nikki, Russell.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and your family and you are in my prayers. Lots of Love,
Melanie Barlow Brown
Just Finish The Test
By Chantel Bingham Murrah
There once was a man who to earth he was sent
With a work to complete and to finish a test.
He knew it would not be so easy but he wanted to go
To earth to gain a body and to spiritually grow
He found it difficult and hard and sometimes he cried,
“Lord, I can’t do it, it just is too hard”.
But each time in reply the Lord loving said
“Just finish the work and endure to the end”.
The years quickly passed even decades or two
And the man kept on going, he had work still to do.
His hair became gray, his body tired and worn
Often he prayed, “Lord, is it time to come home?”
But each time he heard, “Not yet, you’re not through”
“Just finish the work you were sent there to do!”
“But what can I do? I’m very old you see
And my arms, legs, and hands don’t work as easily.
But advice I can give, and listen I can
And the stories I’ve got, I’m quite an old man.
To my kids and my grandkids and their kids and so forth,
I can help everyone as long as I’m on earth!”
And so the man did never knowing how much
He left of himself to that whole rowdy bunch.
And when he had done all that was humanly possible
He finally returned home to his Heavenly Father.
“Good work”, said the Lord, “you’re work there is done”.
You are a most righteous and good faithful son.
“Now, “ said the man, “I’m ready to rest”.
“I’ve worked my whole life, I’ve finished my test”.
“Yes,” said the Lord, “but there is still work to do,
You’ve got worlds to create, you still are not through”.
“You’re right, “ said the man, “I’m ready to go
I’ve gained all the knowledge I needed to know.
Each obstacle there that I thought was a curse
I see know was something I needed to learn.
I know how to do it, I’m ready let’s go.
I’ve spent my whole life for this challenge, you know”.
He paused only for a moment, to take one last glimpse
Of his family on earth that he already missed.
He saw his kids, and their kids, and so on and so forth
Struggling and fighting with their challenges on earth.
Each one in a stage that he had once passed.
He looked at them all and with that last loving glance,
“Keep going,” he shouted, “You’re just not quite through.”
“Just finish the test, there is work still to do.
Learn all that you can, you’ll need it, you see
For the work that is waiting for all eternity.
I’ll go on ahead, there is so much to do.
Just finish your test; I’ll be waiting for you!”
That sounds like fun! Wish we could be there to see it and celebrate with you. I hope you post pictures! Our love goes out to you!
ReplyDeleteGary and Raynee!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's the former Soeur Thornhil (now Erin Reeder). I love you both so much! Soeur Camarena gave me the link to this blog and I've been reading for the last 45 minutes with tears in my eyes. How I wish I could give you both a big hug- like the many hugs you gave me when I needed them so badly. I can't help but think of how many peoples lives you have touched over the years. I, myself, know of a solid hundred or so :)
I love you and am praying for you both. I am ever so grateful to have had you both at my reception in Mesa last year. How special that was for me! Thank you for having been an important part of my life.
Big Hugs,
Erin
Gary and Raynee-we will be out of town this weekend but will be thinking of you and your celebration and honking our horn in Logan! Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteGary and Raynee ~ We will be out of town Friday night and hate to miss the party. I tiptoed in this afternoon and left a letter and bunch of balloons as an earlier celebration. Know that Rich and I love you and you are constantly in our hearts and in our prayers. Happy (Gary) B (engtzen) Day! Like the card said, Happy U Day! We love you! Rich and Di
ReplyDeleteHi Gary
ReplyDeleteI"m a couple of miles away from you.... But I'm sending you and Raynee( and the hole family) Big huge hugs. like the onces you guys gave us we we needed them.
I come read every day. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I'll be woorking today but I'll participate at the party in my way by singing "Venez Venez sans craindre le devoir" all day!!
I love you
Hugs and hugs...
Ama
On this day, 18th Feb, Gary's birthday, we say from our hearts: Bless you, Gary, on your special day.
ReplyDeleteSuch a dear, generous soul you are - you even share your birthday (with Andrew).
What tremendous and constant outpouring of love and support from your family and friends -- we cannot imagine a more special and honoured birthday.
