Sad news

Last Thursday we received the sad news that Kristi's 17-year-old nephew, Ryan, had passed away. He had been working in a field and was heading home on a 4-wheeler when he crossed an intersection and was hit by a car. He died shortly after he got to the hospital. The doctor said that he just had too many injuries. They couldn't fix them all at once.

We went to Rupert on Sunday evening, and attended Ryan's viewing. On Monday we went to the funeral. It really was a beautiful service. There were several non-members and less active members there, and we think that Ryan's missionary service was already beginning. The spirit was so strong. We also learned a few things about Ryan. When he was born, he apparently delivered himself while the doctor wasn't looking. The doctor had his back turned and when he turned around, Ryan was just laying there on the bed. Something else that we think is amazing for anyone, but especially for a teenager, he read the Bible from cover to cover. Not once, but twice. He also has read the Book of Mormon twice a year for the past three years. Ryan loved to write. He spent the last three years writing and rewriting a book. He was almost finished when he died. His best friend will finish it, then it will be published.

Ryan has four brothers, one of which (Kalen) is serving a mission in Argentina right now. Please keep Kalen, his parents, and the rest of the family in your prayers. They seem to be doing very well, but it can't be easy.

This has been a reminder to us of how precious life is and how blessed we are to have the knowledge of the gospel that we do.