Dear Wendy,
Today I got up. That may not seem like much, but that is always my first goal of the day. Our little Evan helps with that and makes it quick so I don’t have to think too much about why this king bed has extra room.
I was cleaning out your purse today and came across your notebook that you wrote recipes and quotes you wanted to remember. The last one you wrote said “just one lifetime won’t be enough for us.” I have nothing more to add to that, I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for leaving that for me.
You wouldn’t believe the amount of people that have seen your blog, a lot of them have left such sweet remarks and send their love to us. It has been a tremendous gift for me to read their comments and I wish I was able to know all of them. It is a testament to the good that is within all of us to see them.
Your funeral was beautiful, the days before were grey and the days after were grey and rainy and cold, but the sun shone the day we buried your body with Maylee in your arms. It was a beautiful day. You would have been proud of your brothers and sisters. They all talked and did well, and you could even understand them through the emotion, which may be a first for them. I think I held up alright too. Kenna came up to the stand to hand me a tissue and that made me laugh a little. They are always concerned with how others are feeling, we have done well with them so far, I will try not to undo any of that.
This process is new to me, I don’t feel the sadness as often today, I would almost welcome that compared to the pain that I feel now. It is not so bad when I am with other people, but when I am alone and I have time to think or go through the pictures of you there is nothing but pain from missing you so much. So soon and already I forget how incredibly beautiful you are. I hope I told you that enough. You would say sometimes that when I walked into a room you would see me and think, I can’t believe he is mine… I would feel like that all the time with you, I can’t believe I get to keep you, but how I wish you were here. I miss you so much.
Mundane tasks like showering and eating and getting the mail just don’t seem all that important and I don’t feel like doing them, they get done out of need rather than want. There is not a time when I am not thinking of you, but the things around the house make it even more dominant. Moving forward and moving on are different things to me. I will never move on, but I want to move forward and get organized, but I think it would be more difficult to see an empty closet than to walk in and see all of your clothes hanging there. Simple things like throwing out your old toothbrush are hard for me to do, so there it sits in our bathroom. I don’t know exactly how to go about that kind of stuff.
Dallin finally lost that front tooth that has been hanging on forever. His smile is just how you love, the toothless grin that is so fun at this stage, he even whistles a little as he talks. I am doing alright, but its these things that I ache for you to see and be here with me to experience and that is when I miss you most. As strange as it sounds too, I was eating the other day and I thought about some of your recipes, I have no idea how to make them and I am not sure your notes scribbled on the side of your day planner is decipherable enough to know what goes into those. These dumb little things like that make a bigger deal to me than I thought they would. Kind of silly, I know.
Kenna is still dealing in her way, she asks questions and sometimes gets sad and says how much she misses the two of you, but otherwise she is a happy little girl that goes about her day playing and seeing wonder in everything beautiful around her. Our independent little Evan has become more dependent. He has to always take inventory of where I am and has wanted to be held more often than any time before. He will ask about you and where you are throughout the day and is satisfied with the answers he gets. I heard him ask Dallin where you were and you would be so proud of how our little 6 year old is shouldering the big brother role. He answered simply and to the point that you had died and are with Heavenly Father. Evan just said “Oh” in his little voice and kept playing. They accept things so differently than we do.
There are so many that continue to help and it has been nice to have it. There are still so many things that I don’t know that I don’t know, but every day presents new tasks that you usually handled so well and some of them without me even knowing that you did regularly. I hope you know how much I appreciated all of that stuff. It is good to be with friends and family though too. There are times when I am talking with friends and laughing and I feel guilty and am not completely sure how to act, this is a new thing for me, but I know you and I know you want us to be happy. I remember when Dallin was born and he would wake in the night to eat. You would quietly feed him and change him and put him back to bed without waking me. I told you if you need help to wake me and you just smiled and said that just because you were awake doesn’t mean I had to be too. You were always very unselfish and knowing that helps me to enjoy life still right now. I know that just because you aren’t here enjoying friends and family doesn’t mean that we can’t. That helps me.
I have decided to see how we can still make Med school work this year. I feel good about that and feel that being busy is better than not. I think the family will be a tremendous help in that and it would not be possible right now without them, but I feel like it will be good to get started on what we both talked about so much.
