My Dad

Today I'm reminiscing about my dad.  It was a year ago today that he passed away.  This year I've been flooded with emotions, memories and love as I've thought about my dad throughout this year.  I cannot express how much I've missed him...his laugh, his smile, the twinkle in his eyes, his stories, his jokes and going out to lunch with him.  I will always cherish these memories of my dad!

 Dad I love you more than the stars in the sky!

Christmas Eve

Sabrina and Josh took the kids sledding in Sundance.

Getting ready for bed,
excited to see what Santa brings them!

Vincent 7 and Lillian 3

Last Chemo Anniversary and Christmas Caroling

Five years ago today was my last chemo treatment...making it my 5 1/2 year mark!  It seems like a lifetime ago when going through this life altering experience. Today I went to do my 6 month blood work...unfortunately the lab tech was not able to get a vain AND I was not hydrated enough. So, I have to go next week to try again.

This afternoon I took my Activity Day Girls, along with three other leaders, to go Christmas caroling at the care home where dad lived the last 3 months of his life.  It has been an emotional time for me this week and to go back where dad was for the final days of his life brought back a flood of emotions.  The girls were so excited to sing to the residents and it made my heart swell with love and sadness at the same time.  While singing, I had a hard time keeping myself from bursting into tears as I choked during the songs.  It was especially tough when we approached my dad's room.

It was a bittersweet day...thinking about all that I had gone through over 5 years ago and reminiscing about dad...his twinkle...his smile...his jokes and his love.

Vincent in his Christmas Concert

Vincent loves to sing and is so animated!
(Just like his mother). 

Lillian and Vincent with Santa

Sweet Ruth

On Monday I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth at a local resort.  Ruth is 88 years young and as cute as can be.  She was having a rough day, as her health has not been good lately.  I could tell she was feeling down and that her eyesight was not as good as it probably once was.  She asked if anyone made "scrubbies" and I wasn't sure if anyone at the event made "scrubbies".  I told Ruth that I had seen them before and that I would look for some "scrubbies" for her the next time I was at another one of my events.  I asked her how many she needed.  She said she would like 10 or 12 in all different colors.  Well today, as luck would have it, I came across a lady that makes "scrubbies" and she had them in all different colors.  So I purchased 12 different colored "scrubbies" for Ruth.

I called Ruth after I bought the "scrubbies" and she was thrilled.  I told her I would be to her home in about 10 minutes.  When I arrived Ruth was sitting on her patio waiting for me.  As I pulled up, she looked so cute sitting there.  I showed her the "scrubbies" as she peered into the bag.  She beamed and grinned from ear to ear.  Who would have thought that a bag full of  "scrubbies" would bring someone so much joy.  She expressed how her son loved the "scrubbies" and that her daughter-in-law asked that she not tell her son about them so she could have some for the kitchen instead of him taking all the "scrubbies" out to the garage.  After I handed her the bag, she gently put her money into my hand and gave me a little poinsettia.  

Oh how sweet this day had become.  Here I was out doing my Scentsy business not knowing I would encounter the most precious gift, a friend named Ruth!

Time Out For Women and My Birthday

Today is my 54th birthday and excited to be alive. I had the opportunity to go to Time Out For Women at the Phoenix Convention Center and be spiritually uplifted.  This is the second time I was given the opportunity to attend.  I remember how much I enjoyed it 8 years ago and to be given this wonderful experience on my birthday.  It's something I really needed to bring me peace and insight to what I need to become.

The team is to find the women I need to become, to focus on one thing to focus on in my life.  I laughed along with Mary Ellen Edmund, Chris Belcher and Hillary Weeks.  The spirit was so strong that I felt more in touch with the Savior and to keep "what's his no face" at bay.  I learned to focus on the positive things in my life and not the negatives.  To know to recognize the simplest things are just as important as the big things.  

I'm hoping to be able to attend next year to be uplifted and share this experience with good friends.  Later in the evening Doug and I met with Doug and Janet Hansen at Joe's BBQ in Gilbert.  I enjoyed great food, great company and I had a great birthday.  Life is good and I want to embrace it all.  

Happy Birthday to Me!

