STANDING ON THE SHORE

As I stand on the seashore and peer out into the beautiful ocean scene, I am struck with awe and anticipation as the most magnificent ship my eyes have ever seen, sails out into the distance. 

He is an object of beauty and magnificence, as I stand watching him sail away, until at last he fades on the great horizon and I whisper to the universe, “He’s gone.”

Gone! Gone where?  A voice from above whispers into my soul. 

“No longer here with me,” I say.

Gone from your sight – that is all. He is just as large in the masts, hull and spars as he ever was when you saw him and just as able to bear his load of living freight to the next destination. The diminished size and total loss of sight is in you, and not in him, for Tristin knows where he is going!

And just at that moment, as my words, “He’s gone” echoed in my head, I knew that as I was watching him leave, there were others who were watching him come and their voices took up a loud shout, “There he is! He’s coming! He’s back!  

We believe that the next time we see Tristin, his voice will be in the choir of angels to welcome us home.

"Today has been the hardest day of all the others combined.  Reality is too quiet and the pain is too loud; I have never felt so lonely in my life. I alway thought I was strong and that I could overcome anything, but I had yet to experience this degree of sorrow.  My sorrow for the passing of my sweet grandson, and my sorrow to see my son and family grieving with an unbearable pain.  My heart wants to surrender to peace, but my mind is hanging on to mortality as if it was the final resting place of hope."

"Tristin, I love and miss you. It's not easy without you here and if you would ask Heavenly Father to give us a little of that beautiful peace and serenity you took with you into the Heavens, the day you left, we would be grateful. We miss the wonderful countenance that you so generously graced our lives with... thinking of you daily and loving you again and again.  Forever,  Gram"  

        Tristin and his dad, Brian.

AN INSTRUMENT OF PEACE

    INSTRUMENT OF PEACE

Where there is hatred, let me bring love

Where there is doubt, let me bring faith

Where there is falsehood, let me bring truth

Where there is pain, I’ll comfort you

Where there is silence, let me sing praise

Where there's despair, let me bring hope

Where there is blindness, let me bring sight

Where there is darkness, let me bring light

And with these words I speak

Grant that I may not so seek

To be heard but to hear

To be consoled but to console,

Not to be seen, but to see

To be loved but to love

For when we give love we will receive

When we forgive love, we’ll find reprieve

It is in dying we’ll be released

Make me an instrument of peace

With sincere desire we thank all those who have come to our rescue these past few days. There are times in life when a tragedy strikes that tears a hole so deep and so wide in the lining of our soul, that it becomes difficult to stand without the support of others. May we continue to lean on your friendships, your love and your faith, until we can regain our strength... our days are long and our nights are short; we pray that the beautiful memories of Tristin will sustain us through the most difficult days that lay ahead.

Tristin created a world that was filled with love and energy. His kind and gentle spirit emulated a brilliant and dazzling light that can never be extinguished. Tristin had the ability to magnify the power of one through his love, his kindness and his actions. His goodness rolled over the lives of others, much like the waves of the oceans and we all found that we became better people to have been in his presence. 

Tristin was a light and energy that touched the lives of everyone. As a family, we have chosen to celebrate his life through the precious memories of a magnificent son, brother, and friend.

We celebrate his laughter, 

his gentle hands, 

his kind words, 

his funny sense of humor, 

his competitive spirit, 

his physical strengths, 

and his perfect ability to love others without boundaries.     

It was a privilege to be in Tristin's presence. He had a magnetic charm that made people feel as if they were the most valuable person that ever lived and his gift came from a special place of genuine and pure love.

I believe that his spirit is here today to witness the abundance of love that he created in all of our lives and I dedicate these words to him.

             Our Son 

Tristin was the bundle of joy 

That God sent to a family on Earth

And they cherished his bright countenance

From the moment of his birth.

That little boy with the loving arms 

Wrapped so tightly around his dad, 

Adores his older sisters

And the mother that he has.

But fifteen years is not enough 

For a life that had just begun

And our empty arms are longing for 

The boy we called our son.

Life goes on, some people say,

But our wounds are slow to mend

And the only peace that fills our souls  

Are in the prayers that others send.

Today our tears are shed 

For Brian and Heidi's only son

And we may never truly understand 

The reason this was done. 

