Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Happy Birthday Dustin

Dusty would have been 37 years old on September 22 this year. He lost his courageous battle against melenoma cancer 5 years ands 1 month ago. He fought hard for his life trying traditional as well as alternative medicines, nothing worked.
Even when he was soo ill he would still warm your heart, and light up the room with his smile and his laughter.

During his time here Dusty had a passion for life, especially for the outdoors. It was his to explore and enjoy all aspects of it! From the time he was a little boy until his death, he loved being in the mountains. In the summer he loved camping, fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding on his favorite horse Harley. The winter brought skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowmobiling. Dusty started golfing at a young age and announced to us he was going to be a golf pro when he grew up.

When he lived and worked at Pack Rat Pawn in Montana he played hard with his cousins the Reisbeck boys They had boats, His was a speed boat, the Shady Lady, They rode Harleys, his was a sportster, they all had snowmoblies and they torn up the slopes.

As a brother he looked out for his little sisters. He loved his little sisters, Gentry, Reagan, and Summer. Mostly he loved to tease them. They all played and laughed together, they did everything together. We did many things as a family, camping in the Uintahs where he caught his first fish, swimming at pineview, Lagoon, the Zoo and many vacations.

Dusty loved going to Rendezvous. He loved to shoot his black powder rifle, throw his tomahawk. He participated in all the activities and games. At night sitting around the campfire in his buckskins singing and listening to tall tales was his favorite part. He had many Rendezvous friends and when we are at Rendezvous now we all have a get together to toast and remember the ones we have lost.

Dustys nieces and nephews adored him. He would play and tease and tickle. He was there when each of them were born and came to every birthday party.
He had many friends growing up, the Shiffletts, Rigbys, Beaker, Hulls, Eric, Todd, and George and many more. Each had a special place in his heart and wonderful memories of many good times.

When Dusty was little he loved Cherry Hill. We swam and plyed miniature golf almost everyday. Dusty, the Shifflett boys, and the Rigby boys, were the first ones to go down the blue waterslide to test it out.

Growing up in the mobile home park Als Apple Acres Dusty spent alot of time "helping" his grandpa. You would see them walking hand in hand or riding the tractor together.

He loved the holidays, Halloween he would always dress up. Thanksgiving he could put more food away than humanly possible. Christmas was always magical for him. He loved being withh his family more than anything.
When we moved to Erda and bought horses he spent alot of time here. He loved being around the horses and riding. We went on many rides together, often with George, and Todd.

Dusty and Scott had a wonderful relationship. They would have heart to heart talks, and they shared their thoughts and intrests. They were truly the best of friends and loved each other.

He was a beautiful baby often mistaken for a little girl, a precocius toddler, mischeivious toddler, imp as a child, funloving (sometimes too much so !) teenager, aspiring young man and a wonderful father to his then two daughters.
The girls were the joy of his life, Jossi and Savannah. He was so caring and kind with them and enjoyed every minute with them. And the thought of having twin boys thrilled him, although he knew in his heart he wouldn't be raising them. I'm sure he was able to meet and love them in heaven and is their gaurdian angel now.

I'm so proud of Dustin, for the man he had become. As his Mom we had a very special and loving relationship, many tears and hugs, scrapes and bumps. And I loved him so very much.

He was a wonderful, caring son, loving brother and uncle, special sweetheart, and doting father. We were all blessed to have him in our lives and we love him and miss him every day.

I would love for all of you to write something (more than one if you want) about your time with Dusty. What you remember, something you did , anything you want.

Happy Birthday my son, We love you !!!!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Monday, September 15, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAKAYE !!!!

Shakaye is my oldest granddaughter and much to my dismay just turned 15 years old. Holy cow, that makes me ancient ! She has been such a joy in our lives. She has always been a beauty since the day she was born. With her sweet smile she has charmed us and won our hearts over and over again. When she was first born I had the privlege of having her and her mom Gentry live with me. Such a tiny little blessing brought such love into our home. As a little girl she talked early like her mom did, in complete full sentences. She was always dancing and singing and making us laugh. At the age of eight we started her on horseback riding lessons. She has been showing our Missourri Foxtrotters ever since and is a natural ! She has won countless ribbons and was the Youth Grand Champion. Now she is fifteen going on twenty-five, and charming the boys. Time certainly does fly, it seems only yesterday she was wrapped in a little pink blanket. We all love her dearly and wish her a very Happy Birthday !!!!