First, I want to share this photo of our dear friends, Kevin and Jenn Freestone. Kevin suddenly was given 5 years to live because they found a massive brain tumor. After surgery, chemo, radiation, and all the other attempts to save his live, he lived 6 & 1/2 years with his brain cancer. Their youngest was 1 year old when Kevin was diagnosed. Kevin passed away, at home, December 19, 2024. This feels like last week even through it has almost been a month. 

Jenn is a powerhouse! We went to brunch in September. At this point, Kevin's cancer really took effect with his speech and body functions. He couldn't remember simple words but thought he was saying correct sentences. He couldn't button his shirt. Jenn really had to step in! 

The idea that Randy Pausch said, "Don't pity me." and something about him not being morose enough, this is what life is all about!!!  Jenn has shared that she feels like she has "done it". She talks about the fact that she has been through things that 80 year old wives go through. They've "done it" together!  She was completely at peace!

Shortly after our brunch, I was in a class at BYUI where we had to do create and execute an event. This began my task of doing what I know how to do, that is throw a party!!!  I hired (without pay) my children and husband!  We threw a fundraiser party for the ages!  My husband smoked up massive amounts of meat, made sides, we got drinks and opened up our backyard gates and let the party happen! I knew I wouldn't be able to count people because I'd be running here and there getting things done. I know that I bought a 200+ plate bag from Costco and that was used and we had to get in our pantry to get more plates!  People SHOWED UP!!

I don't think it's a childhood dream of mine but it has become something I've developed and it's the talent of bringing people together! I have parties at my home ranging from 10-40 people at least 3 times a month!  When football season makes it's appearance, this becomes a weekly, no matter what! I have learned that this isn't normal and that it is a talent. 

Bringing Kevin and Randy's stories together, achieving goals and breaking through brick walls is a matter of taking steps. Some leaps but mostly small steps of growth. I don't pity Randy or his family. I see Randy's strength in his journey. 

Karma will come to me. I know that when we had the fundraiser for Kevin, we had neighbors that didn't know him but knew my husbands meat smoking abilities, we had past ward members, Kevins family and friends and ward members, we had a few strangers that saw our signage, we had random facebook friends, we had people from my husband's banking life, everyone came out for whatever reason. We had 3 hours of SO MUCH FUN! Bringing everyone together to rally for a good person and a great family!

Randy and, in my personal life, Kevin are forever an inspiration. Randy was 46, Kevin was 39. In that short time, the lives touched will forever be an example of me on how to see someone's true self. Kindness, love, God shines through!