Our Winter

Weather has played quite the significant role during these past few months. City bus passes allowed me access to most of St. Louis, or at least the parts that their buses could reach. Other than that it was walking. Much like my time as a missionary, it was up and down hills and from bus stop to connecting bus stop no matter the conditions. Wether it was raining or freezing, It was my job to wake up early everyday and get to the hospital to be with Chanel by any means possible. I could not worry about how I felt, or how the weather affected me, but what I needed to accomplish each day. I did not realize how cold it was until I walked out to the car that Monday morning. It had rained overnight, but strangely enough mine was the only car wet. The sky was a mixture of white and grey, and the top of the Superstition Mountains were hiding under thick white clouds. It was a perfect day. The cool breeze was inviting and soothing to my heart. Although it was significantly colder here in Arizona than in Missouri, I would not trade it for the world. That was the morning of Isabella's funeral service, a day I will always remember. It was a celebration of her life, as our Bishop stated, no matter how short-lived. The details I can not forget, like the expressions on the faces of my close friends. I can relate the feelings I had while at the pulpit and watching the people listening to me. Despite the few times I took my eyes away from the eulogy I had written, I remember individual smiles sent my way. Today is the burial of our daughter Isabella. I hope to remember this day as much as the other significant dates associated with our daughter. Chanel picked me up from school, where I quickly changed into my sunday best before driving out to Mesa. Now, here we are at the Mesa Cemetery. Isabella will be laid to rest near her Grandfather Gerardo Flores and her Great Grandmother Elvira Flores. Elvira always wanted a baby girl but only bore sons. Before she died, she told Chanel that if she ever had a daughter that she was to name her Esmerelda, hence Isabella's middle name. Today's weather rivals that of Mondays. There is no breeze or clouds but the sun is shining bright. The faces are slightly different today, some relaxed and calm while others seem tense. The service is short, a dedication of the grave is made, and we all part ways. Such sweet and simple memories I can not forget.