*The Rhoades*: Tribute to Josh.

I don't even know where to start...

Last Sunday morning, I got a call from my dad. Preston came in and woke me up (It was around 6:00 am). Preston said my dad was on the phone and needed to talk to us. (calling Preston's phone, which doesn't usually happen if my dad is just calling me). I immediately knew something was wrong. My dad's voice was shaky and sad and he told me my dear cousin Josh had been killed in a motorcycle accident the night before. It's a good thing I was in bed because I would have collapsed. My heart shattered. My Joshy... Gone... I want you to know that he was wearing all the proper gear and and was driving safe. It was a pure accident. Right away, Preston and I made plans to get to Ut ASAP. We got up there a few day's before the services. It seemed (and still does) seem so surreal. We made our first stop at Craig and Annette's house.. Josh's house. I was in awe of all the support, cards, food, plants/flowers, calls, visitor's that have come in for my family. Josh touched many people. He was an avid hockey player, loved life to it's fullest, there was NEVER a dull moment when he was around, he was also a Marine and just a couple of year's ago, served 7 month's in Afghanistan. I could go on and on about the amazing guy and cousin he was. He was 21 year's old. My brother Chris and Josh always had a special relationship.. brother's. Josh and Chris were the two of the three oldest boy cousin's. You could always count on Josh and Chris hanging around each other and causing trouble but also sweet, loving brothers. My heart goes out to my aunt and uncle... my second parents... my girls Nichole, Kelsey and McKenna. Josh's sisters. My heart hurts and is so sad. I can't imagine the sorrow they are going through. I don't think I have ever cried this much... ever. We are all so emotionally and physically exhausted. I just pray that Craig and Annette and the girls can find a new "normal" and happiness in their home again. We know it won't be the same without Josh, but I hope they can find peace and comfort. We are so happy for the knowledge of where Josh is and that we will see Josh again. I will put pictures up of our trip/funeral. The funeral pictures will speak for themselves. Let me just tell you... it was beautiful. The family and the Marine's did an amazing job.

Before the funeral, we were able to do a little hiking and spend time with family. I got to see my adorable nieces and nephew. That helped.. it helped to get out and go hiking. I miss UT mountains like no other. AZ has nothing on UT when it comes to the great outdoor's. We were all trying to stay occupied and have a little fun because let's be honest, this week was one of the longest week's any of us has ever had. Especially Sunday and Monday.

Sisters

3 of my favorite little one's

First day of meeting Zoe. She's a doll.

Cadence Photography

Oh Mountains, how I love you! Brought some peace and calm-ness to the week.

Okay, these 3 playing house was one of the funniest things ever. If only I could have recorded the hours of them playing and all their "play" conversations.

Opa and Stockton. We find random things to play with like gift bags.


Opa and Cadence.

Now for the hard part..

This was the day Josh came home from California where he was stationed at 29 Palms and where the accident happened. I was not there, the family wanted to keep it as a small group. Understandable. But my dad did capture a couple of pictures.

At the airport.

The night of the viewing after a big rainstorm. (my dad took this)

The funeral procession's escort to the cemetery. The Patriot Guard's. Amazing, kind people.


Sergio presenting the flag to the family. Sergio was one of Josh's best friends. Sergio was with Josh the night the accident happened. Sergio (and all these other guys) will always be a huge part of our family. I gained about 10 other cousins this weekend.

The parents.

The sisters.

This girl can always make me smile.

Best Friends Forever. Josh's oldest sister and my cousin Nichole. She is soon to be a mommy and I cannot wait! Love you Nichole.

Absolutely love these guys. Josh, Philip, Sergio. We've gotten to know these guys quite well, with Thanksgiving, Christmas and them visiting us here in AZ. Love you boys. Thank you for all you do and for being great friends/brother's to Josh.