September
15, 1993 arrived and not sure if I even really wanted to be at the MTC, I grabbed
ahold of your luggage and started the jaunt to the other end of the huge
missionary facility. I wished I could
say that was the toughest time we would share together. Dripping wet with sweat from lugging your
“oversized luggage” up to the third floor, I knew we had a common bond from long
before we actually met here on earth.
Bryce, I know we were together in the beginning and I thank my Heavenly
Father often that I made the choice to serve a mission so we could formally
meet. All the ups and downs that come
with a mission were bearable because you were either just down the road or a
quick phone call to a neighboring zone.
Then SNOW COLLEGE, or Slow Knowledge, as we called it! WOW, not sure what I really learned that year
but yes we did experience much together.
Loved the intramurals, talks, drives to SLC for our fast-pitch softball
games, the “bad smells” in our room and I can’t forget me trying to beat the
women (just like on the mission) off of you.
I hated that year to end but knew we had to move on with our lives. I must admit that a flood of memories come
rushing to my mind as I type this.
Some
include: you as my “Best Man” on Sept. 13th 1997, the late night(s)-2
day tile job at the old main street house, selling mattresses, all the
fix-ups-door hanging-base & case-etc. on my house, my sportsman tag elk
hunt, all the texts & phone calls, Larry & sons, wrestling tournaments,
Ric, and so many more. I LOVE you and
can’t wait for the day when I can receive answers to some of our/my eternal
questions we have discussed. We are
promised that if we remain faithful we will be rewarded not only in this life
but also the next. One thing that I do
know at this time is that because of your example of faith and doing good
works, I am a better father, husband, and teacher. I LOVE you for so many things but mostly
because I know our friendship will transcend this earthly life and live through
the eternities. I wish you the best
through this battle. I want You, Jenni,
Kade, and the Thomletts (Davin, Sage, & Creed) to know that I pledge my
support. I will be here to help with
anything. Thank you for always being
there for me. From our house-Me, Cassie,
Ethan, the Crittlets (Ella, Evan, & Cael) to yours, we wish you a MERRY
CHRISTMAS. May you feel the Saviors LOVE
surround you now and through this healing process. I thank your sweet wife for asking me to
share a few memories we have experienced.
I LOVE you and already have a hall pass to use for this upcoming non-dangerous
(I threw that in here for Jenni’s behalf) BEAR HUNT!
Get well my friend,
LOVE
Gary R. Crittenden
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