I am often puzzled when people express gratitude for something bad that has happened to them or their loved ones. They might say something like, "I learned so much from [insert challenging experience here], and I am grateful it happened because I am a stronger person because of it." Well, I'm not grateful for Eli's …
Dear Eli, You'll be happy to know the house didn't burn down today. Ella was hanging out in your workshop, which, if you recall, gets its electricity via an outdoor rated extension cord running to an outlet on the outside of the house. She was cold, so she turned on a portable heater. She was …
Continue reading Miracles, Coincidences, and Other Disasters
Dear Eli, Happy birthday! We've decided to throw a birthday party in your honor on your birthday this Friday, May 13th. We know you wanted to throw a party for all the people who have supported you and our family throughout your cancer fight these last few years, in appreciation for everything they have done …
My obligatory selfie--I take one every time I visit Eli's grave. I walked with my friend to the cemetery today. We brought a hook to hang one of the Valentines that someone had left on Eli's grave. Adam and I had discovered it several days ago when we had driven by. On Valentine's Day, my …
Elaine here. I'm sorry for the abrupt ending to the last post. I wanted to post it before it ended up languishing in the drafts folder forever and hoped that putting it out there would help us make time to finish it. But, alas, we've been very busy. I wasn't sure what would become of …
Adam again. The night Eli graduated, we began sending notifications and making phone calls. We started with the medical people, so they could come and complete the formalities and paperwork. Then to our close friends who had already been helping us plan for this event, or had been directly helping us cope in various ways. …
We wanted to post more about our journey since Eli's graduation, but we first were busy with preparations, then with family and friends, then with napping. We have received so much support in our mourning and we have really delighted in visiting and reconnecting (and sometimes connecting for the first time) with so many people …
Adam posting again. Sorry for the late and short notice. We felt this was the best time with the holidays approaching. The viewing and funeral will be held at the Lehi West Stake Center (1920 N 500 W, Lehi, UT 84043). The viewing will be in the Young Women's room and the funeral in the …
Adam posting this evening. Elijah Thomas Augustine passed on this evening at about 9:16 PM. He was having trouble breathing and said that he wanted to die. His mother said, "Well you have been fighting for so long. Three years." Eli said, "We are champions." He then asked his mother if it was OK if …
Celebrating Christmas We got to celebrate Christmas early this year. Our dear neighbors decorated their homes with Christmas lights and decor early, just in time for Eli to do a little driving tour. This was likely his last outing. Labor Having given birth to nine children, I am well acquainted with the work it takes …
Eli The Boss 