Max the Tabby Cat

We found a 6 week old kitten today, in the carport, the day after Doug and I returned home from an 8 day trip to Utah.  He was so little, hungry and frightened. You may ask how did a little kitten end up in your carport? Well, we have a lot of feral cats in our neighborhood so it's not surprising that one day we would find one by the front door.  Here is the rest of the story!

After we found the kitten I had to take him to the vet because I have Simon a 12 year old tabby that I want to protect from any diseases.  On the way to the vet I called my friend Nancy, who was taking care of Simon while we were away.  I told her I found a cat and was she responsible for it being in my carport?!?!  Silence on the phone.  She asked, "What color is it?"  I told her, "It is a Tabby."  She said, "There was a black cat and I almost fed it!".  I told Nancy NEVER to feed any stray cats at my home, and that this little one is not a result of Nancy's caring ways with cats...She was not to blame! Unfortunately, in our neighborhood we have a lot of stray/feral cats that have been abandoned by their owner due to the economy.  This little one probably got lost while traveling with his mother. 

So, at the visit we discovered the kitten is a boy and named him Max.  Max was tested for feline leukemia and feline aids and found to be negative.  However, he does have an upper respiratory infection and is on antibiotics. Now we have to worry about Simon because this is very contagious.   

And you guessed it...he now lives with us.  Meet Max a cute little tabby/ginger cat.
 

I have forgotten what it's like to have a kitten in the house, always under foot, eating like a Piggly Wiggly, and following me around everywhere I go.  I LOVE IT!

Here's Max lounging on my desk keeping me from doing my work!

My First BYU Football Game

Idaho State 3 - BYU 59

It was a total BLOW OUT game...Idaho State didn't have a chance.  I've never been to a college football game and this was so thrilling to me.  I enjoyed every minute it, from the National Anthem to the amazing Cheerleaders!

This is immediately after the 1st touchdown that occurred within the first minutes of the game.  EXCITING!

 RAH RAH rah rah rah

 RAH RAH rah rah rah

 RAH RAH rah rah rah

Gooooooo Cougars!

Incredible cheerleaders encouraging the stands.  It was BYU Spirit all the way!

The band was spectacular.  You could tell they had a fun time on the field.  The different moves, marching and maneuvering into different places.  It was very apparent they work hard at their choreography and they take pride in their performance.  I loved every minute of it!  Thanks Linda for inviting me and I hope I get the opportunity to go again.

Fall Fun!

Doug and I visited with Josh, Sabrina and the kids. 

On this day Vincent, Lillian and friends decorated cookies in the backyard. 

It was beautiful weather and lots of fun!

Here's Lillian with her Frosting Smile!

Sabrina got creative and made a cookie to look like Josh.

I just had to laugh...it made me smile!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Summer Vacation

Doug and I made our annual summer vacation to Utah.  On this trip we had a few extra things we wanted to do with family.  We met with Doug's cousin RoseAnn to go to Superior and Rock Spring Wyoming. I was there only once before and I do not remember it being so windy!

Our purpose of going was to do a little family history.  We met RoseAnn's cousins, Shirley, Laura and Rich Hiner. On our day trip to Superior, Wyoming we saw the castle house on the hill that was built by Doug's Great Uncle Angelo Pellegrini.  This house was built for his brother Joseph Pellegrini which is Doug's grandfather.  The house was built in 1916 and still stands today.  We peeked in the windows and it looked like someone was remodeling the inside of the house.  The wind blew and blew even more up on that hill.  After reminiscing, we took a drive into where Superior was booming during the early part of the 20th Century.  We could see remnants of old mines and black soil. 

On Sunday we went to breakfast at the local IHOP and visited each other.  Afterwards we went to the Rock Springs Cemetery to pay our respects to our family members that were buried there.  It was a short trip but full of memories and stories.  One day I may go back just to see the castle on the hill.

A Very Sad Day!

This morning I took Simon for his follow-up appointment at the Vet.  He's still a little sick, but doing a lot better.  He was given another antibiotic and nosedrops.

