Dad's Funeral

The photos in this video are from Dad's funeral, the graveside service and the luncheon afterward. All the pictures were taken by our dear friend, Sara Boulter. The audio was taken from an interview I had with Dad in November of 2010, just a few days after the doctors told us he only had weeks left. He was feeling very tired and weak and it was hard for him to speak which is why his voice is so soft. The music is a song called, "When I Die" that I wrote and recorded several years ago. It is one of the songs I sang at his funeral service.

The funeral was beautiful and such a tribute to an incredible husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend and soldier. I am so proud to be his daughter and a member of this amazing Rose family. When I receive a copy of the audio from the service I will post copies of the wonderful talks and tributes that were given.

I miss my sweet daddy every single day. But I do know that he is watching over us as a guardian angel and making preparations to be with us again one day. Thank you all for your messages, phone calls, emails, flowers, acts of service and kindness.

Awake and Amazing

Dad has been sleeping a lot lately. But when he is awake he is either making us laugh with his witty one-liners, getting to know his new little dog, enjoying hugs and kisses from his kids and grandkids or even watching some TV.

Earlier this week, Dad woke up wanting to get out of bed. When I saw him trying to get up I asked where he was going. "To go downstairs and watch the news," he answered. I explained to him that he wasn't strong enough to walk and I didn't want to risk him falling. It breaks my heart to have to tell him he can't do something.

At this point, I am certain that if my dad really wants to do something, like walk, he will be able to do it. He has shown such determination and drive that I know I'll always think of him whenever I have to find courage or strength from within myself.

I hope his fight has encouraged you in the same way. Whether you're struggling to do one more rep in your workout and can't seem to find the strength, or whether you feel like hope is lost and you don't think you can go on; I hope you'll think of my dad's example and find that somehow you CAN.

Here he is sitting up on his bed. He doesn't have much physical strength to be able to do this, but with his mental strength and determination, he somehow finds the way. The man is amazing! And such an inspiration.

"Yes Drill Sergeant!"

Dad's Utah Marine Platoon reunion is today. Dad wishes he could go. He went about seven years ago and loved seeing the faces of the men he knew all those years ago.

Yesterday Dad's drill sergeant, Bill Robinson, drove up from New Mexico for the reunion. He heard Dad was sick so he and his wife stopped by the house to see him.

It was such a treat for us to meet him also. He told us some fun stories and Dad was awake and alert so they had a good visit.

He asked if there were a message Dad would like to send to the rest of the Platoon at the reunion. Dad told him to tell them that he loves them.

After we got Dad all settled into his new room upstairs, and after all the visitors left, he slept all day and all night but is awake now and eating lunch.

It's so nice for him to have the sun shining through the window and Mom has been busy organizing the new room, gardening in the front yard and keeping April's house clean.

Spread Sunshine all over the Place . . .

Sunday's trip to church took everything out of Dad. He slept all day yesterday. But this morning he was awake and alert again. Our cousin Samantha came over to say good-bye before returning to St. George and she told Dad she hated to see him like this.

He replied, "I know, but they say I have a good face!"

He has been in some pain today and feeling quite a bit nauseated; but he never complains. He fights through the pain and apologizes through the nausea. He always finds a way to make us laugh and never misses an opportunity to smile even if he's too tired to open his eyes.

"Gray skies are gonna clear up - put on a happy face/ Brush off the clouds and cheer up - put on a happy face/ Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy it's not your style/ You'll look so good that you'll be glad you decided to smile . . .Just put on a happy face!"

There is no such thing as an ex-marine

Let me echo and recognize what my sisters have said. It is amazing how Mary Kay, dad's nurse from the HCI has gone above and beyond her call of duty to help him and the family over the last day. We are indebted to her for the great service she has rendered our family. I think she and so many others have been incredible in the service and care you have given to dad and all the rest of us while he has been sick. I dont think it is coincidence that someone like dad or mom attract such great people to help them.

The last few days have been scary, and being far away is getting harder. I am counting the days until I move home and hoping that dad can hang on.

We talk about dad's service as a marine a lot because that is where he solidified his ability to fight. Dad made our household a marine household, he held true the motto and the commitment of his brotherhood. Semper Fi is his motto, Honor Courage, and Commitment are his virtues, and he has always personified the tradition of "first to help and first to fight"
As a family it has taken a lifetime for us to learn what dad learned in those short years as a marine. Two years ago the report was released in the final investigation of the attack on the american embassy during the tet offensive. The following comes from the report given to the Faculty of the US Army Command. It describes dads unit as follows:

The Marine Security Guard was a special individual. He was handpicked for the duty; which was, as it remains today, the most prestigious duty in the Marine Corps. The individual Marine was required to have a spotless background check and impeccable training record. Each man had to reach a high state of physical fitness and ―look like a Marine. Most Marines assigned to embassy duty were veritable ―talking recruiting posters.

The Attack on the American Embassy during Tet, 1968: Factors that Turned a Tactical Victory into a Political Defeat , O'brien

I read that to dad after the report came out. I was surprised by his reaction. He cried and looked at me and regarding his military service said, "I just wanted you to know that I was a good man." To me that seemed like an understatement.

Dad you are much more than a good man. You are the poster boy for good men. You have made it official again and again. You are not just A marine, you are THE marine.

May your guardian angels, both earthly and celestial continue to watch over you while you fight, and protect you and keep you, as you have protected and kept us.