From Melanie

When I remember Sheldon I think of what a good man he was; kind, faithful, loyal, motivated, hard-working, and fun. He was usually soft spoken and never sought attention but he had a way about him that when he spoke you wanted to listen to what he was saying. He always projected an air of happiness, fun and light heartedness. He would constantly tease you but would never say or do anything that would intentionally hurt your feelings. Sheldon was a man whose beliefs were evident in the way he lived his life. Sheldon led by example and was always true to his faith. He was someone whose confidence came from his self assuredness in himself and his decisions. Sheldon was the first one to put himself out there and he never seemed self conscience. Sheldon had endless energy and was never afraid of a challenge. He accomplished amazing things in his life.

Because I always lived in a different city than Julie and Sheldon, most of my memories of them seem to center around planned family vacations, holiday, and events. As I have spent the last several weeks thinking of Sheldon and Jace I find the most random memories coming to mind. Like when Sheldon got his new motorcycle. I remember going up to Utah (probably for a graduation) and Sheldon taking me for a ride on his new bike. He was teasing me that he was going to go fast but he never did.

I also remember going to Mount Charleston for a hike with Julie, Sheldon and my parents. We had a picnic, played cards, hiked, and when we got bored started being goofy. I think we faked racing up and down that hill several times giving my mom plenty of photo ops of us being silly. I also remember when I ran my first 5K and Julie and Sheldon came down to race with me and support me. I will never forget watching the sun come up that morning and feeling so grateful to have them there with me on such a beautiful momentous day. In fact, the last thing Sheldon ever said to me was to ask when we were going to race again.

When I remember Jace what I associate the most with him is joy. He was a beautiful, good natured little boy who brought happiness to everyone. Another random memory I have is seeing Sheldon give Jace a bath when Jace was only two months old. I was walking by the upstairs bathroom in my mom’s house and there was Sheldon, spending some quiet time with his son, bent over the bathtub and holding little Jace so gently in his big hands. Both of them were just as happy as they could be.

I am grateful for these memories and the joy that Sheldon and Jace brought to our family. I am grateful we are an eternal family and that Sheldon will always be my brother-in-law and Jace will always be nephew. I look forward to the day we meet again.