Callie hasn't been feeling too good so I decided to take her too.  I've noticed that she was wobbly, moving slowly and not eating.  I thought she was still battling the respiratory virus and that she needed another RX of antibiotics. Unfortunately that was not the case, Callie's blood work showed that she is in kidney failure.  This was a complete surprise and something I had no idea I would be faced with.  The Vet began talking and I asked her to be honest.  Well, she was honest and said, "I cannot save this kitty."  My heart broke.  I had to make one of the worse decisions and that was to help her move on to cat heaven.

Callie Marie Pelley 

Born in the Fall of 1998
I brought her home from Petsmart March 11, 1999

Passed Away July 2, 2011

Callie also known as "Girlfriend", "Sissy", and "Calree".

Girlfriend, you will forever be in my heart!

5 Year Mark

Today I had my 5 year check-up.  I'm CANCER FREE!  Yes, I had breast cancer...but breast cancer doesn't have me!

Calllie Vet Follow-Up

I took Callie to see her Vet yesterday to follow-up from her emergency vet visit.  Unfortunately, Callie has been diagnosed with Megacolon is still full of feces and had to stay the night.  She had an enema to flush out all the fecal matter. 

I had a good visit the the Vet regarding Callie's constipation issues.  Callie will now be on medication for the rest of her life to help with this condition.  I will take her Saturday morning to see if the medication is working and if Callie has anything backed up. 

Callie Cat

Callie the most expensive cat I've ever owned! Callie is now 12 1/2 years old.  I adopted her from our local Pet Smart in March 1999 after our 18 year old cat, Mike, passed away.  When I adopted her I didn't know she was SICK!  A few days after bringing her home she was taken to the vet because she wasn't feeling well.  She had a respiratory infection and also skin issues...ultimately the bill came to about $1000.  Then a couple of months later we adopted Simon from our neighbors.  Callie and Simon played together and one day, while playing, Callie's tail got cut by a fan.  Yes, you guessed it...back to the vet.  Callie had to have the end of her tail amputated (Another $200), and now she is known as "the short tailed cat". 

A few years ago, Callie ate some flowers.  I'm a floral designer and was doIng a wedding at my home and Callie decided she was going to eat some of the flowers (this is why I don't have plants or fresh flowers in my house).  The flower she ate (stock) is not toxic, but it caused her great discomfort (gas and vomiting) thus requiring a visit to the emergency vet. Needless to say, it cost about $300 for that visit.

Well, here we are again.  Callie needing medical attention.  Unfortunately, Callie suffers from constipation issues and well...you could say she's "full of it".  Back to the emergency vet we go.  Callie needs to have an enema and a follow up visit with her Vet to see what we can do to prevent this in the future. And yet again, $300 vet bill!

Lillian's Procedure



Sabrina wrote, "We are here for Lilys procedures. They loaded her up with LOTS of princess stickers. Wish us luck!"





Lily with nurse...Crista!





Nurse Crista gave Lily a Doll!



Lily all smiles in her hospital gown and hat!





Off we go in a wagon!

 Lillian playing after the procedure, just as if nothing happened!
What a trooper!!!

It's always scary taking your child to the hospital, even for the simplest of procedures.  It also can be quite overwhelming for a little child.  Thank heavens for Nurses like Crista that help children during times like these and for amazing mother's like Sabrina that know how to comfort and bring fun into everyday life...even if it is at the hospital!                              



Sabrina's Birthday

It's hard to believe that my little Sabrina is 33 years old today.  It's seems just like yesterday that she was born.  She has been a treasure in my life.  I was never given the opportunity to be a mother and Sabrina helped to fill that void.  Robin, my dearest friend, was so gracious and generous to share her cherished prized possession with me.  I will be forever grateful for her unselfish act of kindness.

Sabrina Maegan Bissett Bodine I love you with all my heart.

Happy Birthday!

Hit by a Car

Wednesday, May 18th, my brother was hit by a car while riding his bike.  He was taken to Scottsdale Heathcare located at Scottsdale Rd and Osborn.  He has a broken clavicle (in three places), scapula, a couple broken ribs and a shattered elbow.  Friday, May 20th he had surgery to repair the clavicle. He now has a metal plate and screws holding it in place.  The scapula was left alone due to all the muscles that surround it.  The surgeon didn't want to damage any of the muscles.  He's hopeful that it will heal itself.  The elbow was debreded to clean it out and remove the bone spur that broke off during the accident. He's in a lot of discomfort.  The surgeon is hopeful for a full recovery.

