Davaleen's Funeral

Today is the day that sweet Davaleen was put to rest.  My heart was heavy and more tears covered my cheeks.  I was doing okay this morning while I was thinking about what I might say at the funeral and then my friend, Cindy sent me a text saying: "Love You, Dawn".  The love I felt from that text started the tears and I fought them the rest of the day.  I received another text from Kellie during the funeral that said: "thinking of you today.  I hope you will have peace and comfort! Love You!"  Those simple acts of kindness made a big impact on me....they meant so much and did bring me comfort!

I was privileged to give the opening prayer for the Funeral Services.  My heart was full and I just decided to let the spirit guide my words so I'm not sure what was said but I felt peace afterwards.  Jayhmie read the obituary and added to it and said a few of her own thoughts.  Tiffany, Davaleen's daughter expressed her love for her mom and said multiple times that Dave was a good mom and wonderful grandmother.  A cute gal that I believe called Dave, Momma Dave read a poem that sounded like she wrote it...it was beautiful.  At that time they opened it up to family and friends to share their memories or feelings.  I had a "feeling" a few days earlier that they were going to do that and knew that I needed to step up and share my feelings even though I was asked to also say a prayer.  I had talked to Jodi and Kathy about it and we all thought that we needed to share how wonderful Dave was.  When they first opened it up to everyone Dave's friend, James, got up. (he was very involved in the 48 Film Festival we helped Dave with...he's great)  He shared some nice things about Davaleen and expressed his love for her.  Everyone sat still waiting for someone else to make the move and so Jodi did.  Jodi shared some fun memories of Dave including their first lunch.  She told of how Davaleen had shared with Jodi her gratitude for letting her join in on their fun and how it literally saved her life.  Jodi also shared a fun assignment Davaleen had wrote about turning 50....everything Jodi shared was perfect and described how talented, fun and kind Davaleen was.  I jumped up next and shared how Davaleen had came to the early morning prayer for Jared and passed out water to everyone going to help search for him.  I also shared some of the same feelings I expressed in my earlier post.  Losing Davaleen has left my heart feeling a little empty.  Jolene, the gal who wrote the song about Angels also shared her experience with Davaleen.  I thought everything was perfect. They shared the 5 minute film that Davaleen had made for the 48 hour film festival called Mission by Choice...it made people smile and laugh and lightened the air.  Then the "Sista's" sang the beautiful song....that wasn't so perfect!  We sounded pretty good when we practiced but for some reason the music wasn't loud enough and neither were our Strong Singers.....the words were beautiful though and I think that's what matters most.  Kathy gave the closing prayer.  I know that Davaleen was pleased with her service, I sure was.

A few of us carpooled to the Cemetery and Kathy's hubby dedicated the grave.  The day was beautiful and everything went well.  We put on our happy faces and continued on.

We were the ones in Davaleen's 48 Hour Film Festival and also the ones that participated in her funeral services...

I was proud of Patrick.  He conducted the funeral service and did a great job.  He was so thankful for everyone's help and input.  My prayers will continue for Dave's kids...they are going to need some extra help and I know they will get it.

Jayhmie somehow pulled off getting Davaleen's ward (branch) to do a family dinner afterwards.  I know she did that after leaving the Mortuary on Wednesday because we had talked about doing it but knew it would be too stressful that late.  We were all invited but had already decided to go to lunch together.  We chose to go to El'Matador since that is where Davaleen had first had lunch with Jodi and the others.  We got the same table....and I sat where Dave had sat except for the picture.  I made Jodi trade me places since I think the smaller people should be closest to the camera.

Sometimes I think it's hard to be happy when you feel so sad.  We just lost a dear friend and I almost feel guilty for Carrying On!  But...that is what we have to do and so we do!

Cheers to Friendship and Cheers to Davaleen!

I posted this picture simply because it makes me laugh and laughing makes me happy.

Davaleen's Viewing

Davaleen Weir...
Davaleen Weir was a beloved mother of three, grandmother of one, and a friend of many.

Davaleen passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 30th at age 54 due to sudden heart failure.

Davaleen was one of the most kind-hearted people; she was an animal lover and took care of all she came in contact with.  She loved Music, Art, Geology and Physics, and Film Production, and her new granddaughter, Sunshine.

Davaleen wanted nothing more than to be a grandmother and was able to meet her granddaughter and adore her for three short weeks.                            (this was the obituary)

Wow....I still can't believe that my dear friend as passed.  I usually don't attend the viewing the night before if I plan on attending the funeral but I just felt like I needed to.

