Tribute to Esther Orchard

 This is my dedication to my wonderful Aunt Esther (Who just so happens to be my grandmother also) who passed away August 18, 2011. She was a wonderful person and the perfect example of optimism in adversity and any other circumstance she was in. I love this crazy lady so much and will miss he more than words could ever describe. One of her attributes that I feel I've inherited from her is her tendency towards bluntness. Of course it wasn't always welcomed at first but inevitably when her advice was taken in consideration she always was just trying to push others to be the best version of themselves they could be. I will also miss her ability to make any day a fun and exciting and how she put others first and made others feel that they were of great value and could always reach their full potential. Playing games was and music were some of the many things she loved and I think she's definitely passed on that love.

Among the many things I learned from her was a great love of animals and she taught me so many things about caring for them in her patient way. I still remember that first day of the wagon train when she asked me to go tie up the horses and I of course did it, but who knew that a granny knot was not a secure way to keep a horse in one spot. After spending quite a while rounding up those horses she preceded to spend the next 10 minutes teaching me the correct way tie horses and made me practice til it was perfect. 

It was also amazing how she would go out of her way to make sure she spent time with me if there was ever an opportunity. She lived on the other side of the country but if she flew somewhere and could make a pit stop in Utah to see family she would do it and make the most of a half hour or couple hours layover. 

Anyway this is sort of getting me into memory lane, but I wanted to share some of my memories.  The second picture down there is during the summer I spent with her helping on her farm and working at another riding stables. It was one of the best summers I've ever had. I cherish every moment I got to spend with her and hope to have many more when I join her on the other side. 

Anyway I was blest with the opportunity to attend her funeral in Kentucky this past week and mourn with our family. It was a great opportunity to get to know more family and help each other deal with our loss. It was wonderful to hear so many testimonies of her well lived life and happiness that she has been able to be reunited with her husband Cecil who passed in 1995. Also another testament of love to her is that the men in the family have continued a family tradition of digging the grave by hand. We truly have a loving family and I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful group. 

Anyway Aunt Esther we love you and will remember you always and truly one of the best complements I've ever received was that I was like you and can share in some of the joy you've spread to the world!