Going Green

I'm working on a new project. My goal is to use up excess fabric from other projects, as well as donated material, and put them to use.  With the landfills being filled with more and more plastic bags that take a gzilliion years to breakdown, I've decided to have a goal to recycle fabric and make something useful out of them.  As you can see I have a lot of fabric to start with.  Now to get creative! 

 Here is my very first "Green Bag"!

 

Time to "Go Green" and use my own totes for my groceries.  I also thought it would not be a bad idea to sell them at craft fairs and boutiques.  I'm going to make two sizes.

Ice Cream and Smiles

Who would have thought that an ice cream cone could bring such joy to a little girl!

 Lillian ~ Age 2 yrs 11 months

Vertigo

Since last week I've been having dizzy spells.  What a strange feeling!  So, I decided to go see my PCP and the diagnosis...VERTIGO!  I'm hoping this doesn't last a long time.  It's the result of my sinus' and the fact I recently had a sinus infection.

Mother's Day Week

I've been a floral designer since 1984 and I know I have developed quite a talent.  I enjoy working with flowers and there is a lot of satisfaction with being creative. I'm finding the older I get the harder it is to work these long hours. I can do 8 hours with no problem, but 16 hour days are killing me. I thought  this week would NEVER END!

To all you mother's! 

Professional Administrative Week

Another name for it is Secretary's Day!  Worked this week at the flower shop again, except for Wednesday and Saturday.  I'm still feeling under the weather due to this sinus infection and annoying cough that has gone into my chest!  I know that Debbie depends on me and I do my best, but when you are sick...it's pretty tough.  I know that I'm dragging.  Hopefully next week I'll have more energy.

Royal Wedding

Today I watched the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. William Arthur Phillip Louis and Catherine Elizabeth were married April 29, 2011 in Westminster Abby.  The wedding was beautiful.  The bride was stunning and the groom was very handsome. Hopefully this will be a fairytale wedding with a happy ending unlike Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

The newly married couple exiting Westminster Abby.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

 On the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

Easter Week

This week I've been working at my friends flower shop for the Easter holiday.  It hasn't been as busy as in years past, but that's okay because I haven't worked on a steady basis.

Thursday, April 21st I had a Scentsy Party at Courtney Packer Gibson's home.  It was nice to see Courtney and little Ryder along with her family and friends.  After working all day at the flower shop, I can tell you I was exhausted.  When I came home I flopped right into bed.  But the unusual thing was I was freezing and it was 75 degrees in the house.

The next day I went to work at the flower shop and started feeling poorly.  I started getting a fever and had to leave early.  When I came home I took my temperature (102 degrees) and started taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen and went directly bed.  I woke up Saturday with a 102 degree fever.  All day long  I laid on the couch.  I had no energy.  Finally about 8:30pm I went to urgent care.  Results: Sinus Infection.  After urgent care I went to Walgreen and waited a hour and a half to fill 4 (four) RX's.  I don't like being sick!

Easter Sunday, I went to church with Doug.  Even though I wasn't feeling 100%, Sister Friendly had to do sharing time in Primary. The Primary Children are such a delight and bring joy into my life.

Scentsy Donates More Than Half a Million to Breast Cancer Early Detection and Research Scentsy Sets Goal to Donate $1 Million to Breast Cancer Charities by 2013

I am so proud to be a part of this AMAZING company! As a breast cancer survivor, it's so important to know that we have companies like Scentsy willing to help find a cure for this disease.  Thank you Scentsy! 

Happy Anniversary

Today, April 12, 2011, would have been my parents 54th wedding anniversary.  Kennon Duane Laird married Ramona Marie Blevins on this day in 1957.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

"Swashbuckler"

Busy Month

I'm still finalizing some of my father's affairs.

Dad's headstone arrived and is now in it's proper place.  It's beautiful and I know he would be happy with the selection that all of us kids made.