Please know this eases our heavy hearts; this and recalling the many happy times over so many, many years we've shared with you and Raynee.
Can you believe it is 25 years THIS August, you came over to London with Raynee, Teague and Kirk, for you, as a serving Bishop, to perform our marriage civil ceremony?! We will always remember what a selfless gift you gave us in doing that.
So our prayers, along with others here across 'the pond' in your behalf, are those of gratitude for you. They are, especially this day, fervent and tender for your pain to be eased, that this day can and will be one of joy and gladness for you.
Teague, Kirk, Alicia, Cory and Chris - and all the family: it is wonderful and energising to read each day you are doing all you can, in this chapter of your lives, to lift and support your parents, and each other, as you are. What an important 'footprint' you are leaving behind you.
Our prayer for you is that you continue to feel His sweet peace as the 'tender mercies' of the Lord are there for you to witness, in abundance.
From across the sea, this special day - Gary's day, we send all our love, devoting the day to you, Gary in thought, word and deed. THREE CHEERS FOR GARY!!! God bless you. Happy Birthday.
Maggie and Andrew - with more love from Christine Rollason, and Lynn.
Gary and Raynee,
ReplyDeleteA quick Moffatt Memory #3: While struggling through school looking for a better paying job, Gary and Raynee interrupted a dinner party to introduce me to one of their friends who makes decisions in the University administration. Who does that? Who takes time out of their personal schedule (in the midst of dinner party!) to offer hope to the needy? Yep, Gary and Raynee. Obviously, they were good at it, because, just as obviously, they have done it their whole lives. You guys are the best.
Dearest Gary: Happy Birthday! I am out of town until March 2, so I have to give my birthday wishes from afar. I wish for your birthday a day of clarity, the least amount of pain possible, and happiness with your family. Imagine me at your door with pioneer clothing on, a black bandana covering my bald head, and a black patch over one eye: "Aye, Matey. Shiver me timberrrrs, it's urrr birth-deee." (If you are allowed to know about it, Joanne will be over later to sing and honk.)
God be with you, my friend, until we meet again.
Love,
Stuart
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY! WE HAVE THE SYMPHONY AT 8PM BUT WILL TRY TO DRIVE BY BEFORE AND HONK! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND PRAY FOR PEACE AND COMFORT TO BE YOURS THIS DAY AND ALWAYS! HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY SURROUNDING YOU. LOVE - GAYLE AND FRED
ReplyDeleteHi!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to let him know how much everybody loves him!!
We will honk our hong from Mexico.
Happy birthday Elder Bengtzen!!! We love you!
Angie & Jaime
Because we cannot be there, would you please send our love? Our prayers are with you all, Bengtzen Family! We love you guys and miss you so.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Uncle Gary!!!
What is the address?
ReplyDelete-Desi Jolley
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY!!! This week I have been thinking about working with you at RMP. All the fun we had, joking around, birthday celebrations, decorating your office on your birthday( of course in blue and white), rivalry week, etc. I will always remember how kind and gentle you were with me, listening to me, giving guidance and counsel. I really appreciate it. Although leaving this earthly heaven will be filled with sadness, I can only imagine the joyous celebration on that will be held as you reunite with our Heavenly Father and those that have gone before. I have a special place in my heart for you, Raynee and your family. How truly blessed they are to have parents like you. Now there is one more thing I would like to say in your honor! GO UTES!!!!! I love you Gary.
ReplyDeleteLove Denise Anderson
Teague,
ReplyDeleteI wrote you a separate email to explain why I'll be there but only in the car.
I love you all so much and think of you daily. Your family is a testament to family love and commitment.
All my love to each and every one of you ...
Marti
Happy Birthday, Gary!!
ReplyDeleteLots of love from Kentucky.
You may not have heard it, but there's been a lot of horns honking out hear for your birthday!
HHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOONNNNNNKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you heard that all the way from Bountiful where I am working tonight. I wish I could be there tonight. I hope you know how much I love you and your family! It was so nice to sit and and spend time with Gary when he was having such a good day. He is such a fighter and an example! I love you and Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteCortney
HONK!
ReplyDeleteJulie Reynolds