Monday, January 5, 2009

A month ago today.........

I've been thinking about updating the blog for a while now, but have had a hard time gathering my thoughts on what I would like to write. These last few days and today seemed like an appropriate time, our anniversary being a year ago on the 3rd, and today being a month ago since she physically left us, but the thoughts still elude me.

Luckily I received a request from Susan's cousin Anna Mortensen to post a link to her blog. So now I have a good excuse to write something.

Anna will be running in her very first marathon on January 18, 2009, and has decided to run to raise money for Susan's foundation.

If you are interested in donating or supporting Anna please go to her blog for more information.

http://chaicity.blogspot.com/

Also, check back soon for "Justin" updates.

26 comments:

Ami Bethea said...

Hey Justin, glad to see you are hanging in there. You are still in our thoughts and prayers.

Kempe Naegle Nicoll said...

Justin, any post is great. January 3rd will always be the anniversary of the best decision you ever made.

Melanie said...

I am so glad to see you updated the blog, I have been thinking about you and your familes hopeing you are doing well. My family (Adams') and I are praying for you. I hope you have found peace and happiness. You are a great person and you deserve nothing less. Goodluck to you.

anna said...

Thank you Justin!

Mile #1 is all yours. Thanks for getting me started off on the right foot. I can think of no better way to start this race than with the sponsorship of Susan's favorite guy, it will help me keep the next 25.2 miles in perspective.

We're all behind you Justin! Thanks for continuing updates.
Anna

Ritchey Fam said...

Glad you posted, Justin. There's not a day that goes by that we don't think of you, Susan and the family. Thank you for being the best thing that ever happened to my dear friend. I will be eternally grateful for what you provided her. Love you.

Carl said...

Good to hear from ya, Justin. I still have some lift pictures to send your way...

thearringtonclan said...

Dear Justin
We want you to know that in a way you guys will always be a great part of our lives.. Thank you for updating us all and please keep doing so. We want to hear your news and how you are doing..It's not always about what we are doing day to day but the memories we continue to create! Take good care of yourself..Maxine and Mathew

Brandon and Erica said...

As it always goes....I found this blog through a friend of a friend :-), but was truly touched by your and Susan's story and recommended many of my friends to read through the entire "Lemonade Makers" blog. In 2007, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer...a month before I got married. My husband was the strong one...and never waivered in his love and support of me...even through my radiation. We know you were such a source of strength for Susan. We are inspired by your and Susan's love story and know that your story still goes on. Thank you for still updating your blog, and for sharing Susan with the world. You are in our prayers.

Kristin said...

Justin I was thinking of you and Susan on the 3rd. The only vivid image I have of you and Susan on that day is of you two in the temple. Brett and I ran into you and Susan sitting on a bench waiting to be sealed. You two looked so calm and happy. That image will be a lasting one in my mind forever. Hope you are doing well.

Pepper Lovin! said...

I am happy to see a post from you. I know that you are trying to get back to life as it is. I hope I get to read more from you!

Heidi said...

Thanks for the update Justin. We're still thinking of you and praying for you. We are amazed by your strength and example. Don't worry about being speechles. I think we all are still.
Love Always,
Heidi
ps- it was great to see/visit with you last night. :)

Adam and Jessica Cooley said...

It's hard to believe how quickly time passes. I've thought a lot about you this past month, and hope that your heart has been filled with peace. I can't help but wonder how much time has gone by for Susan and get a little excited when I think about what she's up to! I had Sharing time in Primary this last Sunday and we taught the Plan of Salvation. I couldn't help but think of Susan during the lesson and as the kids and I did an action for teaching as we discussed the Spirit World, I thought about all the things Susan is teaching to those who were not fortunate enough to receive the gospel in this life. I know she's working hard, but can only imagine her taking time to "peak" down at you here on earth, and her family, just to check on all of us and make sure we're doing okay. I'm sure she's there rooting us on, and wishing us well. As the weeks turn into months and the months into years your "advent calendar" will be opened with each new experience life brings and will count down the time until you will be reunited with Susan again. I just needed to get some thoughts out, and hope they made sense...We love and pray for you still and love to hear how you're doing!

Stacy said...

