In Loving Memory

I don't even know where to begin this post. I have so much to say.

Earlier this week one of the greatest men I have ever known passed away. I was at work ready to end my shift and leave for the day when my dear friend Elise came in. She was getting ready for her closing shift and we were just chatting as normal when she was like oh by the way... Brother Timothy died this morning. 

I wasn't shocked by the news since he has been battling cancer for quite some time, but I was still sad. I was  glad I was done working for the day and could just go talk to my sister. He meant a lot to me and has really had an impact on my life these past 3 years.

Let me start from the beginning. Like, primary. The boys and girls my age in the Welby 3rd ward aren't exactly...friends. We've never ever gotten along super well and definitely don't hang out. We never sit together at activities and have separate sides of the room in our classes. When the Timothy's were called to be our teachers this all changed. Craig had this lovely idea of giving us a seating chart. He made us get to know others and sit with people we didn't know so that we would actually listen to our lessons. Also, for the first 15 minutes of every class we would go around the room and share one thing from the previous week. This gave us a chance to talk and get to know each other. Sometimes they would have us say one thing we learned about someone that we didn't know before. They unified us and made us feel more comfortable talking to each other. It reminds me a lot of the movie Freedom Writers. (Way to go Mr. Olpin. Something you taught me in my English class actually applies to my life) When people start to have a better understanding of the people around them, incredible things happen.

They helped us understand the scriptures and always gave us quality lessons. We studied the Old Testament,  New Testament, and The Book of Mormon with them. Craig always gave us a challenge to be better in our lives. He made us report back to him and follow up on the things we had been learning. 

We had our own Sunday School Facebook group and had parties from time to time. We had lessons over Skype when Craig went out of town and Janet was still there to teach us. I mean who does that?! Most people just get a sub and forget about their class when they leave but not him. He made sure he could at least call and listen to our news of the week when he was gone. They really did genuinely care about us. Plus they ALWAYS gave us treats which was awesome. Even on Fast Sunday Janet would pass around the bag of assorted gum. I can't even tell you how many cinnamon rolls and choco tacos I ate before Sacrament Meeting. It was the best :)

When we found out he was sick it was hard for all of us. He still continued to come and teach us even when I know he felt like crap. He was the ultimate example of sacrifice and priorities. He always had a good attitude and made sure that we were being taken care of. I really appreciate all the words of wisdom he gave us. The last week he was able to come to our class he thanked us for all we'd done for him. He told us to keep our testimonies strong and to be nice to everyone. All I could think was how on earth could we have possibly done anything for you? You were the one who taught us and stayed with us until the very end. He never asked to be released and give up. I'm so very thankful for him and his wife. His children as well. That family rocks and I'm so glad that I have gotten to know them so well over the past few years.

Brother Timothy will always be someone I look up to. I miss him a lot but I know he's happy in heaven. And I will forever be thankful for the things he has taught me. :)