Utah trip Day 3 10/23/09

The morning started with my cousin's funeral. We had to get there early to practice the song that the cousins all sang together. While we were practicing, Grant showed up. Thanks, Scotty Freak, for picking him up from the airport! The kids were so excited to see him, as was I. Especially because we had 2 poopy diapers within 20 minutes of his arrival! I let him do the honors! Then we all joined together for a family prayer and closing of the casket. Then the funeral began. His sisters gave the eulogy, both parents spoke, and 2 of their bishops along with 3 beautiful musical numbers. It was an absolutely wonderful tribute to his life. He was such a great kid, and the common theme in everyone's talks was his ability to comfort everyone that came to visit and comfort him. He had a hard lot in life, but he never complained and understood Heavenly Father's plan. We all will miss Chad, and I can't imagine the heartache his family will feel with out him. However, Chad is happy, without pain, and with our Grandpa, and most importantly, with our Father in Heaven.

The family congregating outside, after the funeral.


I had to laugh at the Relief Society ladies standing behind the food, at ready to serve! Thanks ladies!

We had a lovely lunch and then grabbed as many cousins as we could to take a cousin picture. My grandma has a posterity of well over 100, and all but 13 of us were there. And yes, I know all of their names. I am very close to all of my family.


There's my grandma in the middle-red sweater, white hair


I love all my cousins. We miss you Chad

After the funeral, a lot of people left for Blanding for the burial. It is about a 5 hour drive, so we decided not to put the kids through that. Especially since my parents were planning on driving there, sleeping, and then heading straight back to Provo after the burial. Grant & I took the kids back to the hotel so he could take a nap and the kids could rest. Thanks to Royal for giving the girls a ride, since we didn't have enough room for the whole family in my little brother's Nissan Sentra. After a short nap (Grant fell asleep pretty quickly, he had to get up at 4am to catch his flight), my brother, Scot, helped transport us up to the Wilkinson Center where we met Dena and Becky and families for dinner. Scotty Freak picked Grant up from there and took him back to the airport. The kids and I stuck around with Dena while they bought their traditional BYU apparel. Since it was Gunnar's 3 month birthday, I had to take some pics .


Gunnar with cousin, Johnny.


What cuties! My parent's oldest and youngest grandchildren!

Scot then dropped us off at the Smith Field House where we met Katie and Kevin for the Girl's Volleyball game. Kevin's sister plays for the team. She did really well, although we lost the match.

Abby was having a blast!


Troy sat so well most of the game. He just loves anything that has to do with balls. We sat in the second row, so we were really close to the action! Thanks, Carpenters, for the great tickets! After the game, Katie and Kevin helped chauffeur the kids back to the hotel.

Here's Chad's Obituary:

Chad Pinkston

1/26/90 – 10/18/09.

Chad Pinkston, 19, passed away quietly early Sunday morning, at home with his family, after courageously battling cancer for three years.

Chad graduated in 2008 from Pleasant Grove High School. He excelled in academics, played the cello, and was in A Cappella Choir. He was honored by Utah Valley Magazine in 2008 as one of the “14 High School Students Who Could Change the World.” He had a quick wit and a sharp intellect. He was accepted to BYU and received a scholarship from both BYU and the American Cancer Society. Chad was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, and he was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved learning and was a voracious reader. He enjoyed Church history, camping, hiking, snowboarding, and spending time in the mountains. Chad showed us how to live; it was a privilege having him in our home. More than anything else, Chad loved being with his family and once said his favorite sound was the laughter at family gatherings. Chad was a wonderful young man.

When Chad was 16, he was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. Chad was optimistic, faithful, and fearless in his battle. We thank Dr. Richard Lemons and the nursing staff at Primary Children’s Medical Center, as well as at Critical Care and Community Nursing Services. He could not have received better care.

We are grateful that he is now with his grandpa, Grant A. Bayles. He is survived by his parents, David and Katherine Pinkston; brothers and sisters, Sydney, Allyson, Kyle, Scott, and Brigham; grandparents, Alan and Patricia Pinkston and Helen Bayles; and wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services: Friday, October 23, 2009, 11:00 a.m., Manila Stake Center, 980 East 850 North, American Fork (next to Mt. Timpanogos Temple). Viewings: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 6 – 8 p.m., Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, and at the church on Friday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Blanding City Cemetery.

Rather than flowers, please consider donating to the Missionary Fund of the LDS Church. Chad always wanted to serve a mission. Thank you for your prayers and concerns in Chad’s behalf. Each and every prayer has been answered.