It has only been two weeks, but it feels like there has been months during that time. So much has happened, so many thoughts have gone through my mind. I just can’t get my brain to turn off. It helps sometimes to sit and write to let it out, so here I am. You would be happy I have updated my journal a lot lately, I know that is something you did better than me and I am glad you did now. I am trying to be better. You being gone doesn’t change the fact that I am still trying to be a better person because of you. I never want to give you any reason to be disappointed.
I love you Sweetheart, and look forward to seeing you after I am done here,
Your Husband, Denny
72 comments:
Denny-
Thanks for sharing. I am having a difficult time with Wendy's death. I miss her. My heart hurts for you and your little ones. I'm sure she is struggling and adjusting just as much as you are. She has incredible faith and a positive attitude. I've always admired that about her. I can't believe she's gone. Please let me know if I can do anything for your family. I feel I owe it to Wendy, she helped me through a difficult time when we first met. I would like to help her through this if I can.
Thanks
Wendy
I have read both posts. While I knew Wendy only a little, I really knew her amazing mother, Karen. Karen always made me want to be a better person. After reading the things you have shared, both you and Wendy make me want to be a better person in everyway. Thank you for sharing your story. Your family is constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Sharla in Tucson AZ
Denny,
Even though I don't personally know you, I just wanted to leave you a quick note to know how much you have touched my heart. Be strong, and know you have people and angels on your side. Heavenly Father is proud of you and your little family. He's there, and he loves you! Your sweet Wendy hears you and knows what is in your heart :) Thank you, for being such a good example to the rest of us.
Nikki
I am a complete stranger who stumbled across this blog through a mutual friend. I started reading it before your loss and I feel like a jerk for never commenting beforehand. I just wanted to tell you what a strong, wonderful husband & father you are. I can't read your posts with out completely breaking down, but it is so inspiring to read your thoughts & feelings through such an imaginably hard time. Keep your head up & remember to get down on your knees & pray anytime you need an extra boost.
Denny I've been thinking of you today and Wendy too. Wendy was such a great example to me and I was wishing that I would have told her how much I looked up to her. I loved what you wrote to her. I am sure that she is close and admiring these cute little milestones like Dallin's tooth. I picture her smiling that Wendy smile and giggling that little giggle she did. She really did enjoy and find joy in her kids. I couldn't help wishing today that we were all going off to med school together again as we did with chiropractic school. I have thought a lot about our time there. So thankful that we had that time. I am home all day and Dave is here most of the day too. Come over any time to hangout or leave littles for awhile. We love you ALL so much and love being with you. We will just plan on getting the whole family together often before we go. Don't hesitate if you need anything at all. We have some stuff for you so we may just have to bring it over. Take care Dendrite.
Love, Mare
This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Beautifuly said. Once again tears for your family as I read this, but I am so happy to hear how you guys are doing. You are such a great example to me and so is Wendy. I love every word you shared.
Adrie
Thank you for sharing your tender thoughts with so many. You're testimony is evident, and my prayers will continue to include you and your family.
I don't know you, but I came across your blog through a friend. My heart aches for you and your family, and I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your honest, beautiful words.
Denny, You are a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing. Your wonderful words shine light for so many other people to take a moment and be thankful, grateful and loving in the moments we have now! Thank you for being you.
Denny,
You and your sweet children are in my prayers. I hope you feel all of the prayers that go out on your behalf. Wendy and I were friends growing up and lived right next door to each other, were in the same preschool and spent a lot of time together as young kids. The last time I spent time with her was when we were in the MTC together. She holds a special place in my heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Alison Mills Skea
Denny,
I too am a total stranger and yet I feel so close to you and you your wonderful family. my heart aches for you during these times and I only wish that I had the opportunity to know Wendy, she seems like the kinda of person I could have been good friends with. I admire you and the strength that you have to be be best father to your precious little ones. I am overwhelmed by your love of our Heavenly Father and your testimony in his plan of salvation. Families really are forever! you are an amazing person. When I read these posts it's obvious, and at the same time amazing how much love our Heavenly loves you. Do you see it too? Hang in there, and thank you for sharing to help me build my testimony and understand his love. You are always in our prayers and we send our love.
You don't know me, but your story has touched my heart and through your loving wife's example as made me cherish my children more then ever before. Thank you for sharing. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. If I read correctly you will be moving to Tucson. You will have a wonderful church family waiting here as well.
