I have felt for a while now that I’ve needed to wrap up this blog. First and most important I want to thank those of you that cheered us on through Cliff’s seven and a half year cancer journey. Your love and support carried us through some of our darkest days. Our family wore blue bracelets that read, “No one fights alone” and we didn’t.
Cliff lived his life to the fullest while fighting cancer. Unfortunately, in March of 2023 Cliff was diagnosed with fungal pneumonia. The survival rate for an immuno-compromised person is not good. True to form Cliff set out to prove the doctors and statistics wrong. As hard as he tried, things took a turn in late April and Cliff ended up in the hospital. He continued to fight and was stable enough to come home where, after a few days, he passed peacefully and returned to his heavenly home - surrounded I’m sure by so many who love him. I personally have never seen anyone fight so hard to not only beat cancer but to live. I am and will forever be grateful to have walked by his side during the good and bad.
Many of you have asked me how I am doing. That is a question I ask myself often. When my father passed away at the age of 48, I use to think I knew how others felt when they lost a loved one. I was wrong. I believe each persons grief differs greatly and we will more than likely never know exactly what they are going through. With that being said, I am slowly finding my way. I have the most amazing children that have helped me figure out finances, computer problems, car issues and so much more. I am so grateful for each of them as I know they are dealing with their own grief.
Today marks one year without Cliff, my sweetheart, my kids dad, my grandkids papa, son, brother, and friend. I’d like to end this blog with a beautiful piece that my children wrote a few months after Cliff passed.
Our mom and dad shared a classic, storybook romance. Both from Bountiful, their love story began in High School where our dad asked our mom on a date to Junior Prom and, as they say, the rest is history. They married in the Jordan River Temple and strapped into the roller coaster of life, hand-in-hand. Through peaks and valleys, twists and turns, loops and climbs, they embraced the imperfections of building a life together, raising three children, loving each other, and making memories along the way.
The two encountered a big bump in the road when, at 54-years old, dad was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. Cancer re-arranges your life in ways that you don’t ask for. It takes time but, in some ways, it also gives time, and it didn’t take long for our parents to understand the miracle of time together. In the midst of never-ending treatments and surgeries, they lived. They savored the beauty of the mountains, they took the trips that had been put off, they played and laughed with their grandchildren, and hugged their friends and family a little harder. They more clearly saw the miracles that were in front of them.
Shortly before dad’s passing, he told our mom that he would send her butterflies so she would know when he was near. Wherever you are in life’s roller coaster – whether you’re working your way up a steep climb, relishing in a thrilling descent, or approaching a challenging obstacle, please take the invitation to consider the many miracles in your life whenever you see a butterfly.
I hope each of you will take a minute today and reflect on the good things that make your life amazing. Cliff, you will be in our hearts today and forever. I love you! 
