Our dear friend, brother, son, husband and father died this morning from complications of cancer in his home in Farmington, Utah. We are very sad and empty but all of us feel an undeniable peace and happiness in Clint's behalf. We are so thankful to our merciful Heavenly Father for allowing us all the time with Clint in Disneyland for one very happy, memorable, last hurrah!
During our trip together, Clint was happy, laughing, and very able to get around without a lot of complaint. Being in the happiest place on earth, it was very easy for us to forget about the looming circumstance and just enjoy and celebrate Clint and life. We had all experienced some incredible feelings and had witnessed some incredible things on our trip and when we all arrived home, we all knew without a shadow of a doubt that Clint would live. What we didn't consider is that life is not exclusive to our sojourn here on earth. We believe we existed before we were born and our lives continue past the grave. Our feelings and faith that Clint would live still remain true because we know he lives! He is finally free from this debilitating disease and he will be present with us during the continuation of our missions here in this world. The next time we go to Disneyland together, Clint WILL be there and he will be laughing and having a great time with us.
Yesterday Todd and I received the grave news of Clint that he was having some serious complications with cancer. His frail, cancer stricken body was shutting down and his hospice caretakers had inserted an IV with a constant stream of pain killers so Clint would no longer hurt. The major downfall to this is that it literally put Clint in a coma and he was unresponsive. Todd and I immediately went up to Farmington to spend time with him and his family. When we arrived at his home, there was an incredible sense of reverence and peace. We climbed the stairs to his room and there lay our dear Clint in his bed. It was heartbreaking to see but even now, we both know that there was such a sense of sacredness for life and happiness. We spent the entire evening with Clint's body, his wife Kelly and many other loved ones. We were able to hold Clint's hand, tell him we loved him and thanked him for the opportunity to have been friends and to promise him that we would take good care of his wife and two beautiful daughters. We even spent time together as friends and family, reminiscing about Clint and laughing over our dear memories with him. It was so touching to watch as my husband, Kelly and cousins Matt and Jon, sat on the bed with Clint, stroked his arms and face and talked to him. I truly feel that is what Clint would have wanted us to do! It was very clear that Clint was with us in spirit and even though he could not speak to us, he heard all of us pour our hearts to him and honor him.
We all feel that we have seen many miracles come to pass. Clint did survive for a year and because of a merciful Heavenly Father, he continues to survive beyond the grave. We were able to go to Disneyland and enjoy Clint for just a little while longer and he was well enough to spend the time with us. What a wonderful gift and wonderful memories we both have given to Clint and he has given to us. We will forever remember our trip with happiness and laughter and I am so thankful that our dear God allowed that. I think ultimately the biggest miracle that has come of this experience is the incredible amount of love that was generated for Clint and for each other. This has reminded all of us that this life is about family, friends and loved ones and while we have them that we need to love and enjoy them. We need to love a little harder, fight a lot less, not judge as harshly, and create long lasting memories with those we love so dearly.
Clint is leaving behind an amazing legacy and we will make his memory live forever with his daughters and we will never forget him. We are not angry or upset, we truly, wholeheartedly feel peace and happiness for Clint and we KNOW this is God's will. We were given an incredible, merciful gift of being able to spend time with him in California and our God is merciful for taking him home as quickly as he has.
We love you Clint! We will never, ever forget you!
Dear Rachel and Todd, We are so so sorry to hear of Clint's passing. While we know that he is finally free from this earthly pain and that he will be waiting for you all on the other side, it doesn't stop the heart from hurting. It's amazing that you were all able to go and spend some time together as family at Disneyland and that you get to keep those special memories with you all forever. I know how much I personally have benefited from your friendship so I know just how lucky Clint and Kelly are to have you watching over them and their family during this difficult time. Your words were truly touching (I'm bawling my head off as I'm writing this) and it definitely reminds you of just how precious life is. We love you guys so much and are honored to know you.
ReplyDeleteRachel and Todd, my thoughts and prayers have been with you for the past several days. You are one strong girl. I have always admired that about you. I pray you will continue to feel peace and have an understanding of the Lord's will.
ReplyDelete*We were at Disneyland for the same time as you...I wish I would have seen you there!