Saturday morning I received a phone call from my best friend in high school. She told me that one of my other best friends, Dallin Ellsworth, died in a plane crash along with nine others, including his father, the night before. It was a strange thing to listen to her, because it didn't seem real; I couldn't believe that something like that would actually happen.
I know that whatever pain and heartache I feel is nothing compared to his family's, especially his sweet wife. Dallin was such a good guy. He was very accepting of others, he always kept others' feelings in mind, he was always excited to have fun, he was funny and kind of silly, and all the mothers wanted him to marry their daughters because he was respectful and made everyone feel better about themselves. This tragedy is a reminder for all of us to forgive quickly, to love freely, to repent daily, and to more fully appreciate the plan of salvation. Life is too short and fragile to hold on to the negative.
Please keep Dallin's family in mind when you pray. I'm sure they'd appreciate any prayers offered in their behalf. They have shown such strength during this extremely hard time, but I'm sure they need added strength to continue.
Thanks, Dallin, for the wonderful memories. I will never forget you or the lessons you taught me.
I know that whatever pain and heartache I feel is nothing compared to his family's, especially his sweet wife. Dallin was such a good guy. He was very accepting of others, he always kept others' feelings in mind, he was always excited to have fun, he was funny and kind of silly, and all the mothers wanted him to marry their daughters because he was respectful and made everyone feel better about themselves. This tragedy is a reminder for all of us to forgive quickly, to love freely, to repent daily, and to more fully appreciate the plan of salvation. Life is too short and fragile to hold on to the negative.
Please keep Dallin's family in mind when you pray. I'm sure they'd appreciate any prayers offered in their behalf. They have shown such strength during this extremely hard time, but I'm sure they need added strength to continue.
Thanks, Dallin, for the wonderful memories. I will never forget you or the lessons you taught me.
12 comments:
Is that the Dallin you dated? I heard about that crash and that everyone was from Cedar City, but it didn't even occur to me that you might know someone. I'm so sorry and we will keep them in our prayers. It's amazing how fast life can change.
I'm so sorry about your friend. Thank goodness for the knowledge we have! They are in our prayers.
Oh I am so sorry Katie. Like Erika said, we're so blessed with the knowledge of the plan of salvation. I heard Pres. Faust give a talk about trials and he said "It would not be fair IF there was no life after this. But there is." Sometimes I think that's the only thing that makes hard situtaions like this make sense.
Katie - I enjoyed reading your thoughts and memories of Dallin. I had no idea you grew up in Cedar City. My hometown is Circleville (Piute) so I spent a lot of time in Cedar City growing up. What a small world we live in. Dr. Ellsworth was my family's dermatologist. I met Dallin when we were juniors in high school at Governor's Honors Academy. He was such a great person and so much fun to be around. It sounds like you were great friends - I'm so sorry. I never met his wife but my thoughts and prayers have been with her and the rest of their family. Thank you for sharing.
~Channa Dalton
Katie, I don't know if have gotten this information but i wanted to let you know in case you did not. the following I received from Christine Welsh Leavitt
The plane crash last night has left all of us feeling greatly saddened for the loss of many amazing people. As you know, Dallin was one of those on board, and his wife is currently eight months pregnant with their first child - a little boy. Since Dallin's son will never know his incredible father here on the earth, we want to complie a book (which we will get professionally made and bound) for his son and Kamber. We are hoping for letters that include memories (specific for his son and Kamber) of Dallin showing what kind of amazing person he was. Also, please describe Dallin in as much detail as possible in letters to help his son know him. The letters can be as long (or as short) as you want - and will be typed for the compilation in the book. Also, please include any pictures (either hard copy or scanned in) that you have with Dallin and would be willing to share. Please e-mail all letters and pictures to Christine (Welsh) Leavitt at welsh_christine@hotmail.com and include "Dallin" (or something to that extent) in the subject line. Also, if you have any videos, etc., we are making a "Memory" box that will include these. We would greatly appreciate your contribution. Let me know if you have any questions. Please pass this information along to anyone who knew Dallin and could contribute to such a book.
Christine (Welsh) Leavitt
781 North 1100 East
Provo, UT 84606
(435) 592-2755
Wow, I wasn't expecting to see that when I opened your blog, us here in St. George have been kind in a gloom because of this tragedy and Cedar City mor than us I am sure, everyone knows everyone. Sorry for you loss and will keep the family in our prayers. Curt, my husband is a pilot and has flown that flight many times. I just can't imagine what his wife and family are going through.....thanks for the tribute.
I am so sorry. How sad. I saw it on the news when I was in UT with Teag. Thank heavens for the gospel.
Wow, I started crying when I read about his wife and son...how sad. I will definitely pray for them. I can't imagine how she must be feeling, sadness over her loss, but happiness over her son. Wow, it really makes you think about your own life, doesn't it?
I heard about this crash the other morning on the news - it is terrible. I had no idea that he left his wife and unborn child behind, that saddens me the most. It sounds like they were all loved and the community is doing all they can to remember him. I am sorry for your and their families loss. I can't imagine going through such trials without the church and the knowledge we have - what a blessing indeed!
What a tragic thing to happen to your friend and his family. That saddens me to hear that he left behind a unborn baby and wife. We will keep this family in our prayers.
I am not sure if you heard on the news about the Guatemala plane crash, but I worked with one of the passengers that was killed in that horrific accident. He left 3 small children and a wife behind.
Their is some comfort knowing those that were killed are in good hands right now. Times like this I am so grateful for the knowledge of the church.
So sorry. I have had a couple of friends pass away and it is so hard. It sounds like he was a great person and I am sure he will be missed.
I love how you worded that. Its been hard to me to really explain that these were the best of people.
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