SodySpokes

Alex’s Funeral Address
July 15, 2008
Written and delivered by Olivia Soderborg

As I was looking around and noticing all of the people dressed in orange yesterday and today, I am reminded of a letter I received from Alex last Christmas while I was on my mission. He said, “Besides baptisms, retention, and money what do you want for Christmas? Remember if it’s clothes we’ll need sizes for tops and bottoms. Now don’t get weird, I can pick out good lookin’ stuff. I just don’t choose to.” I’m sure if Alex could have chosen something to wear to for this occasion, it would have been something orange.

PEACE
When I found out about Alex’s death I had feelings similar to those described in this passage from first Kings when the Lord speaks to Elijah on Mt. Horeb:
“And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire: but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” (1 Kings 19:11-12)
When I heard about Alex’s motorcycle accident, I felt like a great wind had rent my mountains and that there was an earthquake and fire that threatened to consume me…and after all that, as we opened the scriptures and knelt in family prayer, I felt the still, small voice of peace that comes straight from God, who promised:
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18)
Our loving Heavenly Father has not left me or my family comfortless. (Read the article)

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Hey Dad, I just wanted to share this with you.

It’s so true, parents make everything better!

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Sacrament Meeting Talk - Dec 23, 2007

We know that when God answers our prayers he often uses other people to help Him answer them. And he sometimes uses us to answer the prayers of others.
I wonder, in the answering of our prayers, if he ever utilizes the input of our loved ones from the other side.
You see, I figure that Bro Goode was either inspired…by my dad, or he had a stupor of thought, but just wouldn’t give it up…when he asked me to speak…Let me explain. (Read the article)

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This is written for anyone who is really interested. I had minor surgery on Friday, November 30, 2007. I had Dad take me to the Granger Medical Urgent Care, Friday morning around 10. There had been a “growth” building up and it was very painful on Thursday, even though I went through with my scheduled plans. Friday morning I had Dad & Alex give me a blessing, then Dad took me to work. I called him when it got so bad I couldn’t stand it, and asked for him to take me to GMUC. We got there at 10:25am and about an hour later we went into an exam room. Doctor Devenport came in and asked questions and said it was a typical complaint. I had a cloged duct to a gland. There was nothing I could do to prevent it, there is nothing I can do to prevent it happening in the future. But, to solve the current problem, there was surgery. He cut into the gland and drained it and put something in to help with the drainage, ordered antibotics and said I was done. So I said, “Life as usual?” and he said, “Yes, in about three weeks.” I guess that is how long it takes to fully drain & heal.

Should you be interested in more details - please call and talk to me personally.

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“The Ecstasy of the Agony: How to Be Single and Sane at the Same Time,”

Anne G. Osborn, Ensign, Mar. 1977, 47-49

It seems that one of the unintentionally best-kept secrets in the Church is that a multitude of unique blessings and special opportunities are available to single members.

As a young child, I remember the delicious agony of waiting through a seemingly interminable night for the magic dawn of Christmas morning. In my eager anticipation of the wondrous surprises awaiting us under the Yule tree, I forgot the important events that long night celebrated.

Likewise, in our anxiety to marry, we can easily neglect the many unique opportunities to prepare ourselves, not only for marriage, but for eternal exaltation.
(Read the article)

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