Nov 27, 2010
Memories
Hello everyone!! We have learned in the last few days that preparing for a funeral is a lot of work! If any of you would be comfortable sharing stories and/or thoughts about Grandma, please comment. Grandpa checks the blog several times a day and enjoys reading the comments. If you have any thoughts you would like to share with him this is a great way to do so. Thanks!
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David, we have had you in our constant thoughts and prayers (you know that :-) We have so many fun memories of you and Paula together. I was feeling so much sadness the first few days and now when I think of her...I just feel warm, happy, comforted, and a big smile appears on my face. I remember the first time you showed us a picture of her on your phone at church and you said: "Here is my sweetheart, isn't she beautiful?" I remember thinking that was the sweetest thing I have ever heard! The first time we visited you guys in your home I was worried Tripp would be scared to talk to her or be shy (Tripp shy...really?) but he took right to her and you sat him on her lap...they were instant friends. I loved coming to visit and watching you two interact and tease each other. You are both so funny! What a wonderful couple you are and I can't express in words what your examples have done for me. Each time I visit I come home with a renewed love and appreciation for Stephen and for what he does for me. You took such amazing care of one another and your love was evident. Thank you for sharing your sweet, beautiful, kind wife with us. We will treasure our memories of her fondly and miss her dearly. We love you very much, you are both so important to us. I pray you feel peace and please let us know if you need anything. We will be coming around to bother you again soon :-)
ReplyDeleteAll our love,
Alesha, Stephen, Tripp and Pax Russo
Many years ago, we as a family had the pleasure to meet a family in our ward. Dave and Paula Hansen were their names. Our children were younger then, 5, 8 and 12. At our first visit, we were greeted by Dave who said, “ My name is Snitichikey. “Be Careful how you say that, and don’t mess up, because I don’t like my name mis-pronounced.” Well we immediately fell in love with Dave’s sense of humor and Paula’s sweet kindness and beautiful smile. Our children still call Dave, Brother Snitichikey!
ReplyDeleteWe have enjoyed playing our pipes at Christmas time, and just visiting randomly! Dave, helped prepare Brenden to serve a mission as they were Home Teaching Companions. Josh , had the sacred privilege of preparing and the passing the sacrament to them. Talise has been several times with her Young Women classes and her mother. There isn’t a one of us who didn’t come home a better person than when we got there. If anyone thinks that we served them, they are so wrong. It is they who served us, by their amazing love, example, and faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paula being stricken with MS could only get around in a wheel chair, She would come to sacrament, but that was all her body could handle. Then it got to be so hard on her that she couldn’t even attend sacrament. Her husband, Dave, has faithfully and lovingly taken care of his sweet bride with the utmost love and sacrifice. He is the nurse/doctor and caregiver, manicurist, make-up artist, hairstylist. He lifts her tiny frail body every day, and gets her feeling more beautiful each and every day. He would never let her be seen if she isn’t looking her best. She is always dressed so nicely, always has manicured nails, her face is touched with a small glow of color only to emphasize her beauty. He feeds her, bathes her, loves her.
He jokes a lot, he has to laugh. Paula, she laughs with him. Sometimes Dave gets to rambling and there are times when Paula is very adamant to say her peace, and she does. When Dave was asked , “how do you do all that you do for your wife?”, he said the secret is simple, “I love her! I married her because I love her, that’s the secret!”
The phone calls, or visits, always brought sunshine and filled a soul feeling blessed and grateful. It is a pleasure to learn of their children and their grandchildren. The worried prayers they had for others, rather than for their own trials and struggles. Prayers answered for a daughter, hearing the sweet words that the grandchildren would say. The love of a Grandfather who Texts his grandchildren whenever and keeps up with them in their life.
The joy and blessing to have All their children now live in the area. What a marvelous blessing for this family to stand beside their parents. Dave and Paula, together fought valiantly and courageously, here on earth. Paula now free from her earthly trials, will continue to love and bless, her family , friends and especially her forever companion. May our Heavenly Father bless this family with love and peace as they have so touched our lives for good.
The blessing is ours to be your friends! Love the Hatfield’s
I want to add a few things to my earlier post as I have continued to think of you two today...
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite things in the world is relationships. Any and all relationships that are forged in love, acceptance, kindness, and respect. There is nothing better than the feelings of love and friendship and how those two things can strengthen the weary and lift heads that hang down. I so badly want my children to see the good in this world. I want them to feel love, experience joy, and witness acts of kindness and true reverence. Dave, the way you care for your sweet wife encompasses all of those things. I am so grateful that Tripp was able to spend so much time watching the two of you together. He notices the little things...tipping her head, wiping her eyes, making sure she is comfortable. He would comment. I notice them as well, along with her hair, nails, the way you would take her out on dates to the drive in at Sonic :-), and the reverent manner in which you always speak of her. You are the greatest couple I have ever known. Your examples of true companionship and love of the gospel have inspired me and my little family.
Tripp is excited for church each week so he can sit with you. He could not wait to see you today and tell you he was sorry. He has talked about Paula all week and was worried about you and that Flip isn't old enough to remember her when he grows up :-) I told him we would show him the picture of all of you together and he would remember. I had warned him that you may not be at church today but he was certain you would be: "no he will be here, I know he will, I want to see him and he wants to see me." I think you two are kindred spirits! The very next minute, he saw you and disappeared before my eyes!
