September Stuff

On September 15th, something tragic happened in our community, to our ward family at church.  Rod Dial, a man whom we've known for 8 years, died in a kayak accident.  He was 50, father to 6 children, 4 of whom I have taught in some capacity at church, currently his 14 year old son Joseph is in my sunday school class.  He taught our Sunday school class a few years ago and would bring his guitar to share spiritual thoughts.  I looked to him as a man who loved life and loved his family.  His kids, adult kids, adored him.  I've seen recent pictures of him twirling those adult girls, or in a bear hug with them.  3 years ago, I took their family pictures in front of their red barn, but we haven't been in the same ward the past few years as it got split, but the past 6 months, we have been again. I am writing this 3 months later, and I still tear up at the thought he is gone.  A good, good man, the tragedy struck too close to home. He was out in the family kayak, as they do many times, going down the Brushy Creek.  It had recently rained a lot, and the waters were high...thats how they liked it.  He was out with his 17 year old daughter.  I've heard that he told her to jump out as they approached a bridge he could tell would be more dangerous.  She jumped out, just as they were capsizing.  Long story short, he hit his head and went down stream face down.  No one wanted to believe it could happen to him, an adventurous spirit, always doing crazy things. 

When the phone tree started going around, we didn't know yet that he had died, just that he was missing. Immediately, I thought to call Kelsey.  He as like a father to her, as I found out later...he was to many youth.  She joined the church in high school, and they took her in when her family was un supportive. She didn't go to church a lot during college, but a year ago, turned her life around and headed out to Provo.  I called her, and she hasn't heard yet.  She was hysterical.  I wished I didn't have to be the one to tell her.  She was then with Kyria...Rod's daughter.  I heard them cry together on the other end of the line.

Kelsey flew down the next day with her boyfriend, Steve.  They stayed her the next few days and because of them, I was able to be a part of conversations that I might not have otherwise been.  The mood around the Dial home was definitely sad, but lifted up--carried. I knew it was the thousands of prayers poured out on their behalf.  Even now, our children pray that the Dial's will be comforted.

I could never begin recount the stories I heard of him.  THey had a bonfire for people to share stories, and I was in awe of all he did for so many people.  My love for him as a person, as an example, deepened. His newly married son wept at the funeral in front of a filled to capacity church and hundreds watching online.  He wept that his children will never know him...it made me weep as well.  My boys came with Michael and I, Rod's youngest son, Luke, is in Tyler's class at church.  I wanted them to be a part of the whole experience, they both cried as well, but I knew they could feel the overpowering spirit of love, and that was important to me for them to experience that.

In the evening, after the funeral, I was asked by some ladies at church to help put together a scrapbook for the family.  About 15 of our had their stash of family photos throughout the years and arranged them as we talked and told stories about him.  I then went to the home with all of the family and friends that came in from out of town (Laura Kandare, Michelle Cook, Marianne Lloyd) and felt a part of their intimate circle, as Kelsey included me. 

I don't like the pain that accompanies loss.  It hurts, and this person was not someone I was super close to, but his influence and kindness and smile were felt by so many.   Through it all, I know our Father in Heaven has a plan for us.  I know that his family WILL be comforted, and Jennifer (his wife)  made me feel like I helped in the smallest of ways as she gushed over some brownie bites I made for her and her family.  I have been so impressed with her and how she has conducted herself.  She has not tried to hide her grief, but been open about it (she told me she threw up for 30 hours straight after he died and then first wanted powdered donuts).  I don't like it one bit, but I know this family will be blessed. 

Here are pictures of Kelsey and I and Kelsey and Steve.

she loves Cali and thinks her name should be Cali Faith... and calls her that.
I just love this girl, and having her stay with us for a few days was so wonderful.  She inspires me with HER faith, and I am blessed that I was able to be her YW leader 5 years ago, and we've been able to stay close these few years.  She calls me often from in Utah, and I love that she wants to tell me her highs and lows and I have the opportunity to share with her my perspective being just a few years ahead of her in the game. 

This event impacted me so much, I don't look forward to growing old and seeing even more.  I know I will see it. RodDial.com is a site they have set up for the family.