Monday, June 22, 2009

Father's Day with Paul




Father's Day with Paul:

Tammy (married to Bo) made a wonderful Pork Roast meal and we joined Paul in his bedroom (he spends 95% of his time in bed) for a nice Sunday Father's Day dinner.

Paul then needed a nap.
A few hours later we had a special family FHE (family home evening).

The program was the following:


Grandkids and adults FHE.

We gathered everyone together, including all the grandchildren, which we sat down in front of Paul. Shakey offered an opening prayer and then we all sang "I am a Child of God." Paul then addressed the grandchildren and explained a little bit about his condition. Then we went to each grandchild and asked them questions about their summer as well as their feelings about Papa (their name for Paul). It was so tender to listen to their answers, even amoung the loud noise that accompanies small children. The kids parents also gave some updates for the "too young" to understand what's going on. It was a priceless moment.


Family picture.

We then took on the mighty task of getting everyone together for a family photo. Josh was the photographer and had a nice set-up right outside the house. We put Paul and Barbara in the middle, and then had all the families emminate from their position. After taking MANY photos (as you can imagine, the really young ones didn't really cooperate), finally ONE shot came out almost perfect. Posted with this update.


Adult FHE.

This was one of the most tender and emotional moments of our lives. Jesse, Josh, and Tammy (Bo's wife) sang "Families are Forever." Paul addressed us and shared his thoughts and testimony. He talked about how grateful he was for his wife, and his children. He shared his testimony of the gospel. The room filled with the spirit and love of Christ. After Paul, Barbara shared her thoughts, feelings, and testimony. As always, her message centered around love and being there for each other. It was powerful. Following Barbara, each child (including spouses) shared their thoughts about the family and their testimony of the gospel. Oh, it was such a tender time to be together and feel the strong love we have for each other. Our parents have always taught us to stay close and to love each other..and althogh we aren't perfect, we have tried to remain in each others lives. There was a box of Kleenex that went around the room as we shared our feelings, and boy did it get used. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

The kids talked about how much we love our parents and how they had taught us the eternal principles of the gospel. We talked about how we always stick together in hard times and that this was the hardest of them all. Someone talked about how lucky we were to not just receive a call with Paul already gone, but that we got to gather and share this time together. One kid talked about how that scripture in 1 Nephi was so fitting, "Being born of goodly parents." Very true in our case. Some shared stories of Paul and his influence in their lives. Again, a powerful and tender moment that will be cherished for eternity.


Then we closed with a prayer by Barbara.
After all that, Paul was happy, and exhasted. So back to bed he went for rest.

Paul's condition update:

Father's Day Paul had the most energy and strength he has had in weeks...must have been the love and the spirit present that day. He looks good.

Hospice service has now started and we love our nurse. Her name is Judy and she is doing everything she can to make Paul comfortable as he prepares.

Paul's sisters (Janet, Nancy, and Marsha) are coming to visit today (Monday) and we are looking forward to seeing them. I will post of picture of their visit tonight. Again, thanks for all your love and concern.

-Bingham Kids

3 comments:

  1. Crying over here. God bless you all - how very, very beautiful your day went. I have so many precious, fun, happy memories of days and times with your family between Huntington Beach, Hurricane and P.G. When I listen to the Eagles play, I always imagine offroding with Barb and Paul in that (all gone)black SUV - good thing all of it is forever. Love you guys sooooo much!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Here is a nice comment from Tom Valerega (our Uncle):

    The blog site pictures said a 1000 words. Lots of tears here.

    Please post the following to the comments section of the site as I am unable to.

    When I was 13 years old, I went to a high school football game between Carlmont and Sequoia. Championship game, biggest sporting event of the year. Barb had just started dating Paul although I hadn't met him yet. I'll always remember, I was at the concession stand getting a coke when Paul broke "the long one" for the winning touchdown. I will never forget the screaming fans and the announcer saying his name several times over the loudspeaker. Not too important in the big scheme of things but to a 13 year old, it established an admiration that I will never lose.

    Love, Tom&Linda

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am so happy I got to meet this amazing man and father of our two half brothers who We love so much. What an awesome family. We are so sorry for this devistating news but are extremely glad that you have the power of the atonement to lean on. You are in our prayers and we wish you peace and comfort in this time of trial in your life. Your strength and spirituality is an inspiration to us. Love, Jason and britney coy

    ReplyDelete