Dad had a good night. The Hospice Oncologist gave us a new cocktail of drugs to help Dad sleep through the night and it worked wonderfully. He slept from about 9:30PM-6:30AM. YA HOOO!!!!
Grandma Betty flew in last night and she was like a kid in a candy store when I picked her up. She didn't say one thing about me driving 20 MPH over the speed limit. Frankly, if I had to guess, she was wanting me to drive even faster... When we arrived at my parent's, She and my Dad embraced and it was one of the most special moments I have been part of. What a beautiful man loved, honored and raised by such a beautiful woman.
As everyone writes about Dad and how he is such a special person, I have to give credit to his parents. Bob and Betty have always been such a loving, respectful, spiritual example for all of us. I am so lucky to have 4 perfect grandparents. My Dad's parent's and my Mom's parents are truly some of the best people God ever created. To have all four of them still alive at my age is amazing. Another blessing from God. Both Grandmas (Betty and Rene) are sharp, healthy and VERY witty. In fact, both of them know exactly what to say to put me in my place and yet at the same time they make me feel so much love from them. Rene and Betty, you are loved sooooo much by all of us!!!
This is a short update which is a good thing...
This is an email I received yesterday from my dear freind and previous personal assistant for many years. I asked if I could put it on the blog. Tammie said ok, so here it is... WE LOVE YOU TAMMIE!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Kirk,
I have been very quiet thru your turmoil as of late but know that you all have been in my heart and prayers each and everyday. I find it very difficult to express myself without falling apart. This would be like 1000% worse than trying to function with the xmas wish back in the day. :) Its very difficult to put into words the love I have for you and your family. Shouldn’t be trying doing this at work but I feel an overwhelming feeling that today is the day to do this.
Your entire family holds a great place in the lives of me and my children. I defiantly feel as much a Bengtzen as I do a Barlow. I have Chris, best friend, lake buddy, partner in crime, boy we have gotten through a lot with each other over the years! And yes Kirk they now have cell service at Sand Hollow, too little, too late :) LOL
You have been everything from boss, friend, surrogate father to my kids, confidant, big shoulder. You name you have been that. When I tease that you have three amazing daughters and an adorable new grandson, I hope you realize that you pretty much as close as it comes to father to them as it gets and is felt very much throughout all of us!
We all have our own paths in life that we have chosen to take as much as we are taught and brought up by our parents. So with that being said, you and I being a little more alike when it comes to the church thing can appreciate these thoughts.
I remember when Stacey was getting married and she wanted to make sure your parents were invited to the whole wedding. I was thrilled when your mom and dad were so excited to be invited to the temple and wanted to come. It was your Mom that actually said SHE was honored that they were asked to attend. Knowing that your parents are the most non judgmental people I know, it was a comfort to know that there was two more people in attendance to the most important day in my daughters life in an area that I couldn’t attend and I felt really really okay with it. Not only were they there with bells on, but my aunt had recently had a heart attack and they were there to help wheel her around and make sure she got where she need to be inside the building and out. It was amazing. I love that we have a huge family picture on the steps of the temple and there is “Mom and Dad” dead center on the back row, arms in the air and grins from ear to ear. I truly think they were as happy as I was that day.
You know we have been through a lot together in so many ways. I could write paragraphs of stories! I don’t ‘post’ much on FB and haven’t written on your Dads blog page, but wanted to you know that I really truly am there in spirit with all of you. I will let you cut and paste what you want to share of this email to your dads book they are creating and also read and share this with your parents. Please pass along all of our love, thoughts and prayers .
LOVE YOU!!!!
Tammie Barlow
So glad to hear he had a good night!!! That is such comforting news.
ReplyDeleteSally
My kids have faithfully prayed for "Gary Bengtzen" in every prayer for over 4 weeks now. It has been very sweet. We told the kids yesterday morning after our family prayer that Gary wasn't going to make it and we should still pray for him and his family, but it was going to be okay.
ReplyDeleteLast night at dinner, Lizzie, (8 years old) blessed the food. In her prayer she said, "Please bless Gary Bengtzen to...die in happiness." It was such a sweet prayer and one that made me think, how blessed we would all be to "die in happiness." So many people don't have happiness in life and pass away alone and sad. Gary has so much happiness all around him and will pass through the veil the happiest of men!!
I hope you can feel the comfort of a very wise little girl in her prayer for all of you.
Hugs to the Bengtzens,
Robyn Ivins
Dear Gary and Raynee, As you know one of the blessings of our missions was the association with the Senior Missionaries. We had fun times, spiritual times and even some scary times. Remember the wrong way on the roundabout in front of tine UN? You came to Geneva shortly after we arrived and we went to lunch. You were so helpful in getting us going with ideas etc. in working at the
ReplyDeleteInstitute. I was so impressed with you, your love for each other and the Gospel.
One of our favorite memories of our mission is the opportunity we had of spending your last day in the mission field with you. It was a very plesant day while you finished up some business and we remembered good times. We were so sad to seeyou leave, but knew we would see you again soon at home. We are so very sad that you have have been experiencing this difficult time. But know we will again be able to enjoy a sweet relationship with you. You are examples of Christ like living. You and your family have showed us all how to live in times of challanges. We love you Gary and Raynee and continue to pray for you.
Love, Phil and Lynnette