Remembering David, from your Mother

Someone is missing this Christmas.
Along with the other past four.
Daily I reflect on him and what he is doing and
What he would want me to do.

He is my person this year to have included
In my daily routines and tasks -
So I've made a list  to remind me of his life
And ways I might have acted in his stead.

Five years have come and gone -
Heartbreak yet tender mercies
Of memories and heartfelt peace
To calm our troubled souls.

Early on the cousins met in Arizona for retreat.
At that time we were able to hear of the miracle
Of Jim Nelson's life and we were  able
To hug him and feel Davids lungs so close.

Throughout the year I've continued
The preceptorship to someone
Who serves the Lord at the Humanitarian Center
And will allow her to improve her career possibilities.

Scripture study this year
Was to read the Book of Mormon.
Though not quite through
I've felt Davids peace be with me.

In the summer were family reunions
That took lots of planning and prep to pull them off -
But being a "believer" I felt David's strength
Pushing me on and on - reunions were his thing.

At our Kenney reunion in Ouray, CO
A tender mercy for me - While on the Durango/Silverton rail trip
A chance meeting with the EMT that lifted my son's mortal body
From the wreckage and carried him in his arms for help.

David loved Halloween way too much
Ghosts and gouls and RIP no longer did it for me until
I felt him encouraging me and laughing
As a haunted Fairy Garden we created.

As the end of the year drew near and the holidays
Were almost upon us - I planned a very fun sub-for Santa
In his name - to a person he loved -
But the gifts were "oh, so me".

That boy really loved a good party
So, I have one just up his alley
Planned for later this week
A Merry Movie Marathon Holiday party and candy exchange.

The Bradley Center - our comfort and grief support group-
Requested a monetary donation
Which was made from the "fun" account
In the names of his children and wife.

During the anniversary of his passing
I made a phone call to The  Utah Donors Association.
I suggested Grandpa Jim share the story of his lungs
At the annual memory reception.

Bruce and I look forward this year
To a trip to the Holy Land.
Here's hoping he'll be there to buoy me up
And help carry my luggage over the cobblestones.

Though working hard in another sphere
I've felt his presence near each time I see his children
So tall and straight and SMART-
Then into their eyes I look and know that he is still here.

Yes, someone is missing this Christmas
He seems close, yet we're so far apart.
He  left behind his earthly creations
And we will strive towards heavenly work here.

To: Hannah Love, Libby

Dear Hannah, 

        Merry Christmas! I was so excited when I found out I had you because you have always been an amazing example to me. As I was trying to think of ideas of what I could do in your name, I thought about you and what things were happening in your life in the beginning of May. Our school was getting ready to get out and I realized that you were getting ready to graduate! I thought about how big this time was for you!! In our ward we had about 5 girls who would be graduating around the same time. So what I decided to do was help these girls celebrate! I made some cookies, blew up A TON of balloons, bought purple and black streamers (Lehi's school colors), and decorated posters for each of them saying "conGRADulations Olivia" etc... And the night before graduation I had a friend come over and help me go to each of their houses to decorate their front doors. We put the poster up by their doors then hung streamers wherever they would hang. We threw balloons all over their porch and even taped some to the walls. Then left a plate of cookies for them to enjoy. It was really dark and hard to see, but hopefully it looked okay...It was so fun and even though we didn't hear anything about what they thought (because we left it anonymous) we still had a fun time getting ready and decorating! 

Merry Christmas! Love you!

   Love, 

        Libby

To Rick from Uncle Ben!

Hey Rick!  You are an awesome young man and have so much energy to share with the world.  One of your qualities that I admire is that you aren't afraid to be your self and take on unique challenges. You have always put yourself out there in new and challenging interests.

As I thought of your interests in set design and construction, I recalled that Grandpa Bodell was working on his high school play set when he met Grandma.  I am sure he is proud of you and enjoys watching and working with you on the sets you have been on in the past.

Normally, theater and set design would not be something I would spend much time thinking about. But since I had your name this year, I thought about how I might be able to use my carpentry skills to help the drama department at Lydia's high school.  I offered my services to help and not had much success as of yet.  HOWEVER.... it looks like the opportunity will come where I can volunteer to help build a set for Sydney's school play of Pocahontas.  I am looking forward to spending time with Sydney on the play and building the set!  Pictures will be forthcoming!  Thanks again for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams!

Love Uncle Ben

to Alyssa love Hannah

This year was an interesting one and I learned a lot about myself because of who I had for service. I have had the opportunity to have Alyssa and have her especially in my heart throughout the year. I knew Alyssa has struggled with anxiety, as many do. So I tried to incorporate that. I decided to create what I called "anxiety help kit". It was basically a box filled with things I saw at the dollar store that I thought would help me go through anxiety or even depression, as they often go hand in hand. Every item had a label that described why it was in the kit.

