Ode to Kelly

So many of my posts have been about my beloved friend and cousin, Clint, but I really need to write something about his amazing wife, Kelly. Kelly has been my favorite cousin for as long as I can remember. Growing up, she lived in California and I lived here in Utah. Every summer we'd get to see each other and I remember how excited I was when we reunited after a long year a part. She has always been someone I could be myself around and all my memories with her make me laugh and bring a smile to my face. When I was with Kelly I wished I could live close to her so that I would have a best friend by my side all the time. Imagine my delight when Kelly started dating my husbands best friend-CLINT! I was so excited that there would always be such a special connection between the four of us because of best friends and cousins. This past year, I have watched with awe and amazement as my sweet cousin stood by her husband as he courageously battled cancer and to me, she will always be a heroine and an inspiration in my life.

I am amazed by Kelly's strength, faith and love. Kelly is a warrior and is truly an elect and a choice daughter of our Heavenly Father. The Lord gives the strongest of His spirits some of the hardest trials and what has happened this past year and how she has handled everything speaks the truth of that fact. All of us have to go through afflictions in this life but Kelly's situation is one I don't think I could handle well. Never once during this past year has Kelly complained about being Clint's wife, care taker, bread winner, cheerleader, nurse, listening ear, accountant, maid, beautician and head of the household. She has had every reason to quit and fall apart but if anything, she has been strong and upbeat. I don't know how she has done it!

I believe with all my heart that Kelly is one of the biggest heroines I have ever met. She hasn't fallen apart, she fulfills many, many roles while still keeping her sanity, AND she has remained faithful. Kelly is incredible and she makes me want to be a better wife, friend, mother and daughter.

Kelly, I love you very, very much and I am amazed by your strength, faith and love. We are here for you and will help you and take good care of you and the girls. You will be blessed tremendously by the Lord and you are forever in our prayers.

I love you. Sistas forever!

Ready for a happy posting from me?

This will make some of you laugh. First of all, I have an obsession for all things related to the Muppets and Todd has an obsession for all things related to Star Wars. Imagine our delight when we were in Disneyland and we found this in a store by Space Mountain. We practially jumped with joy that finally some genius had combined the best of our two worlds into one work of art. Star Wars Muppets! Enough said...

Going back to private!

Hello All!
I am going to make my blog private again in a week. I opened up so family and friends could see what we were doing on our Disneyland trip with Clint. If you would like to continue reading our blog, please send me your email or contact me on facebook.

Thanks!

Link to Clint's Funeral Service

Click Here to link to an audio cast of Clint's Funeral Service.

Funeral for a friend

We said our farewells to our beloved friend on Friday, March 12th 2010. I have only been to a few funerals in my life but this was one of the best funerals I have ever attended. Despite the tragic circumstances, we felt an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness in Clint's behalf. The hardest part of this whole situation is the separation we are experiencing from Clint. We know he is better off where he is and he is happy but we still hurt tremendously and we miss our friend so very, very much.

The funeral started off with a family prayer and Clint's father, David Layton, offered one of the most beautiful, power, heart felt, and reverent prayers I have heard. After the prayer, we were all allowed to say one last goodbye to Clint's body. Having had cancer, I have to say, Clint looked pretty darn good. In his last days, he had a bump on his head from a shunt that was used to deliver medicine directly to his spinal cord and his skin was very shallow and you could tell he was very, very sick. I was surprised at how well he looked! The bump on his head was gone, the morticians had put some padding in his chest to make him look like he did before cancer invaded his body, and we could all see his freckles again. Those who wanted to, approached his coffin for a final farewell. When Todd and I decided to take a turn, Todd gave Clint a hug and kissed his face. I held Clint's hand and I told him that this was not goodbye but just "we will see you soon". I told him to come visit us from time to time and because we still want him a part of our lives and that we would take good care of Kelly, Callie, and Tessa. I told him I loved him and I can't wait for the day to see him again. After everyone had had a turn, it was then his sweet wife's turn to say goodbye. Okay....if you think having to see someone die is heartbreaking, just think what it would be like to watch a beloved sister, cousin, daughter and mother say her final goodbyes to her sweetheart. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. I feel for Kelly and I can't imagine the heartache she is dealing with right now. I pray that Clint and the Lord send Kelly and her girls strength and blessings.

