The next week, we took Friday off (with our phones and computer) and went to Berea. It's an artist community with a small college. We were able to see a rug being made on a loom, blown glass, etc. and then we drove about 6 miles out of town to a potters. She makes and sells only usable things. We watched her throw some cups and a bowl. And of course, I had to buy some things. I got a "johnny cake" pan and a pitcher. I love pottery pieces.
We drove back to Danville to spend the night. We'd just gotten back to our room when the phone rang and it was Robyne. She was hysterically telling me that Jared was "gone" and I couldn't wrap my head around it. He had been riding their 4-wheeler around the irrigation ditch and had somehow lost control and ended upside down in the ditch, pinned under the ATV. It was comforting to learn that he did not drown and that he probably died instantly. He was wearing his helmet and there wasn't a blemish on him.
There are no words to describe the next week. The earliest I could get to Idaho was Sunday. Chris and Heidi picked me up at the SLC airport and drove me up to Robyne and Jon's where I stayed until Wednesday, after the funeral and meal. The sorrow and pain of these days were contrasted by the most loving and caring acts of service by the whole community. There was non-stop food and hugs and offers of extra beds for family. A motor home and 5th wheel were brought over for family to sleep in. There was so much food we didn't need to cook and there was enough left over for Jon and Robyne's family to freeze for later.
All of my children were there and Ron and Colleen, and as many of the cousins who could come. It was so good to be back among all of them but it was such a bittersweet reunion.
The funeral was beautiful. Jared looked so good and while it was heart-wrenching to see the pain in everyone's eyes, the service was wonderful. Chris gave the family prayer before the service. The songs were beautiful..."How Firm a Foundation" (one of Jared and Robyne's favorites), "How Great Thou Art" (sung by Alesia), a piano arrangement of "Army of Helaman", and "God Be With You Til We Meet Again." The speakers did such a great job of sharing Jared's life (his Uncle Lance) and giving comfort and encouragement to serve and live our lives more like Jared (the Bishop and Stake President). The prayers were by his two grandfathers, Ron giving the opening and Alan the closing. The dedication of the grave was by Jacob and he did such a wonderful job. It was just perfect! Jared was laid to rest next to Jon's sister, Dawn, who passed away at 16 yrs. of age.
I have learned many things in the past few weeks. I have learned that we can do hard things. I knew this before and have always told my children this, but witnessing it in such a raw setting...I really know! Things that we would never imagine doing, can be done!
I have learned that the phrase, "The Lord never gives you more than you can handle" is false. He does give us more than we can handle. There are certain things we cannot handle...alone. I believe He allows this so that we can learn to rely on Him and His grace. So that we can realize that we need Him in our lives in all things and at all times. So that our testimony of Him and His goodness can grow. I know that the Lord loves each of us more than we can fathom and I have felt His love and His hand in the details of my life.
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