Information

I would like to give the final arraignments and information that many of you have asked for.  I am sorry that I have not responded personally but I am overwhelmed right now.  I love you all.


Ok, here  it goes:

There is a viewing on Friday night from 6 - 8
Another viewing on Saturday morning from 9-10 and the funeral will begin at 10:30
All of these activities are at the Clearfield South Stake center. 
The address is 2186 South 125 West Clearfield UT
It is on 2200 South just West of Main street

Please let me say again,  ALL are welcome and we are excited to gather to celebrate Joshua's incredible life.

The funeral home is Lindquist Mortuaries   Their website is lindquistmortuary.com
that is were Joshua's obituary will be.

If you wish to send flowers you can call Jimmys flowers in Layton at  801-773-8400, ask for Susan Richey

We are holding on right now with your prayers and love and are sooo grateful for everything and all  the support we are being given.

The End and a New Beginning

On Saturday Josh took a turn for the worse.  He began to slip in and out of consciousness.  We called our Bishop and Stake President and they came.  He didn't seem to know them but then our Stake President put his hands on Josh and gave him a blessing.  At the end Josh clearly said Amen and Thank you.  Those were his last words.  He lingered for one more day so our family could quietly spend the Sabbath together and then this morning at 10:30 he left us.  He fought hard for every breath and never gave up.  It was very hard to see him struggle and broke my heart but I could not be prouder of him.   Within minutes of his passing the kids in the neighborhood heard and came.  What a joyous site to see his body finally resting and 8 or 9 teenagers standing around him quietly visiting.  When the adults came in they all went to the kitchen and polished off 2 containers of ice cream and every popsicle we had!  How Josh would have loved that.

We now look to the future.  Joshua is were he belongs and no longer hurts.  I know he is at peace and I am so grateful to know that I will see him again.  We are having a funeral on Saturday at 10:30 and I will post the address and info later.  We are asking everyone to come.  This is a day for family and friends and we want you all to be a part of it.  If you can come we have plenty of room for you to stay.  Our wonderful ward family has offered their homes and we have room for everyone, please let me know.
We are grateful to know that Heavenly Father loves us.  He loves Josh and I know he is proud of him.  I could not let him go if did not know that he was loved and is being cared for by his Heavenly Father.  He rests with his sister Micah and other family.  I have longed for my children to meet my father and today Joshua did.  We are peaceful and sad and grateful all at the same time.  We ask for continued prayers and welcome all to come visit.  We love you.  Joshua loved you too.

Waiting

Time is standing still.  Hospice sent a doctor to examine Josh because the nurse is seeing conflicting signals.  He shows signs of decline but doesn't really change.  Parts of his body are dying but his heart beats on.  The doctor shrugged her shoulders and said he is young and has a strong heart.  It is hard now, he suffers.  He is sick in the morning and sleeps all day.  He gets up for food because we make him to keep him from getting sores but then goes back to sleep.  When he is awake he gets restless and cant figure out what he wants.  Yesterday he cried himself to sleep in the late afternoon because he could not settle down.  
The doctor said it right, he has a strong heart.  He is still making a difference for others and I am grateful for his strength.  It breaks my heart to see him suffer but I know that Heavenly Father knows best and I must be patient.  His favorite thing now is on Sunday when the priests (that is the boys his age) come over for their lesson to our house and bring us the sacrament.  He can't always stay awake but he musters up the strength for that and loves it.  What wonderful young men they are to care for him and keep him part of the group.
We are amazed by the support we have been shown.  So many people have cared for our family and are trying to help us.  We don't even know how to say thank you anymore, it seems so little for all we have been given.  I am humbled and want to remember all of this. Thank you.
We don't know what tomorrow will bring but we will follow Joshua's lead and hold him tight for as long as we can.