Hey Justin, we are glad to read the updates. We are always thinking about you. Come snowboarding with us (well actually with Brady, I am no good). Take care.

Your friends in Pinetop!
Brady and Stacy

Mike Steph Brooklyn and Carter said...

I am so glad that you updated, I too have been thinking of her b/c it was your anniversary and especially on the 5th since it was a month after her passing. Not a day has gone by that i haven't thought of her and the impact she left on my life. We still pray for you and the Mortensen's daily and hope you are feeling some comfort. The missionaries were over last night talking about Hollands conference talk of angels and all I could think of was Susan and how many people she is being an angel for right now. We will look forward to more updates on how you are doing and will continue to pray for you!

Andréa Morrow said...

hope you had a good vacation! we'll be home next week :) Chino and Uno miss you...and a little upset that you "dogged" them

Kelli said...

Justin, you are amazing! Thanks for your example. You are still in my thoughts and prayers!

Anonymous said...

We are glad to hear from you. I wish I could instantly grant you the gift of magically moving you forward a year or more in a single second. When I look back over the year - and I think how sad I am about Susan passing on - but I also realize how much she taught us all. The kids in my religion class got back together for the first time after the holidays last Wednesday and when it came time to pray around the circle and they each add who they want to pray for - every single one of them prayed for you and Susan's family. The prayers keep coming. May God bless you with happiness and peace.
Kathy Thomas

Kim Miller said...

Hello Justin,
I also am glad to see an update from you. You and Susan continue to inspire me through my battle. You are all still in my prayers. We will continue to check on you and see how you are doing. May God bless you with comfort and understanding through the years.
Kim Miller

Don Nicoll said...

I chanced upon your blog this morning which lead me to Anna's race. I like her quote about doing things today. I'll get more done today because of it.
Thanks for the suggestion to contribute to Susan's foundation.
I hope you're doing well.

thearringtonclan said...

Hi Justin
just saying hello and hope you are doing well.. We think of you daily.. Maxine and Mathew

Joan said...

I stumbled upon your blog through a friend who posted on her blog about Susan. I didn't know her of course...but from the pictures (even the ones taken during her sickness) she is a radiant woman filled with light and beauty. She is inspiring and lovely in every way. You are a faithful husband to have stood so valiantly by her side and taken care of her through the last months of her life.
Just wanted you to know you and your late wife are an inspiration to me.
All My Best to you, Justin.

The Alvords said...

Justin,
I stumbled on you and your beautiful late wife's blog by chance. I have read every post and have had tears streaming down my face for the past hour. What an amazing woman she was. I can only imagine the pain you have experienced in the past several months. Please know that yours and Susan's stories have touched the lives of many, some whom you have never met. Thank you for sharing it with us. What an example of faith the two of you have been. I hope you feel the love of Heavenly Father, your family, and Susan in this time of need. Prayers around the world are with you and remember that families are forever.

May God's love comfort you,
Courtney

Unknown said...

It's so good to hear from you, Justin. My family and I were praying for you, especially during the holiday season. I know Susan must be looking down on you from Heaven and comforting you in whatever ways she can. Hang in there.

- Marissa Weeman

Leann said...

I just wanted to say...
I knew Susan at the UofA. I was 1st Counselor in the Relief Society presidency and her visting teacher for a few months. We didn't get too much time to know each other as she was very busy with her college academics and athletics. But the one thing I always remembered about her, was how impressed I was that she was so fully immersed in her sports, working and spending time with people that were not of her same standards, and yet how amazingly strong and unshakable she was when faced with those challenges. She always had a smile and always made others feel good. Many times I felt like I was getting visit taught, not the other way around. My heart and prayers go out to you and her loved ones.

Anonymous said...

Hey Justin, You are still constantly in my prayers. If you maybe don't know, I have been doing something every week to honor Susan. We give away her cookie orders every week. Everyone is always touched by her story. If you want to know more details about the people we give her cookies away to and are experiences in giving away her cookies, you can check out my blog. There would be something about her cookies every saturday. Here is the link: tessaslovinlife.blogspot.com. or in the blogger search bar just put: <3inlife Thanks! You are always in my prayers

thearringtonclan said...

Hello Justin
Just checking in to see how you are doing? We think of you often and know you continue to be in our Prayers....
Maxine and Mathew