Simple Joys

Well over a year ago, I gave a speech. It I hadn't of written it down, I know I wouldn't be able to remember the words I spoke. Those days are still a blur and always will be. 


I gave a speech at the high school memorial service for Ang... a short speech, in which I had to find a way to show the positives to take from Ang's death. How do you do that only one week after her horrific accident? How do you try to send students, teachers and friends off with a passion after such a tragic death? 


I'm not sure. I'm still not sure. But I chose to use Ang's words. I read her papers and stories and stole words... sentences... paragraphs. Because if anyone could do it, Ang could....




Memorial Service Speech (intro removed)---

As we’ve spent time in the last week thinking of Angela and remembering all of our times with her, the one thing that everyone remembers is her smile. That huge, goofy grin that she always had on her face (and is evident in so many pictures).

We haven’t spoken to a single person who hasn’t talked about her smile. So as you think of Angela in the coming days... weeks... months and years… remember that smile and recall a memory that puts a smile just as big on your face too. And allow the simple joys to help put you back together, just as Angela did after hard times. Here is an excerpt from a paper she wrote after losing two family members in a short period of time.

“I believe in the simple joys.  Getting a big hug from my niece, my favorite team celebrating a victory, and my puppy sitting for the first time on command are simple joys I have learned to take pleasure in.  I have developed an appreciation for a beautiful sunset, the little girl smiling at me in the next car, the smell of freshly baked cookies, the warmth of the sun on my shoulders, the taste of rich hot cocoa, and that today is Friday!  By noticing the simple joys, my whole world seems brighter and happier. 

Being grateful and taking account of the big things in life is easy.  Sure, all my basic needs are met.  I have a home, food on the table, clothes to wear, good health, and family and friends who love me.  But as I started becoming aware of the more simple things around me, I began to have hope and to feel alive again.  During my life I will experience times of grief, pain, and suffering, but if I look around the simple joys will always be there to help me through.  I can’t afford to waste another day letting life pass me by.

I believe in the power of simple joys.”

Angela also spent her life standing for something more, living for something more and knowing something more… the Lord. It was a passion she shared with many and a dedication she held strong, something I always admired and respected her for. She was given a gift from God to be able to share her faith with anyone, without hesitation. I think that huge goofy grin helped make it easier. 


I personally recall dinner table conservations with Angela discussing her faith, one in particular when a certain teacher had said some things about Faith and God that she did not agree with… and boy did she let her know and the rest of us know what she stood for.

Angela learned three important lessons at a young age from a wonderful 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Myers. She wrote about these in a recent paper and she would want each and every person here to live with these in mind…

Live each day to the fullest

Trust in God’s Will

And if you haven’t already, Learn to Laugh.

Do these three things in memory of Angela and pass on her huge smile.

She has been the family’s beloved Angel of Faith on earth and now in Heaven.

To this day I still remember standing in the auditorium as they played Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night... students filling in around me... dancing. We did the same thing at our wedding reception... not everyone knew the meaning of the song, but so many did. 

After Ang passed away at UVA, we had to drive home. It was after 1am and we had just been through the hardest moments of our lives. Andy & I drove home in our car. No radio. No talking. We just held hands and drove. And I listened to Tonight's Going to Be a Good Night for a few minutes. The radio was off, but I heard it just like it was coming through the speakers. I wasn't singing it in my head or even thinking about it. I didn't say anything to Andy until later, after that solemn drive home. Turns out, he heard the exact same thing too. I'm not surprised...