Personal Journal
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March 7, 2008 Mathew J. Stucki Page 1
How can I capture the events of the last several weeks? I can barely think about it without a flood of emotion. The Lord has been very good to us. We have been showered with numerous blessings. But we have also faced challenges I have dreaded my whole life.
A week ago tomorrow we buried my father in a cemetery in Springville, Utah. As I look back over the events of the last two weeks, it’s nothing short of a world-wind of activities and events that strain the best of us. I look back now with wonder, admiration and respect for a man I was privileged to call father.
Dad was always there. Though he faced challenges and hardships of his own, he was always available to lift and help those around him. He was my support system. I could always go to Dad with any concerns I had, and he could help me resolve them. That’s the kind of relationship I have always had with Dad from a very small age, I have gone to him for strength wisdom, and acceptance. He shared joys with me when I had small triumphs. But to him, they were never inconsequential. They were important to him because they were important to me. He understood my pain. He had compassion for my difficulties. When I lost a job or faced a challenge, Dad was always there to bear me up. Truly, he was a living angel in our midst. With him at my side, I was confident and at peace. I always felt like I was his most precious child. But the great thing about Dad was that we all felt that way. He treated each of us like we were his favorite, because all of us were, and he took opportunity to express his love often. Sometimes when we needed a sounding board, he would just listen. I want to be like him for my children.
I had the chance to give back in a small way during the last few months. It was a pleasure to do so, and I treasure every moment I was with him and Mother. They will always be cherished memories of being with Dad during his final days on earth. The hope I have in Jesus Christ sustains me through the challenges that I face. His strength gives me courage and confidence, and peace in the midst of storm. I am grateful for the hope that I have in Christ. I know I will see my father again, and with joy we will once again we will rejoice in the gift of the Father through His Son.
He loved the song You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban. Tears would run down his cheeks as he listened to it. I knew he was thinking about Christ and the relationship he felt with Him. When I first heard the sentiments of this song, I thought of Dad. Even today, feelings for Dad reverberate through my memory as I hear the words of this beautiful song. In fact, I was first exposed to it in a program at Legacy where Emily and her classmates performed the song. It so touched me then that I found the lyrics and wished for the music. Later, when Camilla, Steven, and I were in New York, I saw Josh Groban’s cd at the (music store). I purchased it then, and later shared it with Dad because I knew he would like it just as I did. He was so touched by the music and the lyrics that I gave it to him. I found great joy sharing songs that lifted and edified with him. I learned of another song that brought him great joy when I was completing his and Mom’s histories on the Internet in 2005. This was before Camilla had left to go to Alaska and I wanted the children to have access to Mom and Dad’s words all the time. They were living in Castle Valley at the time. I asked them to provide me a favorite song or two for the web page. Dad’s was How Great Thou Art, and Mom’s choice was I Often Go Walking. Mom also said Bette Midler’s The Wind Beneath My Wings was a favorite of Dad’s. So I put these all on their personal history website. Dad selected these choice songs for his funeral. They are evidence of his love and adoration for the Lord Jesus Christ. His service was organized according to his wishes centering around the divinity of Jesus Christ and His perfect plan for all men.
of
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March 7, 2008 Mathew J. Stucki Page 1
How can I capture the events of the last several weeks? I can barely think about it without a flood of emotion. The Lord has been very good to us. We have been showered with numerous blessings. But we have also faced challenges I have dreaded my whole life.
A week ago tomorrow we buried my father in a cemetery in Springville, Utah. As I look back over the events of the last two weeks, it’s nothing short of a world-wind of activities and events that strain the best of us. I look back now with wonder, admiration and respect for a man I was privileged to call father.
Dad was always there. Though he faced challenges and hardships of his own, he was always available to lift and help those around him. He was my support system. I could always go to Dad with any concerns I had, and he could help me resolve them. That’s the kind of relationship I have always had with Dad from a very small age, I have gone to him for strength wisdom, and acceptance. He shared joys with me when I had small triumphs. But to him, they were never inconsequential. They were important to him because they were important to me. He understood my pain. He had compassion for my difficulties. When I lost a job or faced a challenge, Dad was always there to bear me up. Truly, he was a living angel in our midst. With him at my side, I was confident and at peace. I always felt like I was his most precious child. But the great thing about Dad was that we all felt that way. He treated each of us like we were his favorite, because all of us were, and he took opportunity to express his love often. Sometimes when we needed a sounding board, he would just listen. I want to be like him for my children.
I had the chance to give back in a small way during the last few months. It was a pleasure to do so, and I treasure every moment I was with him and Mother. They will always be cherished memories of being with Dad during his final days on earth. The hope I have in Jesus Christ sustains me through the challenges that I face. His strength gives me courage and confidence, and peace in the midst of storm. I am grateful for the hope that I have in Christ. I know I will see my father again, and with joy we will once again we will rejoice in the gift of the Father through His Son.
He loved the song You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban. Tears would run down his cheeks as he listened to it. I knew he was thinking about Christ and the relationship he felt with Him. When I first heard the sentiments of this song, I thought of Dad. Even today, feelings for Dad reverberate through my memory as I hear the words of this beautiful song. In fact, I was first exposed to it in a program at Legacy where Emily and her classmates performed the song. It so touched me then that I found the lyrics and wished for the music. Later, when Camilla, Steven, and I were in New York, I saw Josh Groban’s cd at the (music store). I purchased it then, and later shared it with Dad because I knew he would like it just as I did. He was so touched by the music and the lyrics that I gave it to him. I found great joy sharing songs that lifted and edified with him. I learned of another song that brought him great joy when I was completing his and Mom’s histories on the Internet in 2005. This was before Camilla had left to go to Alaska and I wanted the children to have access to Mom and Dad’s words all the time. They were living in Castle Valley at the time. I asked them to provide me a favorite song or two for the web page. Dad’s was How Great Thou Art, and Mom’s choice was I Often Go Walking. Mom also said Bette Midler’s The Wind Beneath My Wings was a favorite of Dad’s. So I put these all on their personal history website. Dad selected these choice songs for his funeral. They are evidence of his love and adoration for the Lord Jesus Christ. His service was organized according to his wishes centering around the divinity of Jesus Christ and His perfect plan for all men.