I'm so sorry about your loss - I've been praying for your family. This quote brought me a lot of comfort when my Dad passed away. Maybe it will help you too.
Spirits from across the Veil
Pres. Joseph. F. Smith said that we are "closely related" to those who have preceded us into the spirit world. They "can see us better than we can see them; they know us better than we know them.--I claim that we live in their presence; they see us; they are solicitous of our welfare. They love us now more than ever." (Gospel Doctrine p. 430) "Our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, of reproof and instruction to those who they had learned to love in the flesh. (Journal of Discourses 22:351).
Denny, I work at the hospital and although as many others who have commented on here I am a stranger to you I have never met you or your family, but since I heard your story I have followed your blog and there is not a single post that has not made me shed tears in my sorrow for your loss . Thank you for sharing what you do and I know the things you've wrote on here have helped me realize just how special each day is in life and I think your story had helped many many others to realize this as well. keep your head up and stay strong Wendy and Maylee are right there with you watching you each and everyday. You have such beautiful writing, it's truely touching to read. You and your family are in my prayers each day
Hi friend. Thank you so much for writting your thoughts here. I hope it helps you as much as it helps me. Dealing with Wendy's passing is hard for me and probably will continue to be for a long time; however, I think it would be much harder if I didn't know how you all are doing. Wendy is so proud of you and your kids. You are a great father. I imagine you will be very busy preparing for and attending school, but I hope you can continue giving updates from time to time. Jesse and I are happy to help you pack or clean or whatever you need. Our prayers are with you.
I continue to pray for you and your family. Your writing has touched my heart.
Im praying for youre family. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Denny- I feel like I am imposing on your personal life by reading your blog but I just have to tell you that you are an inspiration. When I read your blog it reminds me that life can change at any second. Reading your words helps me to remember that though sometimes life as a mother and wife seems a little less than glamorous, those simple things like preparing a meal for the ones I love and reading a book to my little boys are precious gifts. You have strengthened my testimony and your unbelieveable faith has lifted me tremendously. My family and I have knelt in prayer for you and your children and Wendy's loved ones and we will continue to do so. Thank you for sharing your testimony of God's love for you. You are right, most people would be angry and it is so refreshing to see that you have been able to hold on tight to the knowledge that our Father loves you and Wendy deeply even though his plan for her parted the two of you. I wish you much luck in med school and I know that you will see many tender mercies as you strive to put your life back together and move forward.
Much love,
Melinda Wilson
What a beautiful and raw letter. Thanks for sharing your love for your wife so openly. I can't remember how I came across your blog but my heart feels for you and your children. Sending prayers of strength for you.
Denny, I do not know you but herd about your story the day after Wendy passed. A good friend of mine worked with Wendy. Even though I did not know you and your family this story has touched my life. Wendy sounded like a WONDERFUl wife, mother and friend. Reading about her makes me want to be a better wife and mother. I can not even try to imagine what you guys are going through and I do not understand why we have such trials in our lives, some worse then others. I admire you for keeping up the blog and for sharing all your thoughts and emotions with us. You sound like a very strong man and father. Wendy and your father in heaven are going to help you with this loss in your life. Always pray! he is listening and helping you and your sweet family. Love your sweet precious children as they are gifts from god. Try to stay strong and positive for your children and for yourself! You are truly blessed! Thank you for sharing your heart felt thoughts with all of us! Love, The Moody Family
Denny,
I am Kristen Heppler's sister-in-law. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss but so grateful for your story that has touched my life and made me cherish my own husband and children and love them to a capacity that I can't even begin to describe. Your family is in my prayers. My heart aches for you but knowing we have the gospel in our lives helps to heal the sorrow. Thanks for being such a good example and for seeing the positive things in your life during this difficult time.
Stephanie Heppler
Denny,
I am a stranger to you and your family, but have been deeply touched by your story. It has truly made me look at life from a different perspective. I want to cherish every second I have with my loved ones, especially my husband and children. Our family prays for yours. You are in our thoughts as you learn a new life and get through this difficult time one day at a time.
Denny and Family,
A family member of mine discovered your blog and said that I needed to check it out. Your family is beautiful, your story is insirational. Thank you so much for finding it in your heart to share with all of us the pain that your are feeling, and the joy of a life well lived. I think you have the hearts and prayers of many.
Thank you again,
From the other end of Utah.
Denny,
I was brought to this blog through a friend and I am so touched and inspired by your strength and love. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet, beautiful children.
So inspiring. My life mantra is "I can do hard things." I recite it to myself over and over when things feel too hard to bear.
Prayers to you guys. I put you and your kids names in the Mt Timpanogas Temple.
Thanks Denny. Your children are beautiful and strong as are you. And dear Wendy is smiling over you.Our prayers are with you. - The Campbell Family
Thanks for sharing such personal things. Knowing Wendy and hearing your words has forever changed my life. I will never look at life the same. Prayers, thoughts, and tears with your sweet family daily.
I think Nikki says it well. I too never had the chance to meet your amazing wife or you her amazing husband. This blog has comepletly touched my heart. I cant imagine what you are going through Denny. My heart thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family
Denny,
I want you to know that every night when I wake up to roll over, I think of you and your family and immediately pray for you all. I wake up in the morning to start my day, and pray again. My heart breaks for you each day, but it helps if I continue to believe that Wendy is with you and the children daily. Reminding them of the little lessons she taught them and helping you remember those task you didn't have to do in the past. It is difficult for me to imagine you as anything but the happy-go-lucky missionary I knew years before. Always remember what Elder Packer said, "Find happiness in ordinary things, and keep your sense of humor." I believe that will keep you afloat.
Love from Hagerstown, MD
I am also a stranger, too and heard about this blog from a friend. As I was reading it, my heart just ached for your family. The more I read and looked at pictures, the more I put two and two together. I realized that Wendy was my nurse at Riverton Hospital in Labor and Delivery when I was induced last November. She was such a calm person with a quiet strength about her. She helped me through a lot of my labor and even though I only knew her for 8 hours, she helped me through so much. She was a great nurse!
Dear Denny, I read your story last week on a friend's blog and since then, I have thought about your family often. I am so sorry for your loss and I greatly admire your incredible courage and faith. You and your sweet family are in my prayers.
Denny I bet your wife is so proud of the man she married. I lost a baby myself a little over two years ago during a bad pregnancy and in the process almost lost my wife. I was telling my husband about your story and he just broke down, all to real for him. We pray nightly for you and your sweet children. That you can find the peace and comfort you need. having lost our baby I know how hard the grieving process is, its so complex and has so many layers, but take them as they come they do help you heal! Once again thank you for sharing your story. I can only imagine the pain and sorrow and pray Heavenly Father helps you through this time.
I keep writing then thinking I need to write the perfect thing, but I can't seem to pull it together. As I read the letter I kept putting myself in Wendy's shoes. I would love my husband saying these things to me. She must be so proud with you and the children. Everyday since I met you I look at my kids and my husband and I have had so much love for them. Its so hard to see how things so painful bring out the best in people. Hugs Jen
May the Lord continue to bless you and your beautiful family. I have been so touched by your blog. You have a gift for writing because your blog entries are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing and for inspiring. You are in our prayers. My husbands father passed away when he was only 3 months old. His mother was left with 5 kids to raise, ages 3 months to 8 years. About 10 years ago we were helping his mom clean our her shed. She had these chests and in the chests were all kinds of things that belonged to his father. There was even a chapstick. It was such a treat for my husband and his siblings to see and touch all the belongings. There were shoes, clothing, a shaving case etc. etc. So maybe, you could put some of her most precious belongings in a chest and have it there for the kids to see and touch and handle. I know you will do what is best for your family. May you continue to be watched over and comforted.
Thank you for your beautiful words and this letter to your wife. I do not know you or your family, but oh how I wish there were something I could do to ease some of the pain. I wish that I were close so that I could watch your children for you while you were in medical school. My husband is applying this summer and we have two children and I just can't imagine how that would be for him. I am a mess just thinking about it. I am so glad you have such a great support system. God bless you all.
Denny,
Although I don't know you personally, I feel like I need to comment tonight. I stumbled on this blog through a friend and a family member. I am so sorry for you loss of Wendy and Maylee. So many are deeply touched by your loving words. You have such a beautiful testimony of the gospel and the plan of happiness. I'm certain that there will be people that will seek of these truths after reading your posts. Your testimony lends peace and comfort to those who are hurting from the loss of loved ones.
