Jared

Last week we received news that one of our friends, Jared Johansen, had passed away in his sleep. He went to sleep Tuesday night and passed during the night. John was in Jared's ward when they were young, they went golfing once at Half Moon Bay when they were around 12/14 and still talked about it. The Johansen's moved into my ward when we were in middle school (Jared is a year older than me, so two years younger than John). Jared and I were in the same Sunday School class from then on, and also had a class together Junior year (photography) where we sat next to each other. John knows them better (Alan was his scout master) but since Jared and Tiffany moved into our ward almost 2 years ago, we have gotten to know both of them better. Alan has been serving as our bishop. Tiffany comes to our playgroup and music makers, so their 17 month old Reese has played with our kids a lot. Tiffany is expecting another daughter in January.

John and I have had a lot of time to think about this and have gone up and down in emotions. When we think of the eternal perspective, it doesn't sound so bad. We are all working to do what we should so that we can return to be with our Father. Jared just got there before us so we and especially his family will be working to make sure we stay on the path that leads us there. When we think of the everyday it is hard. For Tiffany to be with her daughters and without Jared is heartbreaking. She has a very strong community here and lots of people who love her.

This has for sure made us re-examine our lives and given us a desire to become stronger. We have been making goals and changes and are feeling grateful for the Gospel and each other.

It's also times like these when we are grateful for the work John does. He was able to set up a trust for the girls' education, and get other documents in place for the family. I am glad he is able to help people in one of their strongest times of need and also to help them to prepare for the day that comes.

http://www.jaredjohansenlegacy.com/