Crisply etched letters "REDMOND" caught my eye and it was all over, the tears fell freely on the frozen, partially snow covered ground. 
It was my first visit to a cemetery during the winter months, and just before Christmas. The grounds were freely and heavily decorated with Christmas wreaths and at the time no one else came into my view. My attention now was focused upon a newly laid headstone designed using red granite. The red's in the granite rock had been etched around the surname as to illuminated it and directly underneath that is etched the Salt Lake Temple.
It was my first visit to a cemetery during the winter months, and just before Christmas. The grounds were freely and heavily decorated with Christmas wreaths and at the time no one else came into my view. My attention now was focused upon a newly laid headstone designed using red granite. The red's in the granite rock had been etched around the surname as to illuminated it and directly underneath that is etched the Salt Lake Temple.The temple here, a symbol for the eternal nature of Mom and Dads marriage as well as a reminder of the sealing power exercised within its walls binding families together, sealed for eternity. This of itself lessened the loss I was feeling, but it did not stop the tears. As I focused on the grave the fog seemed to wrap itself closer to hide me from any passers-by.
For the short moment standing there a car or two entered the cemetery, slowly making their way around the windy road and out of my view. As they did so I felt a sense of honor as if I would say to them “that’s my dad”. I suppose I would have to say that after twenty-eight years of marriage and six children I had to grow up. I guess it’s about time.
With all of the excitement of Christmas and the celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world one might well ask why approach such a sad topic at this time of the year? I would have to answer that it is just because of that, that the Savior was born, He lived, He died and He was resurrected never to die again, removing the bonds of death, making it possible for me to enjoy the same. Thus giving me the hope I need to live through the tears. It is because of Him that I shall enjoy the same associations that I have enjoyed in this life. I will stand again in the flesh and hug my earthly father. It is the arms of His love, my Savior, that sustains me. It is He, the resurrected Son of God, whose birth I celebrate. I would invite all to celebrate the same!
Merry Christmas dad.
If this were your backyard, would the yellow flowers bother you now? 
With simplistic strength their yellow buds stretch heaven-ward. Ever so quickly reaching toward the sun, establishing their presence almost under the cover of darkness, for upon the rising of the sun on a spring morning there they are!
Dandelion - (Noun) - a wild plant with yellow rayed flowers and deeply notched leaves [Old French dent de lion, tooth of a lion, referring to its leaves.] 
Miniture Mums for Mom's. However usually only accepted when presented by a child.
While he has not yet discovered what his Super Powers are, he is THERE for you! Stay tuned for further developments…… 