Your posts are also a reminder to me of how precious life is and that I need to treasure every moment. Wendy's example is in the forefront of my mind, reminding me to strive to be a better wife and mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kari - Utah
Thank you for sharing you will never know the tremendous inpact your story and testimony has made on me and my family. Our prayers and thoughts will continue to be with your family
I wish I had other words for you, other words than "I know what you are going through, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy".
I wrote on my blog today for the first time in a long time, then found yours. It's strange how we can sometimes find solace from someone elses experience of similar pains, and we can find strength in the words of a complete stranger.
I am friends with your brother in law Nate. I pray that your pain and his subside quickly. And I pray for you to have strength for your littles, each day between now and that day when you see your bride again.
It was her smile and her eyes. I read your blog a few weeks ago and have been thinking about it ever since, knowing that I had met Wendy before but I couldn't remember where. I came across her obitituary yesterday and saw that she was my age. It finally clicked when I saw that she was in the medical field. I pulled out my yearbook from Snow College and there she was! I am positive we had some classes together. I am so sorry for the trial you are experiencing but I am so impressed with your faith and kind words about your wife. You seem like a wonderful person. Please know my prayers and thoughts are with you and your precious children.
Best wishes,
Shari (Banks) Cowan
Thank you for choosing to share your thoughts publicly. It's so inspiring to read. Honestly, I'm more patient and loving with my family than ever before because of you. Our prayers are with you. I know everyone says that - but literally, I prayed for you and your family last night. And I know the Lord hears those prayers and will give you the strength you need to move forward.
I, too, do not know you, but my son and his wife live in your Ward and they sent your blog to me. My heart aches for the pain you and your family are having to go through. However, nothing the Lord does is a mistake, so just keep your faith and try to keep progressing.
My younger sister passed away and left my brother-in-law with 7 children to raise. The oldest was 16 and the youngest was almost 2. This was many years ago and now they are all married and have children of their own.
I miss my sister even today, but I can see how we have all grown in our testimonies because of having to put our full faith in the Lord.
Right now I am sure every move is an effort, but it slowly gets easier to keep going. Keep some of Wendy's special things for your children to have to look at and to read--like her scriptures, journals, etc. When my father passed away I found a baby food jar of small changes he kept in his car for parking meters. I still have them in that jar and I just can't spend them. This may seem silly, but it is something he touched and I have it.
Denny,
I am Rob and Jenny's old neighbor who lived right next door to them with the long drive way....anyway, I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy for you and your family. Wendy was a wonderful person and I enjoyed our conversations at Ellie's parties or just when you were visting with Rob and Jenny. Our prayers are with you and I know the Lord will support and carry you through this trying time. You are an amazing person and a great dad. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. MAy the Lord be with you.
Anne
denny
you dont know me but i read your blog when i was checking my facebook and wanted to say how strong of a father and husband you are. i just lost my dad in sept. and it has been the hardest year of my life, but each day gets a little better as it passes by. the beginning was the hardest and its still hard but im not crying as much as i was in the first few months. i try to be positive about life but i know how hard it can get. getting up each day is always a step forward. you are doing an awesome job. keep up the good work and my prays will be with you and your family.
I don't know you but I came across your blog and read your story. As I've read and cried and ached for you, I wanted to let you know what an inspiration you are and how reading your story has reminded me to cherish the moments with my little family. My prayers are with you and your children.
Constantly in our thoughts and prayers! Hoping each day, hour, minute and second get better!
Love,
The Ingleby's.
Any girl would be lucky to have a guy so in tune as you are. Wendy is very lucky and there is not a doubt in my mind that she is so proud of you. It's okay to go forward and it's okay to have bad days too. Allow yourself time--everyone deals differently. Don't be so hard on yourself either...Wendy knows what a good dad and husband you are and so does the Lord.
Sincerely,
Whitney B.
Though I do not know you or your family I am so grateful for your honest posts. I know it is hard to write your feelings for the world to see and I admire you for this. Your love for your wife is so touching and because of our Savior you will be with her and your little baby girl again. What comfort this knowledge must hold for you at this time. Again your blog has touched my life and I thank you for this. Your family is in our prayers.