But, in the quiet mortal hours 

Tristin's spirit will fill the air,

And he will whisper gentle words of love 

To let you know he's there.

And you will feel his very presence

Surrounding you each day,

For God will bless you with the knowledge

That your boy is not away.

Now, the journey may seem difficult

But trust the Master's plan,

Because God sent down a little boy 

But He will give you back a man.

When one light is removed from a space, all the others must shine even brighter to make up for its absence.  By Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.   

IN MEMORY OF A LOVING SON

My grandson, Tristin Davis Mease, died in the loving arms of his family on June 21, 2011. His wonderful countenance brought joy and laughter into the lives of all those who knew him. He is a brilliant light that can never be extinguished.  Tristin, the little and the big boy in you will alway live in our hearts and there will be tears of joy when we are together once again. Until then, listen carefully throughout the Heavens to hear the many voices of love and praise to the young man we all adore. 

Precious Son

I wish I could see you one more time

Come walking through my door

But, I know that is impossible

I will hear your voice no more

I know you can feel my tears

And you don't want me to cry

Yet, my heart is broken

Because I can't understand why

Someone so precious had to die

I pray that God will give me strength

And somehow get me through

As I struggle with this heartache

That was caused by losing you 

TRISTIN MEASE 

  

Tristin Davis Mease 1995 ~ 2011 Our sweet Tristin passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 21, 2011 in Salt Lake City, Utah.He was born on July 18, 1995 to Brian and Heidi Mease. Tristin left us too soon. He would be 16 in less than a month and was excited for his driver's license. He was to begin his junior year at Davis High. As the big little brother to three sisters, Tristin made everything feel complete. He was an avid fan of fun and laughter, always had a joke on the tip of his tongue and liked to try them out on his most captive audience - his family. He played rugby with the DC Rugby Club and many other sports. He loved teasing his sisters, hanging out with his friends, and video games. He loved the outdoors and spending time at his cabin with his family. His pure heart, humility, and love of life brought the best people into his world. He was blessed with amazing friends whom he loved dearly. He drew on their strength and courage, even as they were near him in the end. Tristin loved to live in the moment. He treated everyone as equals, never letting anyone feel left out, alone or irrelevant. He was so loved and looked up to by the many children and adults in his life. He always made time for them and they clung to his light. Tristin is survived by his parents; three sisters Alexis, Sierra, and Katlyn; grandparents Bill and Jeanne Wardle (Bountiful, UT); Ron and Nancy Davis (Post Falls, ID); Linda and Nak Urza (St. George, UT); and many wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2011 in the Kaysville Utah West Stake, 270 W. Burton Lane where friends and family may call from 12:00 -1:45 p.m.

FIFTY RULES FOR A HAPPIER LIFE

Life isn't fair and it won't be easy, but it will be worth it.

If a relationship has to be kept secret, that's the first clue you are living a lie.

Friends are great, but family will always show up in your life when you need them.

Its nice to be important, but its more important to be nice.

Be a leader not a follower and lead with integrity. 

Have a deep abiding love for your country and be humbled by your freedom.

When in doubt, take smaller steps.

Life is too precious to waste.

Money isn't everything, but it's the only thing you think about when you don't have it!

An argument is the lowest form of communication.

Don't buy what you can't afford, pay cash and remember that interest never sleeps!

No sense in getting angry at God, he didn't make your mistakes, you did.

Make peace with the past, so it doesn't screw up the future.

Its important to let your children see you cry.

Don't compare yourself to others, create your own brilliant light and energy.

Never give up, life can change like the stroke of a brush.
I hope if you ever get a black eye, its from fighting for something you truly believe in.

Take a deep breath and be glad you still have one.

Live in the present and seize each moment.

What doesn't kill you will indeed make you stronger.

Stay away from stinking thinking, negative thoughts destroy lives.

It's never too late to be happy.

Go after what you truly love in life and don't take no for an answer.

Burn the candles, use the good towels and use your fancy china. 

No one is responsible for your happiness, but you.

How to identify a disaster.  Ask yourself, "In five years, will this really matter?"

Always choose life.

To error is human, but to forgive is divine.

What others think of you is none of your business.

How ever good or bad the situation, things will eventually change.

Time has a way of softening the pain; learn to let go.

Believe in miracles for believing is seeing.

God loves you because of who He is and not because of what you have done.

Growing old beats dying young!

