These two people here....Cannon Rigby Copeland, and Grandpa Ray Rigby are not only pretty exceptional, but also pretty special to our family.
Although Cannon was only three and a half years old when he was called home to his Heavenly Father, during his short life here on earth, he united and blessed our family in so many ways. Sweet little Cannon battled a chronic disease called Menkes, and faced trials and pains that many can not even begin to imagine. Every member of his family and extended family prayed daily for this little boy to not have to feel physical pain, but also to express gratitude for allowing Cannon to be part of our family. He fought and endured, but his frail little body gave up the fight on December 13th, 2013. Thinking back on the courage both Cannon and his amazing parents and older brother and sister had, makes it clear why so many friends and family were touched by this little boy.
Cannon's family was an incredible example of faith, hope, and unconditional love. Each member of their little family gave everything they had to make sure Cannon's life was happy and complete. There was no question this sweet little boy was loved. They are truly an inspiration to so many. What a blessing to know that families are forever, and we will all see little Cannon again.
What an incredible blessing it was to be able to attend Cannon's funeral, and be united with all his family who adored him. It had been years since we had all been together, and thanks to Cannon, we were able to be reunited.
The day after Cannon's funeral, another inspiring person united our family.....Grandpa Rigby. This reunion was a welcomed celebration for sure. It is always a wonderful time to sit and talk with Grandpa who has a huge amount of love for each of his family members. Although he is slowing down, he still amazes us with his memories of events in his life, but mostly how much he misses his sweet wife, Grandma Lola who passed away in May 2002. Grandpa's continual love for her is such an amazing example to each one of us. We miss her incredibly.
Grandpa Rigby's Annual Christmas Bingo party brought not only our immediate family together, but our entire extended Rigby family as well. Each year, this traditional Christmas party is one each family member looks forward to, and what a blessing that our 92 year old Grandpa is still healthy enough to celebrate with each one of us!
After a delicious meal, the BINGO begins. Each winning BINGO player enters the "prize room" where thanks to Grandpa's generosity, hundreds of gifts are available. The BINGO game continues until the prizes are claimed. It is a fabulous tradition, and one we hope to continue with Grandpa for years to come.
The Rigby Cousins.....Soooo many wonderful, beautiful women in one family!
Grandpa with four of his daughters, Beverly, Joyce, Laura, and Natalie
With a grateful heart, the day ended with a stroll in the most appropriate places to reflect the foundation of our happiness.....the Salt Lake Temple grounds. What a blessing to know that our families can be together forever, our relationships are eternal, and we can be reunited with those who have gone before us. For this, we are truly blessed!
So grateful for inspiring people in our family's lives who help us to strive to live better each day. Thank you for helping us to bring in the Christmas season with such happy hearts. We LOVE you Cannon boy and Grandpa Rigby!
1 comment:
You did such a great job in reminding us of two very special people in our lives at this Christmas time. As you said, little Cannon left such an impression on all of us that will forever be felt. He had such a pure spirit. And Grandpa Rigby has such a good heart. He loves his family so much and continues to want to keep everyone close through his yearly Christmas party. I have heard many of the grand kids say they can't wait for it again! The beauty of the Savior's birth and our celebration of it seems such an appropriate time for us to, also, remember those people in our lives who mean so much. You did a beautiful job on this blog reminding us of that!
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