This morning I got a crazy text from Jayhmie (Davaleen's cute friend) it said: "Hey Dawn, I'm sorry it's so late (she sent it at 11:00 pm) I had some questions.  Dave's kids are trying to get some things done but don't know where to begin.  Do you know anyone who would be willing to do the prayers for the funeral, and the dedication of the grave?  Would any of your friends like to read a poem or anything or sing? Pat is just so overwhelmed with everything that he hasn't let me help until last night....poor Pat.  He just has so much on his plate.  It's so difficult when you lose your only parent and pretty much have to plan everything alone while you're trying to wrap your mind around everything and are trying to grieve."

I'm not going to lie...I thought this was all too crazy since we have messaged Dave's kids volunteering to help with anything at all.  I do know that they must be in shock and are so overwhelmed and truly I felt bad but was also kind of stressed.  I got my "sista's" involved and we were able to come up with everything they needed and it did feel good to be able to help.  My friends and I just felt that Davaleen deserved a nice service and would do anything to make sure it happened.  We stayed at the Mortuary until 9:30 pm practicing a song to sing at Dave's funeral (tomorrow)....I might add we only had a few "real" singers and so it will be interesting.  The song is one that another friend wrote about Angels...it's really pretty.

I loved how Davaleen looked and loved the beautiful flowers surrounding her.  I was so pleased that everything was so nice.  I know my dear friend was pleased too.

Davaleen was one of the kindest friends.  She was extreme in  her emotions and went the extra mile expressing her love, her concerns and her happiness with us.  I will forever cherish the fun and dear memories I have had with my sweet friend.  Her passing has tugged at my heart and is very painful.

I truly know that she is still very close and will be watching out for all those she loved and cared about.  Davaleen made my life happier!  Her passing has made me stop and evaluate my life and I desire to be better today than yesterday...so even in death there is good.  My prayers will continue for her children and sweet grand baby!  Shine on Sweet Davaleen!

Love Your Forever Friend, Dawn Ropelato

Sleepover Tuesday

This summer Trichelle's kids get to sleep over on Tuesdays so I can take them to kids club.  They love sleeping over and we love having them.  However, we do not like having Ivy crawl in bed with us at 3:00 am....she's a wiggly girl!

Tonight it was extra fun because instead of Jared going to Natalie's for piano lessons she came here.  I love seeing the grands enjoy each other and become better friends.

Larry decided to watch The Sound of Music with them and Mya liked it so much we let her stay until it was over.  We needed to take her home because everyone had things early the next day.  Grands add so much love to life!

4th of July

Last week Larry invited the kids to go boating for the 4th and Trichelle replied right away that her family was in.  I talked Natalie into going with us on Thursday.  The girls went and bought beach toys, food and everything they needed.  Larry came home Friday and said he had been watching the weather report and wasn't sure if it was going to be good.  I wouldn't have even looked at the weather since we have been enjoying such good weather lately.  I wonder if he just felt like stuff needed to be done at home?  Anyway we went and talked to the girls and decided not to go.  (I'm not going to lie I was pretty bummed and I knew the grands and kids were too)

Julie and Kevin were with their little family in Wyoming with Julie's dad.  I think more of her family was there with them.  So they were celebrating together.

Justin and Braxton had gone to the Wind Rivers with their Uncle Scott for a few days and had a great time.

Jaydan was being paid to be spiderman at the Plain City Celebration.  So our family was all over and not together.  

I had many thoughts chasing around my head all day and had to keep reminding myself that nothing was going to change as far as this day and it was okay.  The decision had been made.  I took advantage of being home and went and got some things I needed for girls camp and even picked out a few Willow Angels for Davaleen's kids.  So the day wasn't wasted.  Larry had Kimi and Jared working in the yard and got a few hours of work out of them.  (I think they might hate summer holidays because it seems yard work always is part of them)

Natalie and her kids ended up playing in their backyard all day and having a blast.  Justin got home in time to go with Natalie's family to the Fire Works...Kimi and Jared also joined them.

Trichelle's family went to Little America and had a good time together too.  We teach the kids...no jumping on beds expect Hotel's! ☺  When I got the picture of them jumping on the bed it made me smile. 

I'm glad it ended up being a good day for everyone.  I'm really glad that we are going to all go boating in a few weeks and that the beach toys will be played with on a beach and that everyone will be together.

Tender Mercies

Some times things happen at just the right time.  Yesterday  Carla came over because friends need each other. While we  were visiting and discussing our feelings about Davaleen and some things that we have learned from knowing her there was a knock at my door. It was Kellie with a darling jar of "hugs" for me.  I really appreciate HER Hug.  Hugs mean so much to me and I needed it! I really appreciate my good friends.  Carla was getting ready to leave and her hubby called and said that she had received a letter from Davaleen. Dodododo....Wow!  I thought I might also get one since Carla and I had gone in on a baby gift for Davaleen's granddaughter and I did but it came the next day.  I think many received Thank You's from Davaleen after hearing of her passing.  In a way it was like a tender mercy.  It meant so much!

Jodi text me Wednesday night to see if I could get together with her today.  I was going to watch my grands but she suggested meeting for breakfast and so that worked out perfect.  I invited a few others to join us and Kathy was able to.  It was nice visiting with the "sista's" and expressing our feelings for Davaleen.  I am so thankful for these ladies and they love they show to me! 

Davaleen meant so much to us.  Davaleen had once shared a story about this group saving her life.  She was at a really hard time and these ladies took her in and made her feel loved and included.  A friend of Dave's had told her that there was NO Way she would be welcomed into this group but she was with open arms.  I'm so glad we all grow up and the past is simply that...the past.  It doesn't matter what club we were in or who was a cheerleader and who wasn't...there comes a time in life we are all equal and those things don't matter.  I don't know why they do when we are young but I suppose it's all part of growing up and learning.  

I remember Davaleen telling me about the first time she met me.  I "popped" in on a class at Kathy's that she had invited me to. I knew these ladies would be there and I was super nervous.  I hadn't really interacted with any of them but knew who most of them where.  I was on the drill team with Lisa but that was all the interaction there had been. Oh except that I had recently asked Jodi to speak at our Young Women's and she had and we had met and talked there.  I pretended to be confident as I knocked and opened the door and walked into where they were crafting.  I smiled while my heart beat like a drum.  I looked around and recognized many of the faces smiling back but there were a few that I didn't recognize and Davaleen was one of them. (Carla was another)  Dave told me that she was wondering who this (me) gal thought she was but how she quickly opened up her heart and let me in.  I was scared to death that day but I'm so glad I took a big breathe and just pretended that I wasn't.  I love every single gal I have interacted with at Kathy's craft classes.  We have become "sista's".

I got home to my grands cute faces and lots of hugs.  Parker ran down the hall and attacked me with a very big hug.  I was in the bathroom when Macie got to me and I could hear her whining a little as Kimi held her and told her I would be right out.  Her smile and hug was magical.  It made my heart feel warm and wonderful.  Mya always gives me great hugs and those hugs are just what I needed today.  Just having my grands around was comforting.  I love them all so much.  I love that they enjoy coming to our house. I think it's because I let them do pretty much what they want.  Macie has found the sucker drawer and loves getting out suckers for everyone.  She is really good about keeping the wrappers all in one pile. ☺  She makes me laugh.  Today I did have to finally take the drawer out and put it up so she couldn't get any more suckers. She didn't seem to mind and liked the cubby where the drawer had been and even put her cookie there.  I enjoyed having them over and enjoyed a nice visit with Natalie when she came to pick the kids up.

I needed to go pick up my car from being serviced and stopped by Carla's to see her new hot tub.  Her and Robin were relaxing in it and had been for hours.  I think I would have preferred it cooler since it's so hot outside.  While I was visiting with them for just a minute both Kimi and Jared called me to see if I wanted to go to Jurassic World with them and Jaydan.  I knew Jaydan had invited them to go but now they were inviting me because Larry was hauling hay and suggested that they did.  I didn't really care to go to that show but decided that I'd better just go since.....you never know what tomorrow will bring.  It was fun going with them.  Jaydan is a kind son and brother and paid for us all and wouldn't let us pay him.  I bought the drinks and so it was about even for us...Kimi and Jared got off good.

I'm glad I have wonderful people surrounding me.  I need others in my life and enjoy being part of theirs.  I am thankful to Heavenly Father for all the tender mercies he gives us each day.  I know he loves us all so much and has a plan for each of us.  I'm thankful for these hard times only because they make me examine and evaluate my life.  I feel like I get a little push forward to do a little better.

Kindness Matters

Last night President Tenney stopped by and visited our family.  That the only time in my entire life that someone from the Stake Presidency has ever taken the time to visit our family...it was nice.  He shared a Mormon Message with us about two boys finding some boots and a jacket of a farmer who was working in his field.  The younger boy thought it would be funny to hide the farmers boots and then hide to watch his reaction.  The older boy looked at the boots and jacket which were both really worn.  He told the younger boy that from the looks of the boots the farmer was probably poor and instead of hiding the boots maybe they should leave a silver dollar in each boot.  That's what they did and then they went to hide to watch the farmers reaction.  As the farmer put on each boot and found a silver dollar in each he was puzzled and stood up and looked around trying to figure out where the money had come from.  He knelt where he was and said a prayer out loud to Heavenly Father.  He told how his wife was sick and there wasn't any food for his children.  He thanked the Lord for blessing him.  The boys heard the prayer and had tears running down their faces because they felt so good.

