Clare's Funeral

April was a really hard month for us. Chris' dad had been struggling for a few months and knew there was something wrong with him but the doctor's were unable to determine what it was and therefore, unable to treat in any way. He got to the point where it was even hard to breathe. Gwen took him to the ER one day because he was really sick and after some push back from Chris and his brother's they decided to admit him to the hospital to figure out what was going on. They didn't realize at the time how bad off he was but basically his diaphragm was not working properly and unable to release the CO2 out of his body, so it was slowly poisoning him. He was put on a ventilator since he wasn't able to get the oxygen he needed on his own and placed in the respiratory ICU.

They did several tests and diagnosed him with ALS, which is a muscle disease. He passed away a little over a week after he was taken to the hospital. That week, as hard as it was, was also one of the most special weeks our lives and especially Chris'. It's not too often that you are able to spend so much time with someone that you love before they pass on. Every night Chris, his brother and Gwen, along with all their families would gather around his bed and just be there. There was so much family and love surrounding him, it was amazing. April 25th was the day that he passed. We were all able to be there as they took him off the ventilator and as we said our last good bye's. That was such a special moment and one that we will always cherish. Going through something like this really makes you love a little harder and appreciate the small things a little more. We are so thankful for the Plan of Salvation and the fact that we know we will see and be with him again.

A few days before he passed the nurse said that she would allow Chase to come back and see his Papa, so we took him back there. He didn't seem scared at all and told Papa that he loved him. We also have several videos of Chase telling Papa to feel better that meant so much to him. Even to this day Chase remembers his Papa being sick and knows that he is in heaven and better now. To be able to see life through a child's eyes would be amazing, everything is so simple.

We lived with Clare and Gwen for a short time while we were building our house and I am so grateful for the opportunity we had to grow closer to Clare. I'm especially grateful for the time that Chase was able to spend with him and the special bond that they shared. He really did love his papa and misses him even more. We have some pretty neat pictures of the two of them that are now in Chase's room so he can always remember the fun times he had with his papa.

This is probably our favorite picture of Chase and Clare. 

We received an out pouring of love from friends and family. We were so overwhelmed by the love and support that we received from everyone, it was truly more than we could handle at times.

This was the table that was set up at the viewing and the funeral that displayed all the things that Clare loved and cherished. There were so many people that came to the viewing, it was really cool to see how many lives Clare touched. We are also really thankful for my mom and Heidi who helped out so much with Chase during this whole time. I'm so thankful for a wonderful family that we can count on in time of need. We love you all!!

I just had to add this picture because I think it is so cute. Chris and Chase were looking at pictures of Papa on the iPad.