I'm ready to get his 2010 taxes to the CPA and have that taken care of.  Roger and I went to the DMV to transfer the title of the 1956 Ford Truck.  

It will take some time for everything to be finished regarding my dad's affairs.  But all in all, it has run pretty smoothly.

March was super busy for me and Scentsy.  My sales were good, over $2000 which means I'll have a nice commission.  Now that I've paid off all my credit cards, I can purchase something that I've wanted for a long time and I can pay cash for it!  That's exciting.  I'm going to be working on my guest room in April and I'll be ordering a desk to put in there.  I need a place to sew and do crafts because our office is so full of my Scentsy business and Doug's business.  There's just not room for one more piece of furniture in that small room and besides, I'm worth it!

General Conference

Each Spring we are given the opportunity to listen to General Conference.  I feel like I really need it this year.  I've been struggling with the blues...I think for several reasons!  First, the passing of my father has affected me deeply.  I cherished the time with him, his jokes, his stories, his smile and that twinkle in his eyes.  I miss his fun, caring, gentle, and loving manner.  Second, I'm approaching my 5th anniversary mark of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  For some reason this has been on my mind continually.  It's almost consuming me and I need peace in my mind and heart.

Conference is the remedy.  It never fails that there are talks given especially to me.  I'm so grateful for a living Prophet and Apostles on the earth.  For their spiritual messages that touch my soul.  Does that mean I won't be anxious?  No!  However, it does put things into perspective and hopefully it will diminish my anxiety.

Team Meeting

For several weeks or even months, I had been preparing for my first team meeting in my home.  I was a nervous wreck to say the least.  What to talk about?  Who would come? Would I say the right things?  How receptive would my team be?  These were all the things running through my head.

It came to a point when I knew I had to just relax and let it be.  I collected goodies for those that would be attending and most importantly I was making name badges for them.  I had to start early on the name badges as they had to be approved through Scentsy's compliance department.  I thought it was be difficult, but it was rather simple.  The name badges turned out wonderful and I'm so thrilled that I decided to go purple instead of black.  They fit the Scentsy color scheme quite well...and the little crystals in the stars helped a lot.  It was a fun little project.

There was a good turn out with 17 team members in attendance.  I wanted other team members to participate and I asked Erica Powers a SuperStar Consultant on my team to present on how to create your own Scentsy Story.  She did FABULOUS and I am so proud of her.  I think it went quite well and it was good for the team to meet each other.

SuperStar Director Becca Levie and her daughter, Kallie Pettichord were supposed to attend, but due to unforeseen circumstances they were not able to make it.  I look forward to them one day coming to my home to meet with our team.  I know that I have an AMAZING team and I am so proud of them.  They are the BEST!

A Well Deserved Little Vacation

After all the events that have happened over these past several months, Doug and I (especially me) needed to get away.  And what better time than to go in the snow to stay and visit with Dan and Linda.  They make us feel so welcome and we appreciate their generosity and friendship.  Also, it's always fun to be with Sabrina and her family.  Vincent and Lily are growing so fast.  Time is slipping away and I don't want to miss too much of their young lives.

Well, it's that time of year again when we get the opportunity to go to the Ham Swap Meet in SLC.  It was fun and for me half the fun is setting up a Scentsy table.  I still get those funny looks...yet it's fun sharing Scentsy with all of these men.  And what even amazes me more is all the men that come over to buy something for their wife!  I LOVE SCENTSY!

While we were there it snowed and I just had to take some pictures.  It was so beautiful and quiet.  It felt like heaven on earth. These pictures were taken at Dan and Linda's farm in Cedar Valley Utah February 26, 2011.

34th Anniversary

34 years ago today, I married my sweetheart in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  It's hard to believe that 34 years has gone by so fast. I'm excited to see where the future takes us.  Life is an adventure, you never know what lies ahead of you.  

 DOUG, I LOVE YOU!

My Dad's Life Sketch

This is what I read at my Father's funeral, January 7, 2011

Kennon Duane Laird was born January 23, 1935 in Olton,  Texas to George Dubert Laird and Sabra Lois Williams.