Candles and candle holder: Whenever you're having overwhelming thoughts and you're finding it hard to ground yourself, light a candle and let it remind you to live, laugh, and love life to the fullest!

Chocolate chip cookies: if you're ever feeling down on life, eating unhealthy food always helps! With these easy make cookies, you'll be able to take your mind off of your troubles and then stuff yourself when they're ready!

Silly string: do something silly! Focus on making someone else laugh! A pretend smile will eventually turn genuine!

Coloring book: if your mind is turning with thought after thought and you can't seem to control it, let your mind take a break and just color! These designs are meant to be calm and soothing.

Notebook: Anytime you have positive thoughts about yourself and your life, write it down! Ensure that you won't forget those feelings you're having.

After it was all assembled, I found some people in my ward to give to. I made anonymous and put a letter in to describe what it's for

"Just because I have decided to give this to you, doesn't mean in any way that I think you have anxiety severe enough that attention needs to be drawn to it. I might not even know you very well at all. All I know is that every person struggles with anxiety in one way or another. If you think you could benefit from these things, please keep them! If you know someone in your life that would appreciate it, please pass it along!"

I learned that I myself struggle with anxiety and depression more than I was addressing, and I'm grateful for the people in my life that have been examples to me. Alyssa has such a sweet soul and I know she always tries to make everyone's day a little bit brughter! I love you Alyssa and I think you're one of the strongest people I know!

For my lovely Emma, love Maisie

Emma Whipple is one of the softest, kindest, most loving people I know. I've always loved her coming up to me smiling, saying my name, and giving me a hug when I walk in or see her. She is a great young lady that I completely adore. Most of all she is a great example of a follower of Christ.

When I was thinking about what to do for Emma I thought about sacrifice, so I was like, throw her in the volcano! Shark-bait hoo-ha-ha!! Haha just kidding. I thought about how kind she is. How could I be nice like Emma Jane? How can I spread some Christmas cheer? That Sunday in Relief Society the RS President was talking about some refugees that had moved into our ward boundaries. She said that they didn't have anything for Christmas and my heart hurt for them. But she continued to say that our ward was going to do a "Sub Santa" project. Two members of the elders quorum, including grandpa, went and visited the three refugee families and asked them what they wanted for Christmas. They made a list, printed it out, and gave us all a copy of what they wanted. I noticed that one of the sons wanted a long board (which is like a skateboard but wayyyyy more fun) which was actually something that I really wanted for myself but they're not cheap... But I decided to make a little sacrifice and find a nice long board for someone who has probably had a rough couple of years. I can only imagine what him and his family have been going though. I know a little bit of kindness and sacrifice can go a long way, which I feel like Emma is all about. Being loving and accepting of everyone she encounters. I love how she loves her family and cousins and always willing to go the extra mile. She is a great example to me and I want to be like her when I grow up. Emma you rock my world and I love you to the ends of the earth! Keep being kind and gentle, it goes a long way even when you dont see it, it always affects someone:) Merry Christmas!!

To Jackson From Andrew

So this year for my service I decided to make it a personal goal of mine to do as much service as I possibly can. Whether it's a big service or little service I would try to do it. Some things I would do is helping grandma with groceries, playing with my sisters, helping people that ask for my help at school. Being the deacons president I have a lot of influence over what we deacons do. So A big thing we did is we collected old broken bikes from the members in the ward and we would fix them and then donate the bikes to the local refugees in our stake. Another big thing we did (not with the deacons) was go do my aunts house and help put in walls, windows, lights and electrical. I had to even climb ito the cramped attic and crawlspace under the house. it was dusty and dark. One night was stayed up very late doing finishing touches to the lights. I was very tired but It was very much worth it. It was a very fun experience doing these things for others. I know i'm not the best at doing these things with a happy and cheerful heart but i'm trying. I will continue to do service all of next year and the next too. I love you Jackson and merry Christmas.

To Jimae with Love From Katherine

I was excited to have Jimae.  I had so many ideas to serve her, but every time I did something nice she was quick to return the favor.  She has such a giving heart and is so generous.  In the end I found one the I was so excited about.  We both love to sew, in fact she gave me my first sewing machine about 15 years ago.  I sewed 10 kits to donate to the Days for Girls organization.  They are sanitary kits for girls to help them stay in school after they start their period.  In many countries girls don't have the resources of feminine product or hygiene knowledge so they stay home and end up dropping out of school.  One kit includes a drawstring bag, 2 shields, 8 liners, two zip lock bags to help them wash them, 2 pairs of under ware, and a bar of soap.  (So I did 10 bags, 20 shields, 80 liners)

Each kit will change one girls life. They are sewed to last at least 3 years.  I hope to keep sewing kits and really hope to get my stake R.S, and YW involved.  Check it out http://www.daysforgirls.org/whats-in-a-kit


Merry Christmas Jimae, I love you so much.  Katherine

PS I also put together a 72 hour kit for you and Grandpa....