On Wednesday, September 21st I heard news that my father Eugene Karl Horsley had passed away in the night. I am so blessed to have him as my father. He was a great man in so many different ways- He was loved by so many people in the Reno community where he was a pediatrician for 20+ years. I would be a very rich person if I had a dime for everyone that told me that they went to him as a kid, or they take their own kids and how much the loved him.
- He was not too much of a talker, but if you asked him something he was passionate about, you couldn't really get in two words. For example I asked his opinion on organic food. That was a long talk. (he thought it was a load of crap LOL)
- He loved his parents very much. He lost his Father about 18 yrs ago, and I know it was very hard for him. He also loves his mother and is was so protective of her. Her spent a lot of time helping her with her computer and other things over the years.
- He loved genealogy. The last few years he has really gotten into data entry of names for the church. He spent many hours doing the best he could to help with the Lord's work. He also did so much of our own family's genealogy and I am so grateful to have those records.
- Some of my favorite memories with him was boating on Pyramid Lake. We gave some very scary tube rides. (I am surprised I am alive today after some of those rides)
- Another favorite memory is going to six flags and listening to him swear throughout the entire ride.
- He could fix almost anything. I would oftentimes go outside while he was working on a car and hand him some tools.
- He was a very hard worker. He was always doing something to keep his hands busy
- He knew how to play the accordion. I have always wanted him to bust it out and play me a tune, but I never did get that chance
- He was the most generous person that I know. If we needed anything he was always so supportive. Each of us children all have different circumstances but not one of us can deny the fact that he was always there for us not matter what the problem.
- He loved the babies. When the grandchildren starting coming along he was always one of the first to get his hands on the babies. I remember when he first met Lexi he practically pushed Grandma (his own mother) out of the way so he could hold Lexi first.
- He was very stubborn! I know I got that from him, and I was venture to say so did my kids.
- He was accident prone. I swear it is like things jumped out just to hurt him. My mother was not surprised to hear when he needed some stitches.
- He loved ice cream
- He was an impulse buyer, another trait I think I have of his.
- His family was so important to him. We did family vacations every year. They weren't super fancy oftentimes but they were time together.
- He loved to play cards together. He taught me a lot of strategy on some of those games.
- He didn't like the attention on him. It was hard to tell how he was feeling about things because he kept most things to himself.
- He was an honest man and a stickler for the rules. Except when it come to driving. He most definitely was a lead foot driver and impatient. When we visited him in Hawaii last February, he actually got pulled over for tailgating. :)
- He did have a testimony of the Gospel. Though I don't have tons of memories of him going to church for whatever reasons, I knew that it was important to him.
- He was a teaser. Usually I got teased the most. (probably because I was his troublemaker) Whenever I called and was talking to mom, she would bring him the phone and say, "Do you want to talk to Julie?" He would respond, "Why would I want to talk to her?" I would tell him when he got on the phone that of course he did because I am his favorite. :)
- He delivered me when I was born. Once again he always teased me that he dropped me in the kick bucket. (I never really thought that one was too funny)
I love my father and am sad to say goodbye already. I know that I will be with him again someday. I am glad that he is out of the pain and suffering that he has had for so many years. I know that he loved me and was proud of the woman I have become and I am thankful to have that to keep with me always.
A few months ago when I will telling her that she gets to go to school so was NOT happy. Then the last few weeks she has been super excited right up til we got there of course. We had a meet and greet thing with her teacher and Lexi was fine but did not want to go back. I think the only way I was able to convince her was that her best friend Ella was going to be there. She cried then I told her to give me a hug because I had to leave. She did and walked away. When I picked her up she seemed fine but she is not that excited to go back. I know she just needs some time but eventually I think she will love it and be one of those kids that won't be quiet. Just like her parents. :)
The kite museum:
Danielle with her homemade kite that mommy helped her make.
Pony rides:
Danielle did NOT like this pony.