Dad and his family lived in Texas until he reached the age of 7 years old.  His family moved to California and at that time his family consisted of his parents and younger brother Eldon.  My dad said, “We lived in Pomona long enough for me to fall from a walnut tree.  I fell on my head and almost killed myself.  Once again, I had done something Dad told me not to do, that was ‘don’t climb the trees’!”

April 12, 1942 my Dad and his family moved to Cypress, California.  He went to elementary school in Cypress and graduated Anaheim High School in 1953.  He was a football player, participated in 4H as well as Future Farmers of America.  He attended Cal Poly for 3 years until he met and married Ramona Marie Blevins.  They married April 12, 1957. They had three children: Karen Marie, LaDonna Jean and Roger Duane.

Dad and his young family lived in Cypress, Lawndale and later settled in Redondo Beach for approx. 14 years.  Many times missionaries came to our home.  My Dad’s grandmother, my great-grandmother, was a member of the Church, and my parents suspected that she had something to do with the missionaries coming.  However, my mother shooed the missionaries away on numerous occasions.  In October 1968 the missionaries came to our home and to my mother’s surprise or dismay…my dad invited the missionaries in.  Before the elders left, my parents invited them back.  When they left my mother asked, “Why did you let them in?”  My Dad said, “I don’t know…I just did.”  December 21, 1968 (2 months later) our family was baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Elder Bill Cook and Elder Lee England.  My brother was baptized years later by my father.  February 21, 1970 our family was sealed as an eternal family in the Los Angeles Temple. 

Our family absorbed the gospel and we grew as a family.  Dad especially loved working with the youth and in the Scouting program.  He loved camping with his family, scouts and his son.  I know Dad and Roger had fond memories of being together.  Dad was famous for making homemade ice cream and bringing it to church activities and later became known as Brother Ice Cream.   I remember my dad always being there for anyone who needed any type of help, especially anything that needed to be repaired.  Dad had a wealth of knowledge and if he didn’t know about it…he read and learned about it.  He enjoyed reading books about how to fix things, anything military and about trucks, especially the 1956 Ford Truck.

As a youth my Dad had many jobs, ranging from butchering and delivering chickens at Lucan’s poultry to throwing hundreds of pounds of watermelons into the back of a truck.  Dad worked for Standard Oil for many years, later he became a catering truck driver and a perfectionist as a handyman.  Dad was in the National Guard for 17 years and was a Master Sergeant.  When in the guard you are required to give 2 weeks for training.  At one of the guard camps he was cleaning his 45.  Unfortunately it wasn’t properly unloaded and went off and shot his left middle finger off.  It was reattached and the one thing Dad was proud of was that he had an asymmetrical peace sign.  His middle finger was the same length as his index finger.  He had fun showing it off.

Our family lived in Redondo Beach, California until the summer of 1976 when we moved to Mesa.  My father built his first home himself near Greenfield and Brown.  He was so proud of his accomplishments unfortunately he did not get to live there very long due to getting divorced, after almost 22 years of marriage.  I know from listening to my Dad that he loved my mother to the very end.  He never remarried, yes he had lady friends, but in my heart I know he loved my mother.  He even had her picture at his bedside.

In 1981, my Dad was not here in Arizona.  He was in Tennessee for about 10 years and we did not get the opportunity to see or visit with him.  During these 10 years he became a poet and artist.  Out in the foyer you will see a display of his artwork and a book of his collection of poems, quotes and stories.  On the inside of the program is one of his poems.

In the early 90’s he returned to California to care for his mother until her passing in 1996.  Later in the mid to late 90’s he began doing wood work.  He made LaDonna and I a rolled top jewelry box and I believe Alisa has one too.  He also made boxes that he pieced together.  He loved working with the wood and enjoyed giving them as gifts to family and friends.  I remember the last few boxes he gave away, one to his Cardiologist and another to his Family Practice Doctor.  It brought him joy giving these boxes away and there are some examples of his boxes on display as well.  During this time he also became involved in Kung Fu.  He loved going to Kung Fu and greeting the entire class by shaking their hands.  He had fun sparing with other students perfecting his moves.  Dad liked to show people how to get out of sticky situations by doing simple moves.  He had a lot of fun with his Kung Fu.  Dad was a 7^th degree black belt.  Today we were given a certificate from Master Larry, Dad is now a Kung Fu Master.