Dear Denny,
I just discovered your blog, because of a kind word you left on another one....and thought you might also be helped by knowing you are not alone. widowsvoice-sslf.blogspot.com. My heart goes out to you and your family, and I hope that if and when you need a community, we may be of some comfort. www.sslf.org.
If nothing else, know that you are held close in thought and prayer and that there are widowed people all over the world walking this journey silently by your side.
Yours in hope,
Michele
Denny,
Thank you for your beautiful posts. Your words have touched my heart and reminded me to be more loving towards my husband and to focus on the good and the wonderful. You are touching many lives because of your willingness to share your heartache and testimony.
Thank you so very much for reminding me to not just love but to charish my husband and children. I have sobbed as I have read your words but it is such a beautiful thing to read of your faith in our Fathers plan. Rely on the Lord and He will see you through each day.
Praying for you and your little ones,
Kathie
Denny-
My heart aches for you and your sweet children. Although your family does not know me or i you, i send my thoughts and love your direction and pray for the peace you deserve.
It sounds like Wendy was a beautifully amazing mother and wife. God Bless you and your family at this time.
Hi. I have never met you or your family. I came across your blog from another blog I follow. I am so grateful for the inspiration you have given me. I have a strong desire to make my own marriage even more wonderful than it already is. Thank you for the example you have set. I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot image what you are going through right now. I will keep your family in my prayers. Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing your story. As I found your link on another blog last night, my eyes were streaming with tears. I am so sorry for your loss. I was truly touched by your story and your life and love together with your wife. What a remarkable woman...I thought of her many times today as I interacted with my children, thinking that I want to be the best mom I can every day for them, just as she was. The love you have for your wife makes me want to be better towards my husband. Thank you for your example and your faith. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Your wife must have been such a special spirit for our Father in heaven to want her back with Him so soon. I know that does not help much, and I do not know your family but my prayers are with you and your sweet children. I wish I could somehow help. But I sent my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. My husband lost his father when he was 10 years old so we feel very drawn to your blog. You are very inspiring. My neighbor lost her spouse about a year ago and I thought you might draw strength from her blog. She has done such a great job keeping her husbands memory alive. If you have a min check her blog
http://wonderingsofawannabe.blogspot.com/
My sister-in-law happened to be at the hospital at the same time as you, and told me of the sad events that unfolded there. She gave me the blog link, and when I opened it, I gasped. I knew Wendy in High School. The lingering impression I have is that she was so happy, and just good. I don't want to go on and on about myself, but I do want you to know that your posts have inspired me to hold my children closer, to spend more meaningful time with them and my husband, and to write in my journal more consistently. I so appreciate your words, and I'm grateful you've taken the time to express yourself for those of us who are wondering about your welfare.
Thank you,
Rebecca Tadje Howard
I was forwarded your blog through a friend of mine who knew your wife. Just reading this first post melted my insides and has me in tears. I pray that you will stay faithful in the Gospel and have the strength to keep going everyday and every second, as one second to the other can change a smile to tears and sadness. Oh, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My heart pours out to you. All of my love and faith sent your direction.
Denny-
I love ya! Reading your thoughts asnd being around you is personally helping me cope with Wendy's passing. You're not alone...in many, many ways. You're the best! Hang in there. See you soon.
Maris
Hey Ian and I just wanted to say hi and That our prayers are with you and your cute little family. Thank you for sharing everything. It helps me remember the eternal nature of life. If we can help with anything let us know! Thanks Ian and Becky Whitney
Hello, I am a complete stranger to you. Your wife started working at PCMC right after I left there. So our paths never crossed. Though when I look at her face I feel like I know her. Allison Fox was a high school friend of mine, and that is how I came across your blog. My heart goes out for you and your family. I joined the church just over a year ago, I have came to realize the importance of eternal families and our purpose of life on this earth. Reading your blog has made me think about how and why this is so important.
My heart aches for you, and there isn't a time that I have not read this blog and not cried. The unselfish life your wife lead, has made me realize that this is how we should all tailor our lives to be.
Thank you again for writing and sharing your Wendy with all of us. Remember that the lord never gives us more than we can handle and when you feel like you cant go on...he is there to carry you. I tell you this from personal experience. Last year I was faced with my husband at 29 years old having cancer. I thought I would never ever be able to make it through this horrible time. We made it through the cancer, and the lord gave me strength.
Thank you again for sharing....
Eva Washburn
you are an amazing dad and husband, i ran across this blog and am just in awe and this makes me cry everytime i read something that you write. i lost my mom when i was 15, in 2006, and seeing you so young in this position opens my eyes a lot more. you can do this. she is so close with you and your sweet baby.
Denny,
I am so sorry for your loss. I think of you and your family daily (eventhough you don't know me) and pray for you often.
I just wanted to also give you an idea of something to do for the children. Have all Wendy's family and friends write a letter telling something about her. It can be something her and a friend did growing up or things people remeber doing with her or even things about her. Then when you get them but them in a binder so that you and the kids can read them. As they grow up I know they will love to read about their mom.
still thinking about you and your sweet family. prayers for all of you through this heartbreaking time.
Denny,
I know you don't know me but I found your blog through another friend and your story has gripped my heart and touched me very deeply. Your strength through this trial has inspired me, as well as your tender thoughts about your wife and your children. I feel a great gratitude for my life and hope that I can take the feelings I've felt while reading your blog today and live my life fuller and better because of if. I know Wendy is proud of you, and I'm sure she is more in love with you now than ever as she watches you getting through each day with faith. Thank you for sharing your story, love and prayers are with your and your family.
Becca in Nashua, New Hampshire
Denny-
I have no idea who you or your sweet family are, but a friend of mine directed me to this blog. My heart aches for you and your little ones. I believe that things happen for reasons. I have been struggling with my marriage, but after reading your posts, I've realized that I don't want to give up. I am so very sorry for your losses. Thank you so very much for sharing your sweet and honest words. Your Wendy was very lucky!
I just wanted to let you know that we're praying for you and your family here in Texas.
What sweet posts you have written and shared. I bawled like a baby through all of them.
Thank you for helping me remember the big picture. And how it's the little things we do that mean the most.
Sending prayers to y'all.
The spirit that comes from your thoughts and words is very powerful, and I appreciate your courage in order to put this all down. Thank you for your inspiration. I hope that as time passes you will find peace in your heart. Losing someone is always difficult, especially when it is unexpected. Your experience of this difficult trial has motivated me to strengthen my relationships and make every day special. Thank you again for having the strength to put this all down for us to see. I am sure your lovely wife is right by your side at this time and will continue to be. The Lord works in mysterious ways, it's too bad we all don't have crystal balls to see the why and how. My grandfather passed nearly 10 years ago, and as i reflect upon those years he has been absent I see him everywhere. I hope you will be able to see your sweet wendy too. Thank you again for being an example to all of us.
We found your blog through a friend. What a beautiful family you have, and to see you have such faith in God within a tragedy such as this, gives me faith. My husband has just begun his 4th year of school at KCUMB in Kansas at a DO school. If there is ever anything he could help or share with you he would be more than happy, e-mail is dswendson@gmail.com Wish we hadn't sold his books or we could have sent them to you if any were on your list. God bless you and yours.
I just learned about your wife and baby today. I am so sorry for your loss, and will pray fervently for you and your sweet family. Thank you for baring your soul to us. It makes me even more grateful for what I have. I pray for peace and happiness to fill your soul and life. God Bless you.
Denny,
Sadly my wife and I just learned of Wendy's passing today from the newspaper (about the run on the 9th). I'm Ryan Schooley and my wife is Jolene. We were in the married student ward together with you and Wendy at BYU and we ran into you at Wal-Mart a few months back and talked for a few minutes. I just have to tell you how moving your words have been to both of us. I couldn't stop crying. It made me so grateful to have each day with my beautiful wife because I don't know how many more I have with her. It was so vivid for me because we are sort of in similar life stages right now. We prayed for you and your little children tonight and will continue to. Thank you so much for sharing. I can't imagine how painful this must be but please know that the words you share have impacted Jolene and me tremendously.
Denny,
I don't know you, my sister shared a link on facebook. Wanted to let thank you for sharing your thoughts after this difficult time in your life. I almost died 6 years ago and almost left our 3 children with my husband. And every post of yours I can't help but think that this could have been my husband. It breaks my heart for you and I don't even know you. Your testimony in the gospel is evident and your example and words of wisdom so great! I lost my mother when 18 and I have felt her near many times. I'm sure you will have some times in your life where you will feel Wendy near helping you along. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your sweet family.
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