Time for an update

Dear Family and Friends

I just wanted all of you to know that the kids and I are doing OK. As well as can be expected anyway. I am currently staying at my Dad's in St. George with my 3 youngest kids, Brandon, Jared and Breanna. We will be joined by my two oldest boys Derrick and Danny tomorrow and we will then be spending a week in sunny, warm Palm Springs, CA. It is a vacation that we had planned before Rick's illness and with a little deliberation on the day of Rick's passing, we decided to go ahead with the vacation as planned. The kids and I think that Rick would have wanted us to go.

FYI, my phone has been temporarily suspended, however I can receive calls and text messages but I can't call out or reply to text, so don't think I'm avoiding you if you don't hear from me for a while. I'll get it straightened out when I get back after Jan 12th.

My sister Teri had planned her wedding in Las Vegas for the same day as the funeral and unfortunately she ended up having to reschedule it so that she could be there for me. I want her to know how much I appreciate her unselfishness and the sacrifice she made for me in my time of need. I ended up going to her wedding and it was absolutely beautiful. Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Ray Howe. I also want to thank my sister Janet for coming to my side from Denver as soon as possible and supporting me during the most difficult days after Rick's passing. I love my sisters and my dad.

I also want to say thank you to all my friends who came by in the days following the funeral to give us comfort. Visiting and playing games seemed to help distract us just a little when we needed it most.

Thank you so very much to all the Officers from all over the state of Utah who showed so much respect and honor for Rick. Even though it was the saddest day we will ever know, it truly was an overwhelming, amazing and inspirational day and I do feel that Rick was there in spirit and that he was at peace and felt the love overflowing throughout the day and I'm sure it was exactly what he would have wanted. Thanks again and again Brian.

And of course, I really want to let every last person who attended Rick's funeral know just how much it meant to me and the kids that you were there. Even though I was "hiding" in my sorrow and I didn't really "see" most of you, in my heart I know that you were there. It was the saddest, worst day of our lives and yet we felt an overwhelming sense of love and support from everyone there.

And to my dearest Rick, I KNOW in my heart that you are in a better place and I WILL see you again. Until then my sweetie, wait for me and rest in peace baby.