Tough but Spiritual Week

March 29, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,

I am exhausted both physically and emotionally tonight. We just finished playing games as a family, which I totally love. Earlier we had a nice chat with Travis' older Brother Nick and his wife Lisa who are staying with us this week. Quinn came over to play some games with the family-I'm sure it's a nice distraction for him.

The viewing for Travis was Thursday night. Diane Beagley and I went over in the afternoon to the church and with the help of Dad and Kirk, we set up half the cultural hall. We brought in the chairs and couches from the foyers, set up a couple table with pictures, one table that had fabric squares so that people could write their memories and a couple of us will later put it into a quilt, there was a section with a TV to show a DVD and a section of the room for the casket. It looked beautiful and the family said they were so pleased with how it looked. It was truly an effort of love.

Lots of people came and I was able to sit back some of the time and watch as friends and family came together to help, support, love and mourn with the Hugentobler's. What a beautiful sight it was. The spirit was so strong and it's amazing the strength and power of so many prayers on behalf of the family.

When Jodie's family came, she quickly introduced me so I could see my "other family." They took me right in and introduced me to even more people. I was there to try to uplift them, yet they were bringing so much joy to my heart. One of Jodie's sisters, after talking with me, came up to me and said, "I can see why Jodie enjoys being around you so much." From then on, I called them all my sisters and I called her mom, mom. The next day at the funeral, her mom came right up to me, calling me by name and saying, "my daughter, how are you?"

Mel's sons were all amazing speakers at the funeral. Nick, Ben (Travis's older brothers spoke as well as Ryan-Jodie's son from her first marriage). Quinn, Joel and Melanie also spoke. Then Travis's girlfriend spoke. She did an incredible job and spoke as a young woman far beyond her years. Very, very impressed with her. When Tucker Wilkins spoke, it was very tender because they had been such good friends for so many years. He also sang in a trio. There were many other speakers, but I did not mind the length of the meeting at all. I enjoyed relishing in the moment.

At the viewing I had the chance to sit with Aaron Anderson and Brett Jarvis for a little bit. We had a nice talk about life, etc. They both kept saying how much my laugh sounds like yours. I'd never heard that before, but it made me feel good. They were both so complimentary about you and the way you live your life. Brett said he always liked reading your letters the best in the Eagle Newsletter because of how you felt about the atonement. Aaron has a few ideas for housing for you guys in the fall, so I'll let him fill you in on the details this summer.

The dinner after the funeral went smoothly. Many hands make light work. I enjoyed talking with so many people, meeting so many new people and again watching as an eternal family comes together for each other in times of trial. There are a few times in life when the veil is thin and when eternal perspective becomes so clear and this felt like one of those times. There are also few times in life when a parent can see the spiritual potential of their children and for Mel and Jodie, I really believe they were given a glimpse of who their children really were. Each one stepped up, stood tall and praised God for their blessings and for their family. This tragedy brought out amazing qualities in each person and I thought to myself that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ see us that way every day. They know who we really are and our potential. If only we could see each other that way every day.

My heart still aches for Jodie and Mel and their family, and I know in the days and weeks to come there is still much healing to take place, but they are a strong family with loving friends and their feet planted firmly on gospel sod. Mel said today in his testimony that he knew Travis was in a better place, a place where is was continuing what he loved most which was sharing the gospel (the family received so many letters from the people he had known in Jamaica and how it was so evident that he loved the gospel more than anything and wanted to share it with everyone) and Mel also knew he would no longer have to worry about him doing crazy stunts on a motorbike or worry about him possibly making wrong choices in life, being swayed by the adversary. He knew he was in good hands now and that they would be together again.

Sorry to go on so long about the Hugentobler's, but you can see their impact on me was powerful.

We tried to do some other fun things with the kids this week so they wouldn't be sad about staying home for spring break. They were very good about not complaining. We saw a couple movies, played lots of games inside and out, etc.

Dad spoke in RS/priesthood today as we met together for the 5th Sunday mtg. He did a great job. Good advice to us parents on what's going on with the youth and what things are tempting our youth and how to help them. Also he relayed many of the things Elder Holland had asked all the Bishops to teach to their wards when they had their meeting a few weeks ago.

I'm trying to make flight plans for Mary who will be staying with the kids while we're in Argentina. She's pretty excited about coming here. You know her, she loves to cook and she loves to play so everyone will have fun with her. I'm thinking they won't even miss us. Mary is through with her student teaching internship in Las Vegas this month, so that's why she's available.

The kids are back at school tomorrow, dad's back at work, Kirk's back at work and I'm going to try to catch up on everything here at the house.

How was your week? I hope you are feeling better about staying in the office. I was hoping you'd get called to go out into the field too, but you're in a wonderful place continuing the work with Pres. Olsen. I was very excited to hear that Yesica and her husband are staying in the area. Are they still taking the lessons? She sounds very committed and strong already.

I forgot to ask you before if there was anything Pres and/or his wife would like from the States. Let me know if there is anything we can bring for them.

I want you to know that I know the gospel has truly been restored to the earth and that Jesus Christ is at its head. I'm so grateful for a young 14 year old boy who had faith in the words of the Bible and applied what he read. I'm grateful that not only did he share what he had seen with those around him, but that he took the time to write it all down, because even though he is not here on the earth at this time, when I read his words, something at the very core of my being is touched and the spirit bears witness of the truth of his words to me. And I know that it's a spiritual witness every person on the earth can have for himself. Continue to share that message and I will pray that there will be people who will listen.

I love you very much. Have a wonderful week.
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxoxooxoxoxoxoxo