My nephew Mark

My nephew Mark was an amazing person.

What an inspiring funeral.

Mark had a lot of love for everyone.

Mark Donald Parry passed away from the effects of cancer surrounded by his family on April 14, 2017.  Mark was born on September 26, 1983 in Fairfax, Virginia with Down Syndrome. His disability did not hinder his capacity to experience life to its fullest. He was raised by a village of selfless angels who gave him opportunities to develop talents and who bent over backwards to enrich his life. These efforts were so genuine that he never realized he had any disabilities.

Mark earned a black belt in karate. He was an Eagle Scout. Mark was active in Special Olympics, participating in track and field, bowling, and basketball.  He brought home gold and bronze medals from the Special Olympic World Games in Ireland in 2003.

Mark completed a service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Food Services Department of the Church Office Building.  He continued to work there after his mission for nine years.  He was an example and recipient of the love of Jesus Christ and frequently shared his testimony.

In Mark’s mind he was one step away from owning a large horse ranch, serving as a policeman and soldier, being a husband, father, whale trainer, Texas Ranger, and PBR champion. He loved everything western. On his commute to work, he could always be seen in his cowboy hat wearing headphones, singing along to his favorite country music in his own special tone. He had an infectious smile, boundless energy and child-like innocence.

Special Needs Mutual, Institute, and his Young Single Adult Ward provided social and spiritual experiences that Mark looked forward to every week.  He felt loved, accepted and important, and rarely missed.

Mark was the youngest of ten children and had a unique relationship with his parents, and each of his brothers and sisters.  Family activities and vacations were a highlight in his life.  He checked in with his brothers and sisters on a regular basis. He was also the “favorite best” uncle to 37 nieces and nephews and loved to spend time with them.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, Richard, his brother, Adam, and his grandparents. Mark is survived by his mother, Judy, and siblings Scott (Robyn), Kristin Gillette (Scott), Todd (Tracy), Melissa Chandler (James), Stacy Anderson (Dax), Kevin (Jenn), Brett (Katie), and John (Lindsey).  Although he will be greatly missed, we are excited for Mark as he can now pursue his dreams free from the limitations of his imperfect body.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the Alta View Stake Center, 1850 East 8600 South in Sandy, Utah.  A viewing will be held Friday evening, April 21st, from 6-8 p.m. and again one hour prior to the funeral at the same location.  As a tribute to Mark, feel free to wear a cowboy hat or western accessories to the viewing. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens following the funeral at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road in Sandy, Utah.

Life is full of challenges, and family together always seems to make it better.
My sisters are wonderful.

Easter

Easter Egg Hunt

We had a little neighborhood Easter Egg hunt.

It as amazing how fast kids can find all the eggs.

Gwen had her first Easter Egg Hunt clear across the country in Vermont.

Luckily we got darling pictures

Gwen's first Easter

Payden and Rye

The rest of us did not take an Easter pic.

We had a quiet Easter.  First time ever that we did not hide Easter baskets for the kids.

Of course Gwen got an Easter package and the other darlings Easter surprises.

Nice to ponder on the true meaning of Easter.

I love this video.

St George Weekend

Always fun to go to St George and spend the weekend with friends.

Mike even came with, which was a delight.

We played games, look at this handy card holder.

Perfect if your hands are smaller.

Of course we played Ranch Rummy...

and went to Bear Paw Cafe

I hear the Peanut Butter Waffle is divine.

We saw La La Land as the token chic flick.

We enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather.

A  nice break since there was snow at home.

A wonderful weekend.

General Conference

I love Conference Weekend!

It is inspiring and restful.

Riley and a gang of kids came for the weekend, that was not so restful.

I am grateful for a living Prophet and his message for us.

President Thomas S. Monson's message for us:

My dear brothers and sisters, I greet you most warmly as we are met again in a great general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

This morning I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives. The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon cannot be overstated.

We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true—and I solemnly testify that it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Because the Book of Mormon is true, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church on the earth, and the holy priesthood of God has been restored for the benefit and blessing of His children.

If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far. However, once obtained, a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through continued obedience to the commandments of God and through daily prayer and scripture study.

My dear associates in the work of the Lord, I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives. I so testify with all my heart in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/the-power-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng