It is sad that I am writing this post. As you have all experienced Alisa is a talented writer and has a special ability to include us in her feelings and emotions through her words. Alisa has gone down hill the last few days and is not really up to writing.
Two weeks ago Alisa's family fasted for Alisa so that she could feel well enough to attend Kirsten's wedding. Prior to that day (May1st), Alisa had been in lots of pain and could barely get out of bed. As she mentioned in her last post, Alisa was able to not only attend the wedding, but participated and helped the entire day. The day after the wedding I knew Alisa had been blessed with health to experience that day with her family, but I felt it might be the last miracle we would witness during her fight with cancer.
We went in for scans yesterday and followed up with a visit this morning. When Carolyn came into the room she said, "Your scans don't look good, but you probably already knew that." We did know, but it is still hard to see the proof. Alisa started to be extremely tired and confused last Thursday. I also noticed that her eyes had a yellow tint to them. I finally broke down and googled what yellow eyes mean (besides the obvious fear of being a wolf). Among other things, liver failure will cause yellow eyes. I suspected something might be wrong with her liver. They showed us the scans and the tumor has basically invaded where fluids get into the liver. This means that instead of the liver filtering out the toxins, they are spreading throughout the body (this may not be medically accurate). This causes the yellow eyes, swelling in the feet, and confusion.
We were scheduled for another round of chemotherapy today, and we had decided yesterday that we would not be doing it, but Carolyn confirmed and said that her body would not be able to handle the chemotherapy.
So, we are officially out of options. We have experienced many miracles over the last 8 years and have been blessed to enjoy them with Alisa.
We will start hospice today. Carolyn said we are now talking about weeks left. I selfishly hope that Alisa will somehow hang on a bit longer. For her sake, I hope she gets to heaven quickly. I hear heaven is a beautiful place, shortly it will be more beautiful than ever.
-Josh
I just feel nothing but holiness and reverence for your family. My heart is heavy but I too hear that Heaven is a beautiful place and that it really isn't that far. I hope she arrives quickly and safely and that you feel her continued watchful eye over your whole family. She will continue to bless and inspire people, you all will. Blessings to you! Thank you for sharing such intimate and special moments with us. Kath.
ReplyDeleteI am so terribly sad. My heart breaks for all of you. My dear friends. You have seen many wonderful miracles and I feel blessed for being able to read about your journey. I wish things would be different. I'm still holding out for another miracle. Praying as hard as I can. Love you both!
ReplyDeleteJosh,
ReplyDeleteOur family is much more of a family because of the faith and fight we have observed in you and Alisa over the last 8 years. Alisa is one of my heroes. I could not have done what she has so selflessly given to get more time for you and your sons. We will continue to pray for heaven's help for you and the boys and all of your family as you enter this new chapter. We know that help will be there. We love you. We love Alisa. She is brave, and beautiful, and kind, and elegant, and a true warrior. What a fight my sweet cousin! Wow.
Eric & Emily Stauffer
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Mother is the word that will define a righteous woman made perfect in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, a woman who has qualified for eternal increase in posterity, wisdom, joy, and influence." I don't think there is anyone who knows Alisa who hasn't had many glimpses of divinity in her. I hope your boys always know how amazing their mother was and will continue to be. She is one of the most beautiful people I've known, Josh - and I barely know you two! I'm sure heaven anxiously awaits her return.
ReplyDeleteShe won't lose her battle to cancer. It will take her body, but she is all the more wise and influential for the fight. Thank you and her both for the years of grace, courage, faith, and inspiration that you've shown us all.
We love your family. So wonderful that Alisa has been able to see the boys get older. How blessed they are to have her as their mother. She is an incredible example of enduring to the end. We will continue to pray for peace and comfort for her, you and the boys.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post--I don't know that Alisa could have done better. Your love and dedication for Alisa is absolutely inspiring.
ReplyDeleteAlisa, Josh, James, Sam, and Luke how we love and admire your family so much from your witty humor to your enduring courage and faith. You set an example for each of us. We love you dearly and pray for each of you to have peace and comfort. We pray for Alisa to be pain free.
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Jesse and Leah Powell
You must have learned how to write from alisa because this post was beautiful, josh. Also, you are super-human and I cannot believe what you've been through.
ReplyDeleteJosh,
ReplyDeleteYour words are wonderful. You are such a great guy and my heart hurts to know what you and your family are going through. Alisa has given so much and been such an angel to those who have dealt with what she's been going through. Her efforts and studies, her knowledge etc. She is such an advocate to many. I am really sad reading your words nobody can even imagine what she has endured. May the Lord give you all comfort at this difficult time, I cannot imagine life without the gospel. Thank you again for sharing so many personal stories on your blog. Alisa is truly remarkable and I pray for her and for all of you. ((Hugs))
I have watched the two of you be completely dedicated to one another through one trial after another ever since I have known you two. You are both so selfless... This post shows it even more. My heart is heavy and full at the same time. And I can't wait to come hold her hand and stroke her hair and kiss her cheek. She means the world to me.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. I pray that God will give her and her family peace. Y'all will be in my prayers everyday.
ReplyDeleteAlisa has brought such beauty to this world. I am so grateful to have been in it with her.
ReplyDeleteOh Josh, I am beyond heart broken for you and your family. You and Alisa are such a blessing to anyone you come in contact with. I pray the Lord will bless you with peace and comfort these next few weeks. Thank you for letting us know.
ReplyDeleteJosh, you are one of the strongest people I know and I'm so incredibly sorry and heartbroken for you guys.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all of this with us. I've been thinking about her so much these past few days knowing her scans were coming up. I know that miracles do happen and I am so glad that she got to enjoy that beautiful day with her extended family. Your family will be in our continued thoughts and prayers. I can never express how much her friendship means to me. She is truly one of a kind.
ReplyDeleteJosh, Alisa's touch of writing beautiful words has rubbed off onto you. My faith has increased so much as I've seen you all experience so many answered prayers and miracles. The world is a much better place because of Alisa and the beauty and joy she scattered everywhere. Praying for your whole family as you endure this trial, to feel strength, love and peace.
ReplyDeleteJosh, your love and devotion to Alisa is really touching. You have endured so much and I hope you know our prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteI...I've got nothing man, my heart is broken for you and your family. If you find yourself in need of someone to scream at, even someone to punch in the face, I'm your guy. All the love I've got is heading your way.
ReplyDeleteI echo the words already expressed in the comments. All I can do is say that we are better people for knowing and loving the Lintons. We are stronger, more faithful, more hopeful, and more resolved having watched you these past eight years. I hugged Davy harder after leaving your home this evening recognizing the gift it is to hold my spouse. You are such a stalwart Josh. I pray God continues to give you strength to do all that is required of you these next few weeks. I know that only He knows your anguish and can ease the pain you are experiencing. We love and pray for you. Thank you for letting us be a part of this special journey.
ReplyDeleteMay peace fill all of your hearts.
ReplyDeleteNick & Julie Rico
Wow - I don't even know what to say. What a beautiful post - as we have watched your family go through the trials these past 8 years, it has been truly humbling. We pray for your sweet family. I am definitely a better person from knowing you, Alisa. You are so beautiful! You truly exemplify what it means to be a Christ like person.
ReplyDeleteI am heartbroken for you and your sweet family. No one will ever be the same after knowing Alisa. She is an angel on earth... One being taken back way too early! Our thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with you.
ReplyDeleteYou are a beautiful and amazing couple. Alisa is an inspiration to so many. Sending love and prayers always.
ReplyDeleteJosh- one of my favorite parts of Alex and Kirstys wedding was watching you look at Alisa. You can see the beautiful love you have for her. She is amazing, and heaven will be more beautiful with her there. Love to you and the boys.
ReplyDeleteJosh and Alisa....when I think of the challenge we are given to endure to the end my thoughts turn to you and your valiant example of not just enduring but enduring well. You have a beautiful love story. Heaven is not far and becomes even closer when a loved one is called home. May the Lord continue to bless you with peace and comfort during these difficult days. Love and aloha....
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written! Love you more than you know!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words and sentiments here, Josh. We continue to pray for you and Alisa everyday. We are praying now that her last weeks on this earth with be as peaceful and pain free as possible. We are also praying for you and the boys and the rest of the family. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us on this blog and through other means. It has been such a blessing to witness two people who have loved and endured so gracefully and faithfully. We will be forever grateful!
ReplyDeleteAlisa is an inspiration to all moms. She was at the school Thursday, watching her son do a science assembly at 8:00 in the morning! I am amazed at how she has continued to put her family first throughout this entire horrible ordeal. I love her for this perfect example.
ReplyDeleteWe just cried and cried as we read your post and all the beautiful comments. This is so sad. Alisa's battle has been so inspiring. We cannot thank you enough for sharing your experiences and insights with us all over the last 8 years. We are praying for all of you at this time, for peace, hope, comfort and faith. We know angels will be nearby, and God will still send many many miracles. We love you.
ReplyDeleteI just love the both of you. Always. Praying for you.
ReplyDeletePraying for peace and a gentle goodbye.
ReplyDeleteThis is a post I hoped to never read on this blog. My heart is with you Josh and your beautiful boys and of course Alisa.
ReplyDeleteI get on everyday looking for good news and the miracle we all pray for. I've never posted because I am a horrible writer. I just read your post, here at work, I started to cry. I can't imagine what you are all going through. I love reading her posts and the way she tells everything, the good, bad and ugly. She is definitely amazing and an inspiration to so many. My heart goes out to you and your family. We will be praying for peace and comfort during these difficult days.
ReplyDeleteJosh you are an amazing person, and I can't even believe how well you wrote this post. Our prayers have been with your family for over 8 years, and will continue to be for a very long time. Our love is with you always. May you have peace and the Holy Spirit in your home in the following weeks. The Lord is gathering many righteous souls for some important work, and cancer has taken far too many lovely people from this Earth. Alisa is definitely one of the best people I will ever know, and so are you! (Though I think we have only met in person once.) Hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read this - so sorry for the heartache that has found your family.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm so grateful for you, Alisa. Even though I don't know you well, I have been so touched by your dedication to sucking the marrow from every moment of life. Your stories have helped me focus on loving my family and the things that matter most. Your love for your children have inspired me to put together *one more* puzzle, and read *one more* story. You have inspired me to kiss my babies to sleep, to hug them tightly even when I'm furious. Your life has been shorter than most, but you have *lived* it. Your life has touched so many others, has truly made the world a better place. I will miss you, Alisa. Prayers, love, hugs, and peace to your family.
Josh and Alisa and boys, you have always been in our thoughts and prayers. I know Alisa has fought so hard and is such a wonderful mom to the boys!!! We hope so much that you can find peace and comfort in what's happening.. love and hugs being sent your way from California...
ReplyDeletetons of love-Jeremy and Wendy Robinson and kids
Josh thank you so much for sharing what is happening for you all right now. I am sending out lots of love and peace and prayers for you in these next few weeks. In those prayers I'm asking that you will all be carried and supported in the ways you need and that you will feel peace as you say goodbye for now. I hope that you will find hospice workers that will give you all the support you need. I'm praying for Alisa's pain to be minimal or to be easily managed with medicines. I love you all.
ReplyDeleteAlisa, thank you so much for sharing this very personal journey of yours. You have been in my thoughts so much lately. A number of years ago I lost track of your blog when dealing with my own family health crisis. This morning I literally stumbled upon your blog and know I was meant to find it. I am so saddened by by the news your cancer had returned and had reached this point. Your words and those of Josh have given me comfort. I want you to know what an inspiration you have been and are to me. You are an amazing woman who has touched so very many lives with your life and how you have lived it, including mine. You gave me strength when I faced my families challenges. I still remember you when you were in my junior high class. I was impressed with you then...there was something amazing about you, a quite strength that you had even then. You were such a young woman of faith even then too. Hospice workers are amazing people, their presence can be such a comfort. My prayer for you is that the rest of your journey here will be as pain free as possible, that you will find the comfort and peace you seek. For Josh and the boys, I pray they too will be comforted and carried in the comforters arms through this difficult time. Sending you my love and prayers your way. Hugs to two of my favorite former students.
ReplyDeleteyou were one of my favorite teachers !
DeleteI have only commented on here one time-I am Heather, One of Sonjas mission companions. I met you, Alisa and Josh, at Sonjas wedding. My heart broke when I read this last post but I wanted to be able to tell you that you have inspired me for years. I have read your blog and have prayed for you for years. I truly mean it when I say thank you for sharing intimate parts of your struggle with all of us. It is truly helped me. I pray for you-that The time you have will be wonderful and spent with your family! We will continue to pray for you all! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteYou two have a beautiful love story. From a middle school crush, to marriage, kids, and cancer- Josh, you have been there every step of the way, and it has been wonderful to see your devotion. No wonder Alisa has fought so hard to stay.
ReplyDeleteAlisa, what a beautiful life you have lived! Your wonderful boys are a tribute to the incredible mother that you’ve been. You have faced trials with grace, strength, and faith, and have touched so many lives by your example. Thank you for sharing your hardest moments with us when it might have been easier to keep them to yourself. I love you dear cousin. You’re in my every thought and prayer.
Love to all you dear Lintons!
God is real and loves you so much. I feel everything you are feeling. From one spouse to another dealing with melanoma-it's one of the most beautiful experiences you will be allowed. The talk that got us through our rough times was by Elder Bednar "thou shall not shrink" I hope you will find the peace you are seeking. Our prayers are with you and your sweet boys.
ReplyDeleteI have been inspired by you over and over again. I love you Alisa and Josh and boys. The Bayles family will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts and prayers go out to your. We love you more than words can say. We have been greatly blessed by the beautiful life Alisa has lived. Your impact has touched many more than you can imagine. Soon you will bless generations who have gone before. Josh, writing this post was so selfless. Thank you both for including us in your journey of miracles. All our love!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Josh. I have read it several times and am heartbroken. I love you both dearly. Sharing your journey with all of us has taught me so much. You amaze me. Please give her a hug from me and tell her how much I adore her. I'm continually hopeful for continued strength and peace for your sweet family.
ReplyDeleteI don't really know what to say...tears are streaming. I didn't want the opportunity to pass without saying "thank you" for the example you have both been. So many people have said that so well already. I have thought about and prayed for you often. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I am better because my life was touched by you both. My heart is full - love to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this beautiful post. Getting to watch the love between you and Alisa is just one of the special blessings your family has shared with us. Alisa encompasses all that is good. She is beautiful, smart, faithful, loyal, graceful, funny, humble, etc. She has helped me to recognize more good in my life. Our hearts and prayers go out to you Josh as you prepare to say goodbye, for a time, to your sweetheart. We love your little family.
ReplyDeleteI can only agree with every word written here. Beautiful and selfless post. Josh, you are amazing. Sweet Alisa, thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. You both were here for me when I was scared. My life is better from knowing the both of you and your boys. May you feel the peace and love of all those who love and pray for you daily.
ReplyDeleteI can only agree with every word written here. Beautiful and selfless post. Josh, you are amazing. Sweet Alisa, thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. You both were here for me when I was scared. My life is better from knowing the both of you and your boys. May you feel the peace and love of all those who love and pray for you daily.
ReplyDeleteWe sure do love you Alisa and Josh. I know your family will continue to be blessed. I pray you will continue to be blessed with peace and comfort at this time. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteAlisa has helped me to remember how beautiful life is...but right now it is very sad. This corner of the world is going to be somber for awhile as we say goodbye to an amazing person. Thanks for sharing your journey with us Alisa. Your words have helped me and taught me so much. We love you Linton family and will hope your home is filled with peace in the coming weeks.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Josh. My heart breaks for you and your family at what you're going through. I hope and pray that Heavenly Father's love, strength, comfort and tender mercies lift you through this time. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse of your beautiful journey
ReplyDeleteDon't sell yourself short here, Josh. I love that I can hear Alisa talking when she writes, but I like reading what you write for the same reason. Some of my favorite posts have been yours. I especially enjoyed the ones where you were frustrated in the hospital (and who wouldn't have been?). Thanks for taking so much time to keep all of us--fans of you and Alisa both--up to date through all of this.
ReplyDeleteYou have both been so inspiring.
We are so sad tonight to read this. Your family's faith and strength through all of this has been such a good example to us. She always reminds of us of what is really important here in this life. You are all amazing, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteDon't sell yourself short here, Josh. I love that I can hear Alisa talking when she writes, but I like reading what you write for the same reason. Some of my favorite posts have been yours. I especially enjoyed the ones where you were frustrated in the hospital (and who wouldn't have been?). Thanks for taking so much time to keep all of us--fans of you and Alisa both--up to date through all of this.
ReplyDeleteYou have both been so inspiring.
This is heartbreaking. Your whole family has been a great example not only to Michael and I, but to our whole family as well. Thank you for being so willing to be so raw with what has been going on. I can't remember the last time your family wasn't included in our prayers. It has been a painful, beautiful reminder of what is truly important. Like I told Alisa, every time I plant flowers in the Spring, I think of her, and I always will. May you be blessed with peace during the hard times that lie ahead. Your family is loved and you are not alone.
ReplyDeleteAlisa & Josh~ All of the posts above are exactly my thoughts and feelings. Josh, this was such a beautiful and well written post (and I did chuckle at the obvious fear of being a wolf). Thank you for taking the time to update us all while going through such a heartbreaking time. Alisa, you have and always will hold a special place in my heart, as well as your sweet family (and of course Ginger, whom we also love!). As I reminisce of things in the past I can help but smile when I think of the memories I have of with you Alisa. I thank you for your friendship, your kindness, your love, your example and for all of the wonderful memories! Josh, us Hall's are here, day and night for you and your cute boys, for anything. We will continue to pray for your sweet family as well as put your names on the Temple Prayer Roll. Alisa - until we meet again my friend...Love ya'!! Cara
ReplyDeleteThe Radmalls have certainly gained so much from the short time we've had to get to know you all better and we want you, Josh and Alisa, and your boys to know how much we admire and love each and every one of you for the people you are. Alisa is such a gift to us all and we are hoping and praying that she will continue on in the way that lessens her suffering but allows her all the sweet blessings. We pray you will each find warmth, comfort, peace and understanding as things unfold in the future. Alisa is truly loved by each of you, and you should know that off the record she has expressed several times her love and concern for each of her guys. No surprise there. Great family that will be forever.
ReplyDeleteJosh, Alisa, James, Sam and Luke: you are so brave. We love you so much.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Alisa, your physical and emotional strength is inspiring beyond measure. I will always keep those thoughts with me--I know that your incredible spark will live on through those 4 sweet boys of yours. You have affected me for good. I have been reminiscing on a lot of memories- girls camps, high school. You have always lived as an example of grace. Oh how I love you. I will always hug Sonja tighter when I see her, a hug for her and a hug for you! This precious earthly life is just a twinkle in gods plan and it brings me peace to know I will see you again! (HUGGING YOU NOW)
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. Alisa has always been such an inspiration to me. From the first time I met her at Ricks I felt so blessed and lucky to know her. Her ability to write and include us in her experiences have changed my perspective on life. I love her and your sweet family so much. We will continue to pray!
