No ordinary day

I wasn't going to post any thing about this today, but it's been on my mind all day, especially after ready "Last Lecture" (see yesterday's post). So here it is. For most of you today is just January 2nd, but for our family it's the day Jeff's dad unexpectedly passed away. It's been 7 years and I remember every detail of that day. We had lived in Chicago 6 months and Jeff went to work as usual and I was starting a new job. The morning was the typical first day on the job and my boss wanted to take myself and the other two ladies I worked with to lunch. So off we went. I turned off my cell phone so I wouldn't be interrupted during lunch. When we got back from lunch we walked in and the receptionist was on the phone and said "Jenn it's for you - it's your husband. He's been trying to get a hold of you." I picked up the phone and Jeff told me the news that his dad had passed away suddenly and that he was at the airport about to board a plane for Salt Lake and I had a flight in 3 hours so I needed to go home, pack and get myself to the airport. That wasn't a lot of time since we live about an hour from the airport that I was flying out of. So I told my boss what was happening and that I was leaving and hoped I had a job when I got back. What a way to start your first day! I got home, threw some stuff in a bag and made it to the airport and got to SL that evening.

A lot has happened since that day, what I remember most about the days following is the outpouring of love and support I felt and witnessed for Jeff's mom, Jeff's family and for Jeff and I. I am forever grateful to the family and friends that did so much for us during that time and continue to do so much for us now. I also remember how grateful we all were that no one had any regrets when it came to their relationship with Alan. We were very blessed and continue to be very blessed.

There is so much I am leaving out, but I would be here for days writing about it all. But, I am grateful for the example Alan was and the legacy he left. It's still sometimes difficult, but knowing we'll see him again makes it a little easier. I joke that Alan is to blame for us having the twins. They were born 10 1/2 months later in November. I figure they were in heaven arguing about who got to go first and Alan got tired of listening to them arguing about it, so he sent them both. I guess that means he probably told Sarah to take it easy on us after seeing some of the things we've been through in the last 6 years. If so, gratefully she has followed instructions! Thanks Grandpa!

P.S. I still had a job when we got back!