Being kind to others does make us feel good.  President Tenney encouraged each of us to find "our silver dollars" and to share them with others.  He complimented us for doing kind things already but asked us to dig a little deeper because he was certain there are more "silver dollars" we haven't discovered yet.  I totally agree with him.  There is always more that we can do to help others.  We could smile more, or acknowledge others as we pass.  We could compliment others. (we think nice things but we could share those thoughts more)  We could write a note to someone or do a kind deed.  It is up to each of us to discover our "silver dollars".  They will be different from each others and I think it's important not to compare.  Just do the things we are inspired to do.

I had these thoughts this morning and posted them on Face Book:

"Everyone has purpose and every life is important.  I think at times we all think we wouldn't be missed but believe me that is NOT true!  Every single person makes a difference to many!

It's so important to be kind and treat each other as if it were our last day or their last day because it just might be!

Last night a visitor came to our house and encouraged our family to look for ways and even pray for ways to reach out and be kind to others.  Everyone is blessed through kindness....kindness is magical!  Our acts of kindness will be different because we are different but each act of kindness will matter!"

Davaleen....A True Angel!

Oh my word...my heart is hurting.  Some phone calls make you drop to your knees and turn your stomach inside out...that happened today.  My dear, sweet friend Davaleen died last night of a heart attack.  She had told us that her doctor was concerned for her health but she couldn't afford the tests that he wanted her to get. (bless health insurance and obama care...they really don't seem to care)  I LOVE this friend of mine.  I posted that Davaleen was Kind...Davaleen was Smart...and Davaleen was IMPORTANT...and she truly was all of those things.  Davaleen had a heart of gold!  She cared about everyone and maybe she cared so much that there just wasn't room anymore because it was her heart that finally gave up.  Davaleen never gave up....she had some real trials but laughed her way through them.  She wouldn't give up...it wasn't in her to do so.  Davaleen will be one of the BEST Angels to those of us left here...she will continue to watch out for us, I just know that!

Davaleen believed in me.  She had me on a pedestal and even though I don't understand why it made me feel good that she thought so much of me. I always felt her love for me by the little things she said or the expression on her face.  She even referred to me a time or two as her Angel here on Earth.  We (the sista's) all knew we could count on Davaleen for anything.  Davaleen loved to have fun and would go to work late or even call in sick so that we could all be together.  That meant so much to me. She was funny and had a quick wit.  She was just fun to be around.  She even talked me into being in her 48 Hour Film Festival movie.  I will admit that was a lot of fun.

Davaleen was so thoughtful.  When Jared got lost in 2011 Davaleen got up early in the morning and drove out here to our Church to be part of the Prayer Group. I was told that there were a few "old" ladies handing out water to everyone but no one knew who they were.  It was Davaleen!  I didn't even know her that well then but she was there as were some of the other gals from this fun group.  Davaleen also made a poster and decorated our garage a little and left Jared a note and a figurine when we came home.    That's how she was....she was person who did things.  She also made Gina that fun blanket when Gina was close to leaving us.  Davaleen truly was kind!

Davaleen caught the bouquet at Kevin and Julie's Wedding. She was so supportive and fun.  We always laughed together.  We could share our woes with our sista's too and still leave feeling uplifted and happy.  What the Fun Bunch has is so good.  Sisterhood that loves and supports each other.

In May our last planned lunch together was for Davaleen.  She was having some struggles and needed our support.  We even called the lunch "Davaleen's Day".  We wanted her to know it was about her because we loved her.  I look at the pictures of the last time I saw Dave and love how Happy she looks. I think she glows!  I have always thought Davaleen was Beautiful...inside and out!

Even though my heart is hurting and I can't quite believe that my dear friend is gone, I am so happy for all the time we spent together.  I am so happy that Davaleen liked having her picture taken. I'm really glad that we have so many fun memories documented through our pictures.  I will cherish the memories forever!  I LOVE this friend of mine!  I said it with Buffey and again with Davaleen...I wonder if she knew how much she was loved and how much she meant to so many?

Each and everyone of us are important!  Our lives matter!  This World isn't quite the same when we lose someone....they really do leave a emptiness that can't ever be filled.