ReplyDeleteLove and adore your family! My heart is heavy and aching for you. Prayers are being sent your way from me and my family.
ReplyDeleteDear lintons...I drove past your house today and saw the note on your door that says "quiet please". There is a feeling of reverence surrounding your home and I am overwhelmed by the eternal nature of our short experience in this life. I pray for peace and love and hope and comfort for your entire sweet family. We truly mourn with you.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for words to convey my feelings. Alisa - I have admired your happiness, kindness, and compassion ever since we met in high school. Your example has helped encourage me to be a better person. The impact you have made in our lives will always be cherished. Josh - you are the model of what a husband and friend should be. Our family is praying for yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you for touching my life for good. Your example or strength, courage and faith is astounding. I continue to pray for your family.
ReplyDelete*of.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Josh, for your beautiful words and for taking care of Alisa. She means the world to me. Love you both. Your family is in our constant thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Josh, for your beautiful words and for taking care of Alisa. She means the world to me. Love you both. Your family is in our constant thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteJosh, it is impossible to imagine what you guys are going through. I am so sorry. I feel so fortunate to have brothers in the gospel like you to remind me how fortunate we are to have faith in what happens next. You guys are bing compelled way too soon to put this faith to the test. Thanks for showing us all how to do it right. I pray for you guys to all be able to enjoy these last precious moments together.
ReplyDeleteI have no words... except we love you guys so much... We were truely blessed to have met you guys and to have called you friends since we met so long ago at BYU! We instantly felt a friendship with you guys and I know there was a reason we became friends. Thankyou for your example of beautiful, eternal love that you guys have for each other... I have kept you in my prayers for so long and will continue to keep you in my prayers to get through this hard time... I cant even imagine... sitting here at my computer bawling my eyes out, I cant even imagine what you are feeling at this time... Last time I saw you guys I knew something was different and I am so grateful I was able to give Alisa a hug... I felt so bad all day that day because I didnt know what to say, small talk seemed so trivial when I saw you guys that day for some reason, but I have a feeling that the hug Alisa gave me in the Costco parking lot that day was all that needed to happen.... LOVE you guys soo sooo much! Continued, love, prayers and support from the Proctor family.... please keep us posted.....
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you are going through this! Alisa was an amazing person in high school and it's obvious she still is! Praying for your family!
ReplyDeleteKeeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Alisa has been an amazing example of enduring to the end - always looking for the next treatment and just keeping on. May you be blessed with a peace and comfort you didn't know was possible.
ReplyDelete"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
Thank you Josh and Alisa for sharing your journey and your testimonies. My heart is touched. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI am so heartbroken by this news, but also so uplifted by your words, Alisa, every time I read them. You are a miracle, no matter how you look at it, and I feel infinitely blessed to have been able to follow your journey and pray on your behalf. I pray for peace and comfort for your entire family, and for Heavenly Father's all encompassing love to surround you and yours during this time. I too, believe in a beautiful after life and continually reassured that families are forever.
ReplyDeleteI may have not ever met you face to face, but I love you still the same. You are an inspiration to many, including me!
XOXO
Josh, This post shows not only your bravery and courage, but your compassion and eternal love for Alisa. Your writing is admirable; Alisa would be so proud.
ReplyDeleteI haven't commented because I haven't known what to say. But after spending some precious and priceless moments with my sweet friend today, I am ever more humbled and honored to have witnessed this eternal relationship. Josh was so gentle and nurturing to Alisa, and though Alisa appears unresponsive, she responds when Josh is near. I can't thank you enough for allowing me some time today Josh. I was able to hold my sweet friends' hand, kiss her cheek, and whisper in her ear. We all mourn a little differently, but "mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." Russell M. Nelson
I refuse to take love away from my friendship with Alisa; therefore, I will face my sorrow with as much bravery and courage as I can muster, having learned from you Josh.
I love the Linton family with my whole heart!
My deepest sympathy to you both. The bond of love the two of you share is eternal and holds your family together forever. All who know you mourn with you now.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI too echo the beautiful words in the above comments. I work primarily with your children as their principal. In a recent project, the boys are meeting twice a week during lunch with me to create something special for all the children at school. Their leadership and knowledge of values, pours through them. I can always see what type of influences impress on them from home. Your family is solid and you have created together three of some of the most amazing boys I have ever worked with. Beautiful parenting. Beautiful family.
DeleteThis is one of the most heartbreaking posts I have ever read!!! I can't imagine what your beautiful family must be going through right now!!! I walked in on Ryan reading this in the morning and he was crying, now I see why!!! He loved being your home teacher for the short time he was able, and I also loved your beautiful family!!! Alisa was always so kind to me, I'll never forget right after I had James and came to church and she sat next to me and asked if she could hold him during relief society, she said to me "don't worry cancer isn't contagious" of course I wasn't worried :) she just held him and snuggled him the whole hour :) I love that I saw her a day before I moved out to Missouri, she saw me picking up carpool and quickly ran over to say goodbye, and assure me we'd do great out here!! what an amazing girl Alisa is!!! We love your beautiful family and hope at this difficult time you feel the love of our Heavenly Father, and know how short this life is and soon you'll be reunited again as a family for eternity!!!
ReplyDeleteAs I drove around our neighborhood I saw a beautiful picture. Yellow pinwheels spinning and standing tall in the midst of pouring, pounding rain. Each and every one reminded me of Alisa. She is so strong, so hopeful, and so full of love and concern for others. She has stood tall during all the hard and difficult trials of her life. Yellow is the color of warmth. Warmth as we all reach our arms and hearts toward your family. Yellow is a reflective color. Always taking in the light of the gospel and shining it forth to brighten the lives of hundreds as your family have done. We love you, and are here for you.
ReplyDeleteThere are no words that can adequately express what we all feel for you and your sweet family at this difficult time. Alisa will always be a source of strength and inspiration to me. She is a real life hero. I pray that you will all be blessed with comfort and peace and that you will feel the love of our Savior during this time.
ReplyDeleteI love you to pieces!!! My heart is with you and I am so grateful to have had the chance to take care of you. Love you.
ReplyDeleteAlisa, you have taught us so much. We have loved every minute of being part of your sweet life. We will never forget you and your cowboy surfer at Lake Powell! Those are treasured memories. Someone on the other side must really need you, or how could we let you go? I love you, dear friend. I'll never, ever, ever forget you. Someday, I'll see you again and you will be pain-free and perfect, but you will still be the same "you" and we will talk all about old times. Thank you for being my friend.
ReplyDeleteAlisa and Josh, your examples of faith, hope, endurance and love is beautiful. My trials pale in comparison, but I can face them with courage from what I have learned from you. What a blessing to have experienced life through Alisa's eyes. May this transition be of peace, as she walks through the door to loving arms.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite artists is Celine Dion, and she wrote a beautiful song called FLY when her niece was taken far too young. These past few days as I've contemplated Josh's post, I keep thinking Alisa's celestial spirit is FAR TOO BEAUTIFUL for this place... AND I WON'T FORGET!
We love you guys and are praying for you.
ReplyDeleteMasterpiece "A"
ReplyDeletea tribute by Julia Whitehead
Because Alisa's life is a masterpiece.
And it is only Part A.
Classy red pea coat,
a devoted Valentine.
Ginger orange companion
on long-legged strolls galore.
September's yellow leaves
captured by her lens.
Lime green platform sandals,
a bright size 10- at least.
Baby blue beach bike
*basketed * to boot!
Passionate cheerleader
for purple jerseyed boys.
Pink peony bushes
nursed within her beds.
Black bean burritos
pleasure to a palette refined.
White, angelic presence
Always will be felt
By we who have experienced
Alisa's golden touch.