Your children only get one childhood, live it together.

Make memories count more than money.

Embrace your trials, they build a better you.

All that will matter in the end is that you endured well and did your best.

You should only have to make a commitment once.

If we threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd want ours back.

Spend time not money on your children.

Secure your friends by being a good one.

Work hard on the job, there are a hundred people standing in line to take your place.

Tough times and disappointment will help develop appreciation for the good times.

Own up to your mistakes; honesty is a highly respected and sought after virtue. 

Magnify your potential and create great and marvelous experiences in this life.

If not you, than who will make a difference in the world?

You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.

Be careful of your thoughts because they will become your actions.
And the best is yet to come.

Author unknown:
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.  When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I understand the only thing I can change is myself and suddenly I realized that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town.  Their impact could have changed the nation and I could have indeed changed the world. 

Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.

GIVE BACK AMERICA

Brian, my eldest son left this weekend for his second deployment to Iraq.  Before leaving, he shared his concerns with me about the stability of our country. I can see that it's discouraging for those who serve in the armed forces to see the direction our leaders have taken. 

These burdens rest heavily upon the shoulder of those who are willing to pay the ultimate price. Soldiers lay it all on the line; their loyalty to country and fellowman is beyond reproach. They leave their job security with a considerable cut in pay, which places an added burden on their families. The college saving they had so carefully tucked away for their children's futures are compromised to compensate for their financial losses. (While some congressional employees are eligible for up to $60,000 of student loans freely paid by taxpayer's dollars.) 

These brave men and women are willing to live under extreme mental and physical conditions because they believe in the sacred land of their inheritance. I watched with great sadness as my son kissed his wife and children goodbye.  He hugged me, kissed my head and said, "I love you Mom" then he turn and walk into the unknown. My heart cracked as I thought about the millions of soldiers and families that have made this sacrifice.

Later that night I couldn't sleep. My mind was drowning in the many concerns that Brian had expressed a few days earlier.  He was burdened over the loss of values and the moral decline in this country. I was looking through some books to find something to read when a piece of paper fell out and landed next to my feet. I don't believe things happen by chance or accident. Brian, this one is for you.

This is what was written on the paper.

When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know your word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of your word and called it pluralism. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time honored values of our forefather and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!"

I believe if the American people would acknowledge the truth in this prayer, there would be a glimmer of hope.  We could begin to rebuild our nation based on the principles that it was founded upon. The truth of how far we have fallen is a frightening reality. 

After this prayer was given, a number of legislators walked out in protest. In six short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Wright is pastor, logged more than 6,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church received international requests for copies of this prayer from many counties around the world!  

Our nation is becoming polluted by ignorance and apathy. We are sitting back while the government steals the privileged birthright of this nation and we are being stripped of our inheritance. The freedoms that our forefathers fought to preserve are disappearing, one by one, while the people of this nation sit idly by.

Our government freely hands out our hard earned dollars to foreign countries while thousands of Americans are losing their jobs, homes and families. The housing crash has created tent cities all over America and entire families are without shelter. People are living in squaller with conditions worse than that of third world countries, while millions of homes across the United States sit empty!

Each year our government hands over billions of dollars to foreign countries, with the pathetic reality that many of these countries despise Americans. Our hard earned income is supporting countries that consider us virtual enemies, and they would turn on us in a heart beat!

Our government controls what crops we can plant, when and how. Working class citizens are taxed above and beyond that of comprehension, while our tax dollars are spent frivolously by a government that has lost its conscience and moral integrity. Law abiding American citizens are in violation if they forget to carry their drivers license, yet it's estimated that 12 million illegal aliens entered into this country in 2011 without a green card or visa. They are provided health care, food stamps, financial aide and subsidized housing from the money coming out of your wallets!  This country is descending into a dark place where evil has become acceptable and good is persecuted and punished.  

I have only one small voice, but I am using it daily to promote the love of God, the love of my country and the love of my fellowman.  We can get America back, one voice at a time, if we bond together and take a stand. We are the masses, we are the majority, we are the people and this country is our birthright! Politicians are paid employees by hire; the power in this country lies within its people. If we continue on this destructive path, our noble inheritance will disappear, along with a prosperous future for our posterity. 

By Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.

Brian, we love you and pray that you will be protected with safety. 

     This world is in need of great men with your moral integrity and high values.