Mary Thayer
Dear Uncle Larry,
Your life of service, devotion, and commitment flows through the lives of your posterity as well as through the lives of your numerous nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors, and countless life journey associates.
Five words describe the gifts you and dear Auntie Ann have given: Artistry, Generosity, Affirmation, Courage, and Vision.
Artistry: You are a craftsman. Your legacy is not limited to the numerous beautiful and useful artifacts of creativity which you have spread over the decades through gift and sales. The few that remain in your possession are but a symbol of the artistry with which you have graced the world. The wood working, the parades, the craft fairs, the gifts to children and youth, the artistic talent passed to your posterity – all these instill within countless souls an encouragement to try new things in positive ways.
Generosity: Your generosity is not limited to artistry. How many hours have you spent giving aid to others? Boy Scouts, Young Women, neighbors, friends, and family? Only the angels can accurately report. I have the treasured memories of your time working side by side with Steve in literally lifting our house to make the floor level while simultaneously lifting our depleted emotional reserves in our last years in the Salt Lake area. We were on our last tank of gas as your buoyant, joyful helping hands and loving heart lifted and loved us.
Affirmation: Your affirmation has lifted me many times when I felt alone and despairing. I ALWAYS knew that you and Aunt Vonda loved ME. In clear, unmistakable tidings you valued me, you appreciated me, you saw my struggles and cared. You stood in for my father as a witness at my wedding in the Jordan River Temple. Through your eyes, I could see myself in a different light. I could see myself as a person worthy of happiness. I know that countless conflicted youth have received this same invaluable message from you and, like me, now continue to circulate that message to others. Like the pebble’s ripple, your affirmation disseminates indissolubly.
Courage: You and Auntie Ann are a partnership of action! To Dream is To Do! Parades, Europe, a Nirvanic attic, a serviceable hand, cancer: You meet the challenge with faith, with conviction, and with perseverance! Courage might not be something you think about; it is simply the WAY you LIVE! Who can measure the impact of your example of living life without excuses but giving experiences your best shot? I have reflected on your example when I have worked towards dreams that seemed impossible.
Vision: Your vision is far more than your ability to see a positive execution of a dream (seemingly unaware of naysayers).You and Auntie Ann had vision enough to cling to each other in marriage through times of turbulent tempests to experience stretches of splendid shores. Your vision extends to other realms, Eternal realms. Your vision motivated you to prepare yourself for The Covenant Path and to stay on that path. Focusing on Truth set in place an Eternal advantage for your posterity.
Your examples of Artistry, Generosity, Affirmation, Courage, and Vision are gifts I will carry with me, dear Uncle Larry. Your precious life sits deep in my heart: your love, your example, your praise has been a balm on my life, an adhesive joined with other influences to bind me to our loving Savior. You live in my heart. Your life blesses mine Forever. Thank you.
I love you,
Mary