Marlene Joy Packer Pett

The other keystone was my Aunt Joy. My Mother's Sister. I wrote some thoughts about her, for her birthday just before she died:

Joy To the World
Where do you start when writing about such a wonderful person! I have learned so many lessons from Aunt Joy. I have never met anyone that sincerely cares about people more than her. Most of the memories I have, are her doing things for me- at first I felt bad about that, but then I realized that everyone else probably had similar ones! I got to make some special memories though that I think were fairly unique to me. Which also bring me to the lessons. Growing up I had the special privilege of going on several trips with just Aunt Joy, my Mother, my Gramma, and my Grampa. These trips were primarily to see relatives and visit cemeteries. To most little girls this would probably not be the most exciting trip, but to me it was like a great adventure where I was taught about my ancestors. I learned stories about who they really were and the lives they lived. On these trips Aunt Joy helped me develop my life long obsession with family history. I have a quote on my desk that says "If we don't know our heritage, we don't know who we are. Who came before us formed who we are- what we do, why we do it. If you have no appreciation for you past, then you don't know who you are." Although this quote is not from Aunt Joy it truly explains the lesson, or gift that she has given me.
The other constant lesson I learn from her is her great understanding about life it self. I have spent many hours talking to her about things in my life. I have such comfort in knowing that she will always be there to give the perfect advice that I have come to count on.
Another lesson that I have learned from her is acceptance. It seems that no matter what choices someone has made in their lives you can always count on Aunt Joy to be there to give love and support to them.
She is truly a Mother to all who know her and like her name, is such a Joy and blessing to all who have her in their lives!

Here is a song that just came out by my favorite Toby Keith, I felt like he wrote it for me.

Got the news on Friday Morning,
But a tear I couldn't find.
You showed me how I was suppose to live,
now you showed me how to die.
I was lost till Sunday Morning,
I woke up to face my fears
while writing this song, I found a tear.

I got up and dialed your number,
And your voice came on the line.
That old familiar message I heard a thousand times.
It said, Sorry that I missed you leave a message and God bless.
I know you think I'm crazy,
but I had to hear your voice, I guess.

I'm going to miss that smile,
I'm going to miss you, my Friend.
Even though it hurts the way it ended up
I'd do it all again.
So play it sweet in heaven
because that's where you ought to be.
I'm not crying because I feel sorry for you,
I'm crying for me.

So play your upside down left handed backward bass guitar
I'll see you on the otherside superstar.

I'm still crying,
I'm crying for me.

Stanley M. Hill

We lost two keystones of our family this year. One is Cam's Grampa Stan. What an amazing man he was. Some of the greatest lessons of my life were learned in the small living room sitting in the second recliner under the giant head of an unfortunate elk, turned hatrack. There I learned how life was during World War II, while he served in the United States Army. About all they went through while they served in Italy. He was in a tank. Being a history fanatic, I was constantly amazed at the history-in-the-making events he was actually present for. Which was just another experiance and just another story for him.
We lived in Las Vegas for about 5 years when Cam got out of College, so another subject that we could never hear enough of was Stan's time in Las Vegas. It was just starting to be a city and he had a part in building the original Las Vegas Court House, along with other buildings in the new little town.
Another thing that he loved to tell stories about is his childhood. He had a very unique childhood. He spent many summers in camp watching over the families sheep herd. Riding horses and fishing with his siblings and uncles. What a different time it was.
It was experiances like these that made him the man he was, and the one we all looked up to.
I found a poem that reminded me alot of Grampa.

Ride With Him Again

He done checked his gear's condition,
His cowboy hat was on just right.
His mount was prancing nervously,
'Fore he cinched that saddle up tight.

Today's his longest journey,
And it's been coming for a while.
Though he knows it's hard departing,
He'll be starting with a smile.

He spoke his piece to children,
While he softly held his wife,
And he said to those who'd listen,
She was the best thing in his life.

A braver man there wasn't,
When life would challenge him with trouble.
He would charge into the fray,
And do the right thing on the double.

But the Trail Boss called his number,
And the White Steed couldn't wait.
It was time to ride those hooves of starfire,
'Til they reached the Pearly Gate.

So he left us at his bedside,
Watching over him with love.
And he spurred that Spirit Stallion,
Toward his new home up above.

Well, we'll miss that long tall cowboy,
Maybe tear up now and then.
But we know we'll see him someday,
And ride the range with him again.

Good ride Cowboy. We love you.

Good Ride, Cowboy

We got some sad news this morning... One of Chayse's very special friends(a ropin buddy) was killed last night in a car accident. He was on his way to a bull riding and made a fatal choice to get in the car with a drunk driver. He was so young and such a great kid, what a shock. He was always so great with Chayse and loved to do things with her and for her. She loved him and always would talk about "Her Brad". One night last fall, Chayse (being Chayse) leaned against the wood burning stove in the tack room. Although there was about 15 people in the little room and several alot closer, as soon as he heard her scream he was at her side and then ran to get something to make the pain go away... This was their relationship. He will be missed by our family and especially little Chayse. We love you Brad.