Dad was known for his stories and jokes.  One story he told often took place during the Watts riots in Southern California.  The National Guard was called into active duty and this was a very scary time.  On one patrol, he and his platoon were securing a neighborhood.  One of the guards saw something and my dad went to secure the area with the other guard.  Once the area was secured, my dad noticed that the platoon was nowhere to be found because he forgot to halt them.  So, he said to the other guard, “You go on the other side of the street to cover me and I’ll stay on this side to cover you.”  The guard responded and said, “Hey Sarge, spread out and look like a platoon.” 

When Dad smiled his eyes twinkled and his face lit up.  You could see pure joy in his face.  My Dad was a happy man with a positive disposition.  He was also a very sensitive man.  If he heard a sad story or a story about love, he would tear up and cry. 

In March 2005, my sister, Ladonna and I moved Dad back to Mesa.  During these 5 1/2 plus years each of us children have been given the opportunity to be with our father.  I can tell you that my Dad was a social butterfly, he never met a stranger.  He was kind, friendly, sensitive and loved going out to lunch.  His favorite restaurant is Garcia’s over here on Gilbert and University.  When he was able to, he would ride his scooter to Garcia’s and eat by himself or he would go out with someone, either me, LaDonna, Roger or one his friends.  Going to lunch was the highlight of his day.  I think one reason he enjoyed it so much was that he was able to do his random act of kindness.  He would look around the restaurant or ask us to look for someone that we could buy their meal (for the entire table).  He would give Juana, his favorite server, a card that read, “You have just been treated to a random act of kindness.  Your meal has been paid for. Your only obligation is to give the server a generous tip.  Have a nice day.  A Friend”.  Dad would pay the bill and wait to see the people’s reaction.  As his eyesight deteriorated he would ask us to tell him what the reactions were.  He loved doing this.  It was his way of giving back.  When family and friends came to visit, he would ask if they’ve ever had fried ice cream and if they hadn’t he would introduce it to them when he took them to Garcia’s.  I want to thank Garcia’s for all the candy mints that Dad put into his pockets!  He was known to give out mints during church to his friends and tossing them across the aisle to families in the ward.  So a big thank you to Garcia’s for funding his mint habit!  And about 2 weeks before his passing he said to me, “I want to go to Garcia’s”. 

These past few months were difficult yet Dad stayed positive, you never saw him get down in the dumps.  He loved his caregivers and they loved him.  They would tell me, “He’s a sweet man” or one would say to him, “Hey, Karate kid how are you doing today?”  He loved the visits from family and friends.  I know it made his days go better and it boosted him up. 

Over these past few months Dad and I had a little competition going.  I would say, “I love you” and he would say, “I love you more”.  And each time I came he would say, “I love you more” or “I love you more, more, more” before I could say, “I love you”.  So finally one day I said, “Dad, I love you more than the stars in the sky!”  He said, “Wow, that’s a lot of stars” and started to cry.

My dad loved his family, his Ward family, his Kung Fu family and his friends.  He loved the gospel and was striving to do what is right. 

Kennon Duane Larid passed away Dec 31, 2010 and is survived by his children: Karen Pelley, LaDonna Magnusson and Roger Laird; his 7 grandchildren; Justin Magnusson, 
Landon Magnusson, Alisa Magnusson, Heidi Magnusson, Danelle Laird, Darian Laird and Derek Laird; and his 2 great-grandchildren; Zachary Magnusson and Aurelie Magnusson.

In Honor of My Dad

This year, 2010 has been a rough one for my dad.  Over these past several months, my dad has had some medical problems.  In and out of the hospital was almost a monthly occurrence.  It's been difficult to see him losing his eyesight, not being able to stand or walk more than a couple of steps.  It was especially difficult when I left to go to my Scentsy convention at the end of July.  I worried about him and his physical well-being.

