Tribute to Two Special Guys

This last Friday was my dad's birthday... the big 50th! For his big day we had a big party with a bunch of friends and family. As a special gift for such a milestone I put together a movie. I recorded all his brothers and sisters (yes, all 10 of them) and his mom and dad, as well as his wife and kids (yea, all 5 of us) plus two of his grandsons. I put the recordings together with pictures and music. I must say it turned out better then I thought. It would have NEVER worked if I didn't have a husband with such a talent with computers. He didn't get ANY credit but he made it WORK because it almost didn't like a million times, I cried about 3 times, but he made it happen. So thanks to a sweet man who always makes my dreams come true! But I really would have never met my prince charming if it hadn't been for my dad and him being such a shinning example of what a MAN should be. Mark since the day he was born has had such character. He can make you laugh until you cry. My best memories are goofing off with my dad at home depot, yea dad, you remember singing into the sink faucet (prop used for a microphone) in the middle of the aisle! He is the best person to go to for advice. He has helped me through the hardest moments of my life. I think any one who knows him can't help but love him, with the exception of all our boyfriends (but who cared about them anyways!!!). It's hard to love someone who always just HAPPENS to be cleaning his shot gun whenever they come over. He has always made it known he would walk to the ends of the earth on glass for his family. He has always let us know of his love and devotion to us. So dad thanks for being our lovable, goofball, protective, and caring daddy-o!

Another person who shares a birthday with our dad is a very special little boy, Carson. I am one of the few proud aunts of Carson. His story is such a special one that I don't even know where to begin. Carson Luke Gillman was born on March 13, 2007 at 10:10 AM weighing 8 lbs. 15 oz. being born three weeks early. When my sister was 20 weeks pregnant they found out Carson had a heart defect, they wouldn't know for certain until he was born how bad his condition was. Once he was born the doctors decided that our little Carson needed a heart transplant but his body had been through too much and was too sick. Carson passed away On March 14, 2007 at 5:05 pm. Our Carson's life was short lived but it was in those moments I learned the most about the Gospel and the beauty of what we believe. Carson taught me so much about hope in times of dispare. He taught me about having faith in God's will not ours. He taught me about what real in this life and that the moments we have are precious. I hold my baby and really hold her. I look at her and imagine not have the privilege of watching her fall asleep or to hold her in my arms, because Carson taught me that little children are the most precious gifts and it's nothing short of a miracle when they are healthy. All of us who where apart of his life for the short time we were allowed have a story to tell. All of our stories end in hope and peace with a greater love for our Heavenly Father and for the people we have in our lives today. Carson was such a positive experience to all who knew him. I don't think anyone can relay his story better then his mom (lukeandjamie.blogspot.com), it's such a personal experience and she tells it best. We are all so grateful to have known such a amazing person as our Carson. I know my dad feels so honored to share a birthday with him. And I am honored to have him as a part of our lives.