perspective

This past week we had two deaths in my ward and another death of a friend. While one death was of a 93 year old man, Tony Vaughn, who was reunited with his wife the other two are tragic. A 17 year old girl, Callie Barney, and and 42 year old husband and dad Rob Verhaaren. I attended the funeral of Tony Vaughn there was laughter and great stories. He had lived a good life and was ready to return home. The other funerals haven't happened yet but I imagine they won't be as full of laughter.
As I have been thinking of these deaths and trying to comprehend our Heavenly Father's plan I attended institute today. Mind you I really didn't want to go to institute. It's been raining in the valley and I really wanted to take Kate to school and come home and read. But I went anyway. I am glad I did. The teacher taught about the Plan of Happiness. As she was teaching it she ask the question "Why do I need to teach this? Don't most of us know this?" A few people responded but one in particular commented on perspective. She said when you look at the diagram that was up on the board you realize how little the earth is and what a little part of the Plan of Happiness it is. I have been taught this before but with these three deaths it really hit me again. We are sent to earth to learn and to grow. To gain a body, have great experiences and have not so great experiences. But the reality is this earth life is short in the whole grand scheme of things. I am glad I was retaught this and hope and pray that the three families who are struggling with their losses can find a little comfort in this knowledge. I am grateful for the Plan of Happiness and that we can be with our families forever. I am grateful to know of the truthfulness of the gospel and all of the comfort it brings to me. Even though I don't understand everything in fact I only understand about and eighth of everything and that might be too much. I do know we will live again and can be with the ones we love again.

Hood to Coast

Ryan ran the relay race Hood to Coast. It's a 199 mile race that starts at the Timberline Lodge of Mt. Hood and ends at the coast of Seaside, Oregon. Their team finished in 25:05:54, 75th overall out of about 1100 teams. Not too shabby. Ryan ran a total of just over 19 miles and had a great time. He also got to go to Nike and do some shopping and explore Oregon. He can't wait to go back next year and maybe I will get to tag along next time.  

Here are some pictures of the race.

The starting line. I love that there is still snow on the mountain.

 The finish line. With Ryan, Dave Funk, Steve Shield, Ryan Driggs, Kevin Wolfe, Brian Ricks, and Richard Rassmussan. They had way too much fun together.

 One of the look out points along the way of the race.

 Outside of Nike with new shoes on everyone. It turns out that they got themselves invited to a lunch for the Nike employees that were running the race. The Nike people thought Ryan's group were employees so they got a free lunch and a good story too.

A waterfall outside of Portland. I really want to go there.