Our Quick Trip to Utah

Last week Justin and I had the opportunity to fly to Utah for a quick visit to be with our dear friends the Call Family as they buried their baby Luke.  I have been debating about whether or not to write a post about our quick trip, but felt that I should.  It's a good thing the kids are tucked in bed and Justin is working late tonight as the tears are already flowing just reflecting on past events.  Baby Luke was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia when he was only 9 months old - that was almost 2 years ago.  I remember being heartbroken and confused then.  We are good friends with the Calls - Justin and Danny have been BFFs since high school, and so of course Katie and I became instant BFFs.  Even our kids were destined to be friends as they all are so close in age.  Over the years we catch up while we can, having playdates anytime both families were back in Utah.  There was no question that we would be at the funeral for Baby Luke. 
http://www.lindquistmortuary.com/obits/obituary.php?id=502672

My sister is awesome and willingly took the kids for the 2 nights and 2 1/2 days that we would be gone.  I can honestly say I wasn't worried about them at all (maybe a little worried for Reiko)!  While our reason for visiting was heartbreaking we were able to squeeze in a visit to our newest niece...Miss Zoe Anne Holdeman.  She is so adorable - and little!

Sunday evening was the viewing and we were so honored to be invited to the special family time prior to the 'official' viewing.  Danny and Katie have been preparing themselves for this for a very long time.  The viewing was such a spiritual experience.  Throughout Luke's journey and his battle with cancer Katie did an excellent job documenting on facebook and Luke's blog.  Katie's BIL put together a great video of Luke's journey by using the photos and posts from facebook and adding in some of the many comments left by friends and family. I was hoping I would be able to help in some way and my moment came towards the end of the viewing when the kids started getting a little restless and needing some adult attention.  I had a blast spending time with Johnny (Luke's older brother who is the same age as our Luke), Sophie (who is the same age as Taija), and Ruby, Liam and a few other cousins.  We went for walks through the mortuary, told stories, got numerous drinks and snuck through 'secret' doors to the viewing room.  These children truly are precious and I am so glad I was able to help out even if in just a small way. 

The day of the funeral came.  We were once again invited to be part of the 'family' time prior to the short viewing and through the closing of the casket and walking to the chapel.  Johnny, Sophie, and even Claire this time walked through the halls with me making up silly games and getting out some extra wiggles during the viewing.  Johnny is so much like our Luke and I made the mistake of calling him Luke so many times.  He would just look at me and say "I Johnny."  Danny and Katie both spoke for the funeral and I don't think there was ONE dry eye in the entire chapel.  While the tone of the meeting was one of happiness and trust in the Plan of Salvation, the reality of separation and hard trials was ever present.  I do not wish the experience of having to bury one's child on anyone.  My love and prayers continue to go out to the Call Family, especially during this time of adjustment and as the reality of separation becomes apparent.  After the funeral, the graveside service, and the wonderful meal their ward provided we were able to go back to the Call family home.  It was such a wonderful time that we were able to spend with just Danny, Katie and the kids.  It was so peaceful and relaxing to just be there with them.  Thank you Danny, Katie, Claire, Sophie, Johnny and even baby Luke for allowing us to be part of this incredibly emotionally tender experience.  We love you Call Family.