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70 years

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Not quite four years ago we had a little boy and named him Daryl. He was named after Glen's uncle Derral that died in an accident when he was little. Same name different spelling.  Little did we know that the heavens probably had a lot to do with his arrival and naming. 
We knew that our Daryl was born on my dad's birthday. We didn't find out till months or years later that Daryl was born on what would have been his name sake's 70th birthday.
Mitchell and Glenda Bushman family 1943 taken from Aunt Patty's blog
Moving forward to August 2014, Uncle Boyd passed away and everything worked out for Glen and I to go with his parents and Aunt Patty and Uncle Fred to Show Low Arizona for the funeral services. Let me just say that I am sure the heavens had a roll in that as well.
Glen, Larry and I arrived earlier than Aunt Patty and Janene. To pass some time we drove around ShowLow. One of the first places we went to visit was the cemetery. Glen had never seen Grandma Glenda's grave, since she passed away while he was on his mission. Not far from her grave is Derral's grave. 
We knew the story of the accident that took Derral's life. We had never looked at the date it happened though. Three days before he turned four, that dreadful accident took place and his whole family's life was changed forever. Lots of things were put in perspective with this information. Our Daryl was nearing that day in his life. 
Today was that day. 70 years ago today that cute little blonde headed boy left his family on earth to wait for them in heaven.
                                
Glen and I feel closer to his grandparents and have tried to place ourselves in their position. Our Daryl and Ruth are the same ages as Derral and Janene minus one day, because I didn't let Ruth be born on Janene's birthday. We see how much Ruth adores her brother and tries to copy everything he does. 
Daryl is bursting with life, curious about everything, determined, energetic and passionate. He drives us nuts but makes us laugh. He makes sure life is never dull. We never know what he will say or do next.  To have all that and have it suddenly gone would be the ultimate nightmare. It brings Glen and I both to tears.
 History did not repeat itself. I am forever grateful that I got to put my blonde headed boy to bed tonight, to read him stories and kiss his warm forehead adieu till the morning. Forever grateful for Derral's life and story and forever grateful our Daryl has a different story to write for his life. 



Because it goes along with this and is such a good read here is Janene's blog post-Pete's War

Comments

Hugs, Mom said…
It's perspective like this that makes us aware that each day of each child's life is truly precious. I've been thinking of you and Glen ever since Boyd's funeral, when you pointed out the breath-taking closeness of the dates on Derral's grave with the age of your own delightful little boy. Thanks for sharing.
September 8, 2014 at 3:44 PM
kj said…
It brings me to tears too. What a sweet closeness. And heart-wrenching. I wonder if your Deryl will have unseen help protecting him throughout his life because of these non-coincidences. Naming is a powerful thing.
September 10, 2014 at 12:07 PM
HW said…
Oh wow. It's kind of heart-stopping to think about, isn't it? Blessings to you and your precious blond boy.
September 10, 2014 at 6:13 PM
Paige said…
Ah . . . gratitude. What a sweet post.
September 16, 2014 at 7:34 PM
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