When I returned from Denver, dad became less ambulatory, getting him into the car was a challenge.  On one of our many doctor visits my brother and I could not get him into the car.  This was the beginning of him slipping away from us.  Once we got him home with the help of medial transportation, we were not home more than 30 minutes when he began to complain about the severe pain he was in.  I called 911 and had him taken to the hospital.  He was in Banner Baywood hospital for a week before it was discovered that his problems were neurological and this required him needing a neurosurgeon.  Dad was transported to Banner Desert to have back surgery.

After the surgery his pain was more manageable, but he could not stand for more than 10 to 15 seconds.  As a result he could not come home and had to go into rehabilitation.  During his rehab he did not improve and we had to make other arrangements.  My sister, LaDonna, and I went to several facilities to find one that was acceptable to us and had the best care for dad.  It was a tough decision, however we did find the best and the staff amazing.

Dad moved into Emerald Groves October 16, 2010.  Even though he could not stand or even sit in a chair for any length of time...he was a happy man.  He really did not complain, and for that I am truly grateful!  One thing I did promise my dad, and that was that I would see him every day.  I did my best and I can honestly say that when I could not be there he understood.  I believe I only missed 7 visits in his 2 1/2 month stay at Emerald Groves.

The last week of his life is a sweet and dear memory for me.  As I write this, I hope those who read understand the love and care that was shared during these last few days.

• Monday, Dec 26th - Dad had not been eating well so I bought a Subway sub and he ate 1/4  of it.  We had a nice visit.  Dad was concerned about LaDonna and her family as they were traveling to France for a vacation.  There was a major blizzard on the east coast and dad was concerned for their safety.  To reassure him, I asked him if he would like to call LaDonna and he said yes.  I dialed the phone knowing that she may not answer due to her traveling, but it made dad feel good knowing he was calling to check on her.
• Tuesday, Dec 27th - Came to visit dad for lunch and I brought him a Jr Whopper.  I was amazed that he ate most of it.  We had a very nice visit...I said, "Dad, I love you!" and he said, "I love you more!"
• Wednesday, Dec 28th - Received a phone call from hospice and was told that dad was actively passing away.  I picked up Roger to go visit with dad.  He asked if his eyesight would get better and I sadly had to tell him no.  After a little bit I told him that I would see him tomorrow.   He said, "Tomorrow?"  I said, "Do you want me to come back later today?" "Yes", he said.  So Roger and I left for a bit, knowing that time was passing.  We went and had a lunch together.  I asked Roger if he would go with me to Bunkers Funeral Home to begin funeral arrangements.  After making the necessary arrangements, Roger and I returned to see dad.  
• Thursday, Dec 29th - Came to visit dad about 4pm.  I went to his ear, as I always did, and said, "Dad, I'm here. I love you!"  He said, "I love you more!"  I sat down in the chair next to him and after about 20 minutes he said, "I don't want to get on the train!"  I got up and went to his ear and said, "You don't want to get on the train?"  He said, "No".  I asked him, "Why?"  He said, "I don't want to."  Again I sat down letting him rest and about 5:30pm I went to his ear and said, "Dad I have to go now."  He said, "When can I go?" I said, "Dad, you can go any time you want to go!"
• Friday, Dec 30 - I received phone call from hospice about 15 minutes past midnight.  Dad was non responsive.  I immediately went to Emerald Groves.  I went to dad's ear and said, "Dad I'm here, I love you."  The CNA said, "Karen, he said I love you more."  I could not hear it, but she saw his mouth move.  I hugged and kissed him and told him it was ok to go and be with Great, his mother, his father and his brothers.  And with all the energy he had he said, "I don't want to!"  My father LOVED life.  He did not want to leave us and his friends. I stayed with dad all night and left at 10:30am.  I knew it was time.  I left and went to buy his burial clothes.  I went home, had lunch, and rested.  I returned about 4pm and I went to his ear and said, "Dad I'm here. I love you."  There was no response.  At about 4:50pm I went into dad's walk-in closet to call Roger.  I did not want any chatter in dad's room, because I know the last sense you lose is your hearing.  And even though he was hard of hearing, I didn't want any thing to disrupt the peacefulness of that room.  After about 15 minutes I existed the closet to find that my dad had passed away.  

My Dad: Kennon Laird

Born: January 23, 1935

Died: December 31, 2010

Dad, I love you more!