Ohana

In June, Adam and I flew out to Southern California. Adam's Uncle Brett passed away after a 4.5 year battle with cancer. We feel especially close to Brett and his girls because we went to live with them for a month in 2008 after Brett's initial diagnosis. Emma was a baby, and Spencer was on the verge of his 3rd birthday. We have since solidified the bond between our two families with a little time at Disneyland on our part and an East Coast visit on the part of the Barnards. 

When we received news of Brett's passing, I had John wear the family shirt in Brett's honor. "Ohana means nobody gets left behind or forgotten."  

The weekend of Brett's funeral was an immense gathering of family. Brett is one amazing man. He sets a high standard in the categories of loving husband and father. Adam and I have learned so much from Brett and his wife Morena about what it means to have a partnership in marriage. I've also gained a whole new appreciation of what it means to "endure to the end." Below is a photo of (almost) all the Barnard cousins. While cousin Austin is missing from this photo, everyone did make it to California for the weekend to celebrate Brett.

 A little tender mercy here. After the funeral, we took a driving tour of Yucaipa to see where the Barnard clan had lived. We had a massive group standing outside this home, which used to belong to Adam's grandparents, when the owners came out, probably wondering who all the stalkers were. They invited us to walk through the house, which was pretty amazing. 

Here's the fireplace from the family room. There is a great photo of all the Barnard kids (Shauna, Valerie, Tammy, Brett, and Corey) in this very spot.  

It was a tender, beautiful weekend spent with wonderful family members. It's hard to write or record all of the emotions felt during that time, but I didn't want our family record to go without mention of a man who has meant so much in the life of my family. I find myself feeling ever more thankful for temples, where families can be sealed so that the bond which unites us lasts forever.