After the family prayer and viewing, we were escorted into the chapel for the funeral service. Many of Clint's loved ones, including Todd, spoke of Clint and the memories, lessons learned, and influence he had on many lives. It was all very, very touching and I know Clint loved and appreciated every minute of the service. When the service was over, the pall bearers carried Clint's coffin to the hearse waiting outside where he was serenaded by a single bag pipe playing. We all followed the hearse to the Bountiful cemetary where Clint was laid to rest and the bag piper played, "Amazing Grace" and as he finished the song, he walked off into the distance. It was so beautiful and such an honorable and deserving funeral of someone who was so incredible in this life.

I know all is well with Clint but there is a tremendous void in our lives now that can't be filled. Sure, we know Clint is better off where he is, it was God's will, we know God lives and because of his Son, we WILL see Clint again but we miss his voice, his jokes and laughter, and his crazy dancing. I wonder how in the world people handle something like this without the hope of the atonement. If I couldn't see my loved ones after they passed away, I think I would be extremely depressed. This experience has made me all the more thankful for our Heavenly Father's plan and our Savior Jesus Christ. I hope to live my life worthily so I can see my beloved friend again. Until then, there is much work on this earth that needs to go forth and Todd and I have a new resolve to live better each day, love harder, fight less, understand the scriptures more, go to the temple more often and serve those around us. Clint was an incredible person and we know he is probably busy being an angel to those who suffered as he did or he is teaching those who did not have the Savior in their lives here on earth. We will go forth, with fond memories in our hearts and a never ending love for our brother, cousin, son, husband and friend and live our lives so that Clint would not be disappointed in us. Until then-We love you Clint and look forward to seeing you soon!

Clint Layton Obituary

CLINT LAYTON

Clint Edward Layton 1978 ~ 2010 On March 17, 2009 Clint was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Early Saturday morning, March 6, 2010, with his loving companion Kelly by his side, he returned to the presence of his Heavenly Father. Clint fought a courageous and strong battle against the cancer and remained spiritually strong and positive to the end. Born July 7, 1978 to David S. Layton and Kathy Layton. Clint grew up in Bountiful, Utah, graduating from Viewmont High School where he was active in football and soccer. He later returned to Viewmont to help his brother Casey coach the boys soccer team. He received a degree in Athletic Training from Weber State University after fulfilling an honorable mission to the Rapid City South Dakota Mission. He made many lasting friends among his brother missionaries. On December 29, 2001 he married the love of his life, Kelly Walton, in the Oakland California Temple. They have two beautiful girls, Callie Lizabeth (4) and Tessa Lee (1). His family was everything to him, and it showed in every aspect of his life. Clint had a magic about him that brought love and happiness to everyone he met. The miracle we were all praying for was realized by our family in that so many individuals lives have been touched by Clint's example of courage, faith and love. He has made us all better individuals. Clint is survived by his wife, Kelly; daughters, Callie and Tessa; parents, David and Kathy Layton; brothers, Chad (Wendee) and Casey (Torrie); President and Sister Charles Walton in the Porto Portugal Mission; Becky Hungerford (Ryan); Matt Walton (Danielle); Jon Walton; grandparents Ray and Ann Wood; nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; cousins; many life-long friends and "The Boys". The family wishes to thank the fourth floor staff at the Huntsman Cancer Center and the fifth floor BMT unit at the University of Utah, especially Dr. Paul Shami and Dr. Michael Boyer for their love and tender care. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Farmington Oakridge Stake Center, 1988 S. 350 E., Kaysville. Family and friends may call Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Online guest book and condolences at www.russonmortuary.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made at America First Credit Union to the "Clint Layton Charitable Foundation" for his two girls' college education.