Becky’s Bites of Life- End of Summer

Summer isn’t quite over but it feels like it! It’s time for another Becky’s Bites of Life post! Today I am sharing about life lately, which includes some very sad news and what your favorite recipes have been this summer.

Hey friends! I hope you all doing well and had a fun summer. I feel like once my kids are back in school summer is over and the next month is a slow transition to fall. I wanted to post another Becky’s Bites of Life because life has been so crazy and sad this last month and I just can’t get into sharing recipes quite yet. I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings first.

We are grateful that overall we had a great summer! Our favorite was in early June spending a week near St. George, Utah with almost all my siblings (there’s 8 of us!) and extended family. We rented 4 townhouses that had a pool in the back and other fun things. It was so much fun!

There were a few hard things that hit at once, nothing too crazy but sickness, a broken collar bone (my poor daughter!), and other things. But the saddest of all is that two weeks ago my dear dad passed away.

It was such a shock. I was in the mountains with zero reception at a camping/reunion with my in-laws and a huge miracle was that I got literally 1 text that day, after dinner. There were no texts coming through all day. I got a text from my brother that said please update me on my father’s health. I knew something was so wrong and immediately took off to drive until I got reception. (Such a painful 10 minutes.) Part of that miracle is I hurried back to get my family and on the drive home my sister called who was with my dad (they were on vacation) and I got to say goodbye while he was still alive (they were able to get a heartbeat again). If it wasn’t for that 1 miracle text coming through I wouldn’t have had that chance.

Long story short, my dad was on vacation in Hawaii and died instantly from a heart attack. We are beyond sad but so grateful he got to fulfill his lifelong dream of going to Hawaii and passed away at the bay he wanted to go to so bad. It was also their very last stop of the trip. I already miss him so much. I will refer to him as “is” not “was” because I KNOW he still lives. His spirit lives on. My dad is such a kind, humble, and selfless man. He is sensitive and sweet. He passed his love of food on to me. I am grateful I got to spend so much time with him. We traveled together to some fun places like Europe and Alaska. I am grateful I saw him so much the past few months and we have so many memories together.

I am grateful my sisters and I were able to help my mom with the funeral. I feel like we were blessed to do all we did during such a trying time. Despite our deep sorrow, we were lifted up by the pure love and peace of Christ. We felt everyone’s prayers and have no doubt that my dad is truly happy and at peace now as we know his spirit lives on. Death is not the end.  My dad is with his loved ones, including his sweet mom who passed away when he was only 11. I am grateful to know these things are true.

Memorial Table

I thought I would share the memorial table I put together. I couldn’t find many ideas online. I kept it simple. Plenty of pictures, a comforting quote, a beautiful painting of a mountain, and “The Light Remains” frame. As well as a few memorabilia from his life. It was perfect.  (The first 2 linked items are from my new neighbor and friend, she was so kind to gift those to me, as well as a beautiful sign that says, “Families are Forever.”

I’ve been lucky that this is my first time going through such hard grief. I’ve learned the best thing you can do for a loved one experiencing grief is anything at all. No matter how big or small reaching out to them helps them know they are loved and gives them comfort. Some ideas are just a text letting them know you are thinking about them, a hug, card, dinner, talking together, flowers, a baked good, and really anything. Just be there for them.

I didn’t mean to write up so much about it but it is therapeutic for me so thank you for letting me. My family and I are heartbroken but so grateful we know we will see my dad again.

Goodbyes are not forever,

goodbyes are not the end,

they simply mean

I’ll miss you

until we meet again.

 

Here are your FAVORITE SUMMER RECIPES FROM MY BLOG THIS SUMMER!

3 Sweet & 3 Savory Recipes…

3 Favorite Sweet Recipes

Chocolate Protein Energy Bites

Healthy Juice Pulp Muffins

Five-Cup Fruit Salad

3 Favorite Savory Recipes

Supreme Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad

Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Skillet

I have a delicious dessert recipe coming up soon on my blog! I’m looking forward to sharing Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas recipes as well in the coming months. I am also planning on focusing more on quick and easy dinner recipes as well as simple and tasty recipes, which will always include a little dessert here and there!

Thanks for reading my blog. I am so grateful for you all! 

Stay tuned for more easy and delicious recipes!

-Becky