December 2008
Jim, Judy, Amanda, Levin- Laie, Hawaii June 2007
Amanda Jean Wagner Gunter
July 1984 - September 2009
The past few days have been very sad for our family as we have lost our wonderful niece and cousin, Amanda. Amanda, who was expecting another baby, along with her husband and daughter were in a terrible car crash in South Carolina on Friday, Sept. 18th.
As I have pondered on what to write about Amanda, the poem "The Dash" by Linda Ellis, came to my mind. Although Amanda's life on this earth was short, she lived every moment to the fullest. She was loved and admired by many. She touched each heart that she knew. She was a perfect example of kindness and love. She truly lived her life with honor. She can be proud of how she lived.
Our hearts ache for Amanda's husband, Levin, and their daughter, Ansley. We pray that we can follow Amanda's great example. We are grateful for our knowledge of eternal life and that we will be with Amanda again. Until then, God be with you Amanda, until we meet again.
The Dash
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars....the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left.
(You could be at "dash midrange.")
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy's being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash?
They say BYU is the perfect place to find a mate. Marissa hasn't been there very long, so we had big doubts about this happening so quickly. Can you believe it??
Yep, we can't believe it either. Really, this is just Elder Barney-- Elder Kevin Wagner's first companion in Texas! He came home from his mission last week and Kevin begged Marissa to attend his homecoming. Ever the dutiful sister, Marissa did what Kevin had asked. Kevin had also asked her to take a picture. Of course Barney knew of Kevin's sense of humor-- so he suggested they take a fake engagement picture!! Pretty funny indeed.
