Twenty Eleven

It was fun to get together at the Ottley Reunion this year. We missed a lot of family members, but had a real good turn-out planned by Sandra--she's a sly one and knows how to delegate! We met at the park, visited at the park, ate at the park, played at the park, raffled at the park, missed dad at the park, loved having mom at the park, then visited the Homestead where we took pictures of all those that we could herd onto mom's front porch! Here's the results! What cute little families you all have!

I didn't realize how old everyone thought I was until they showed up to a semi-surprise birthday gathering to "pay their respects"! Before this, I was just a regular guy, and now they have immortalized me; they greeted me kindly, fed me, sang to me, fed me, prepared a DVD of my life, fed me some more, lingered and played, then sent me home with more food.

My dear, thoughtful, beautiful sweetheart, and my talented, fun-loving, darling children plotted and planned and invited -- it was a special night, and I was very much pleased to receive their gift of love. Thanks to everyone who took the time to prepare, attend and share in an evening of fun, food and family! Here's a few photos (click to enlarge) and videos for you to enjoy, but you would need to be in my shoes to feel the joy.

Bill in uniform -- about 1945

Hey dad, Happy Birthday! We'd be having a party about now, if you could have waited a bit longer to leave. You know, like the party we had last year at our house--here's a photo of you smiling as you left our place, after telling family of your love. You said that a lot during the last two months of your life. "I love my family", you'd say; we knew you wanted us to know that, and it sure helped us during that difficult time.


We've been trying to keep mom smiling also, and show her our love. We know you were concerned about her when you left. We worry about her, but as you know she is strong and knows how to pray for help. We have visited her often and called her to find out how she's doing--sometimes we feel like we're a little too "bossy" for her, but we think she really likes it--we sure do love her, and will continue to help her all we can!

A lot has happened since you passed through the veil that separates our existence during "this life", from the experience you are now having. Based on the life you lived while here, we believe you are in a place called Paradise, where happiness abounds, and you are at rest from all care and sorrow. Sounds nice! We knew a lot about your cares and sorrows during the last months of your life while your spirit and body were united, and we all felt so bad for you. We know you are doing well! Have you seen Jeremy yet? Who greeted you when you're spirit departed this mortal world? Have you received any assignments yet?

One special thing that happened after you left, was the baptism of one of your great grandson's. Here's a photo of Jordan and his mom after the baptismal service. Baptism always makes us happy--see Jordan's smile! I remember when you baptized me in West Jordan; cousin Jerry's father had passed away, so you baptized him and me on that day. You and mom became more active in the Church during the time we lived in West Jordan, and it was a new experience for us to attend meetings as a family. Thanks!


About a month after you passed on, another perplexing event occurred in our family. A little angel, another of your great grandchildren, who was given the name of Eden Anne, was stillborn. Juli and Arik held a graveside service, and dedicated the grave site--here's a photo of the little casket. There are many perplexing things that occur from pre-existence, through mortality and on into your new sphere. We're excited to gain more knowledge!

During your funeral, I introduce the concept that your castle, chariots, lands and possessions would take on a new look. Most of us visited the homestead during Memorial Day weekend and did a little rearranging--hope you approve! The cares and sorrows you left behind have now become the concerns of your dear companion, our mom, and we're helping her to rearrange some things. Here are a few photos that show the renovation project in full swing. We also visited the resting spot for your mortal body--a peaceful spot, in the little town that we all love! Don't know what happens on your birthday there, but the memory of you will pass through all of our minds on June 9th and forever until we meet again.