Papa Matt

Monday, Oct 29th wasn't actually a normal Monday. We had gotten a slow start to the day. We had helped Daniel do some stuff outside and just come inside to lay Chauncey down for his morning nap. Daniel came in to get a drink of water and tell me he was headed out to look for a missing cow. It was 10:44, the phone rang. Caller ID said it was Melissa- who didn't usually call during the day because we are out and about- I will ever be grateful Daniel was here to take the phone call for himself and me not relaying it to him.

Papa Matt had passed away. While we know he is with Kari- we are still heart broken to not have either one of them with us still.

I was in the middle of laundry, I finished what I could, packed clothes, things for the boys to do during the 12 hr drive and took care of the animals. Called work people to tell them we'd be gone for at least a week. Arranged for the chickens, dogs and cows to be cared for and we left at 2 pm.

The drive actually went pretty well. The kids did great, considering they had just been to Missouri a couple days before. We made the decision to leave Cinch in Utah, so he didn't have to deal with the stress of planning. He had a great time.

We reached Twin Falls, ID 2:15 am. Good timing for the stops we had made. The siblings planned the funeral and pulled together so strong. Elder Bubba was strong as ever and didn't mention coming home early. We were able to talk to him 3 different times and he was on the phone for the funeral and dedicatory prayer.

Words still don't come easily to express the heartache and loss we feel. When I married into the Dalton family 6+ years ago, I would have never dreamed Kari and Matt would both be gone. But I am so happy to be part of such a strong family that loves each other with all their hearts.

The funeral was Friday. Saturday morning all of us siblings met at the Twin Falls temple. We were able to be there together in the celestial room and while it didn't take the hurt away- it was reassuring we would be with each other forever and Matt and Kari would be there too. Later that morning we moved Matt and Bubba's things from the farm in Hagerman to a storage unit in Twin. Then it was time to say our good byes. There is strengths in numbers... It was hard to leave the support system to return to Nebraska to mourn by ourselves.

Bubba on the phone, in Daniel's hand

Missing Bubba, Emma and Christian