(On a side note, I hope you know that we now just refer to Pax as Flip and you as Dip in our household! You asked for it!)
Thank you for your friendship and showing my precious son (and my husband) what it means to be a good man...one who has shown nothing less than true love and reverence for his sweetheart. We all feel blessed to be your friends.
Alesha
Hi Dave--I am always thinking about how you are doing and never quite know whether to call or text you or what...so I hope you are doing well. You've been the silent hero taking such good care of your dear wife so faithfully for so many, many years. Your actions do not go unnoticed! I think you are one of God's angels here to take care of sweet Paula for all these years (even though you like to act like a grump sometimes just to try to throw everyone off). I hope you will find much joy and peace in your coming days!
ReplyDeleteThere aren't words to express my deep love for Paula - and for you, David, for you two are one in my heart. She has been my life-long best friend for 57 years. We have tried for years to tell each other and to write it down on paper, but to no avail for it can only be felt. I have spent the last day and night reading a box of her letters reliving our wonderful relationship. As I have read these lovely posts I have learned that there are so many who have felt that same kind of love from her and adore her just as I do. She had such a giant capacity to love others, in part because of the way she has been loved. My mother said she was like sunshine because of the light and warmth she brought into a room. That light has been constant and bright in my life for all these years. Her light has not gone out now, but shines even brighter in a larger more beautiful room filled with even more light than we can imagine. I know she will be busy being about His business. She will continue to bless our lives and watch over us.
ReplyDeleteEven though I feel such sadness that she has left, I can feel her so close and she will whisper in my ear when you will need a phone call and a hug and I will be here to remind you all how very much she loves you and misses you. Once again, she goes on ahead to light the way for the rest of us. What a happy reunion has just taken place in the Spirit World. Oh, how she has loved you and her children and her grandchildren. Our children have been our "jewels" and continue to be our brightest gems (the subject of our conversations) and the source of all our hopes and dreams. You made her so happy! Continue to do so and you will bring eternal happiness to your mother.
David, you and I will continue to get old and funny, even though our hearts are so young; our children will worry about us and care for us as if we are their own children and they will do it because they love us and we have shown them how. My son said to me not long ago, "It's our turn to take care of you, Mom, so just sit back and enjoy the ride!" My independant spirit balks sometimes, but he is right. The day will come when we too will set out to sea to find our Paula waiting patiently on the shore - more beautiful, more precious than before. My friend, we will look well to that day. Today I celebrate the life of my dear and special friend and all that she has taught me by her light of example.
Uncle David, I've been thinking of you and Aunt Paula often for months. I'm sorry I haven't contacted you. I continue to pray for you and your family. You and Aunt Paula have always held a special place in my heart. I'm so grateful for your influence and example on me. I know she is better now, and keeping herself very busy while you finish your work here on Earth. I love you and hope you keep well. Lots of love, Barbara (McCombs) Bowen
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about you and praying for you, I written many messages in this blog, but they keep self-destructing. I will try it one more time. I just want you to know how much you and Paula have influenced my life for the good. Always showing unconditional love and concern for me and my family. I will miss reporting my progression to her and hearing her reassuring encouragement in the choices I was making. I will miss her so much, Love BettyJo
Our Dear Friend David,
ReplyDeleteYou have been our thoughts and prayers for many years. Our friendship with you and Paula run deep.
With eternal friends that's what happens.
What great memories we have with the both of you. Going out to dinner with you the Lake's, Smith's at one of our favorite places. The Texas Roadhouse!
Bring lunch over and eating at your kitchen table. Celebrating birthdays on a un-birthday day. And laugh at the moment.
Just sitting with Paula and talking and your deep questions.
I was so fortunate to be Paula's visiting teacher for so many years. What a blessing for me and my companions. I remember with Sister Bastain we would get laughing and her nose would run. Then we laugh more.
Paula and I were taking care of our parents at the same time and what great help she was to me. Specially being able to talk out our problems and then coming up with a good solution.
I loved that Paula an I could tell each other just how we really felt and still feel good.
On several occasions we talked about being good friends before coming to earth. I know I needed her bright smile and loving hand of friendship. Her words of wisdom and jousting with David.(I looked forward to that David)
My daughter Leslie taught me about the yellow rose meaning friendship.
I loved bring yellow roses and double cream lemon pie for Marie Callander's. To eat together or just leave for later.
So tonight I will give yellow roses of friendship for the last time her on earth along with the Lake's and Smith's, but I will look for the time when I will greet Paula after my stay on earth.
Paula, Reed and I can see you walking, running, jumping, free of pain, smiling and help other to embrace the gospel and knowing you I will always be at our side when we could use some help.
To the children thank you for helping Paula write all the many Thank You notes of love and greeting card along with David.
May God be with you David in the lost of your sweetheart. Paula has had the best hair dresser, nail technician , personal wardrobe designer,and the heat control person that anyone could ask for.
You are a good husband, father and grandfather.
May a few of our memories bring happiness and peace to you and your family at this time.
With Great Love and Eternal Friendship
Love,
Reed and Linda Hanson