Dakota Bradyn Twiss

     I have been procrastinating to write this post because it will make this bad dream become a reality.  But life must move on and instead of dwelling on heartache life gives us the opportunity to see the light in times of darkness and to become better individuals.

     While Ryan and I were house hunting in Massachusetts, I received a phone call early Sunday morning on April 27th from my sister, saying that my dear niece was gone from this Earth life due to a car wreck.  It was the worst phone call I have received.  So much went through my mind once the words registered.  Sleeping was no longer a thought, but just the desire to get home to Idaho as soon as possible.

     Life is definitely full of lessons.  Yes, just a few years ago I lost my precious grandmother to health issues, but I never realized that death of the elderly versus children is something extremely different and even more difficult to understand.  Dakota was just one week away from her senior prom and 4 weeks away from graduating high school.  So much life ahead of my beautiful niece, so much to question why and possibly be angry at, but yet looking back there was never an ounce of anger felt.  Yes, I am LDS or some may know as Mormon and yes I have a true belief that families are for forever, no question about that in my mind, but sometimes your belief is tried to make it even stronger.

     Getting to Idaho couldn't happen soon enough, but once it did (so thankful my preceptor understood and gave me a whole week off) being with family and seeing the amazing response from Paul/Rupert, Idaho made me realize something about death.  Death can't be overcome, but what death does for us is seal those precious memories of our loved ones.  Dakota was loved and I always loved my niece, she had such a big and beautiful heart.  She was my little side kick ever since she joined our family.  But what I felt more was this amazing peace and comfort that my Heavenly Father bestowed upon my family at this time.

     One of the greatest gifts our Heavenly Father gives us on this Earth is family.  I believe I was blessed with one of the greatest.  My extended family is huge and is no stranger to me.  My cousins are some of my best friends.  At hard times in life, family is what will help make our burdens feel lighter.

     Dakota's favorite color was yellow.  The night of her viewing, it was suppose to be from 6-9 pm, but it started early at 5 pm and went until 10 pm.  It was estimated that over 1000 people came to the viewing.  It was unbelievable to see the amount of high school friends wearing yellow to come and see Dakota.

     The funeral was nothing short of amazing and beautiful.  My dear niece JaQuoy (Dakota's sister) sang with Ryan "Nearer My God to Thee."  It was performed with perfection and will always give me remembrance of Dakota.  There was so much peace during the program that the moments of tears were because of the knowledge knowing that Dakota was happy and with our Father in Heaven. There were cheerleaders from all over Southeastern Idaho and friends from high school all in yellow.  I once again realized my love for small towns and how many are not friends, but family.

My family is my rock in my life.  Family helps fill in all of the holes that one feels in times of loss.

My Sisters Are My Best Friends

My main men: Pappy, Woody, and Ryan

     I will truly miss you Dakota.  You were my minnie me.  There will always be a place missing when are family is together, but may you be our light in this time on Earth to lead us back to you in Heaven.  Thank you for blessing our life for a short 18 years.  Thank you for being the angel that you are who blessed my life more than you may know. May you always be over our family and know our love for you.

Last Day of Pharmacy School

     Well by golly, I finally did it.  It has been what felt like a long time coming, but I finished my last day of Pharmacy school.  It definitely wasn't the plan/course I had intended, but I am very thankful that I was able to do graduate school with Ryan.  Somehow I got lucky with everything working out to transfer from ISU's Pharmacy School to Midwestern's Pharmacy School so Ryan and I wouldn't have to spend 3 years apart.  Here is a big Hip Hip Hooray!!!

First Day

Last Day 

Of course I had to bring celebratory cupcakes

Last Day of Medical School

I can't believe it and neither can Ryan, but Ryan finished his last day of medical school on April 24!  Can I get an Hallelujah!!!!

Luckily, Ryan had a pretty chill last rotation.  The doctor was actually normal and remembered what it was like to be a student and how crazy this time of life is with moving and just being overworked.

I think these next few pictures about sum up how you feel at the beginning of medical school and your last day.

First Day 2010

Last Day 2014

I couldn't be more proud of Ryan.  I saw him grow exponentially as a student and as a person.  He worked so hard and left everything on the table.  I am so excited for us to move on to our next adventure to see what life has in store for us.  Sure am proud of you RyRy!

Greg's Wedding

     Ryan's best friend, but pretty much his brother found a great girl and was married on April 25th.  Greg is the greatest friend there could be for Ryan.  Those two are inseparable and have been since they were young.  Luckily we were able to get time off to make it to Idaho for his wedding.  We flew into Pocatello Thursday night and were greeted/picked up by these beauties.

It was a beautiful day at the Idaho Falls Temple.  Close to almost four years since Ryan and I were married.  We were sealed for Time and All Eternity in the same room that Greg and Katie were.  Such beautiful words were said that day and it was amazing to see Greg and Katie so happy.  Sometimes in the whirlwind we call life, it is great to stop and realize the great gifts are Heavenly Father gives us.

After the Wedding, we headed to their reception in Pocatello.  I just love these two's relationship.  It's hard to find true friends.  I'm glad that Katie and I are so much a like to be able to put up with these two.

After all the wedding festivities we were able to get some quick family time.  We had family pictures for the Finn's.  These three brothers are so much alike and keep life entertaining.

We did the traditional Hess Honey meal and grabbed a good steak at Texas Roadhouse

It was a fantastic, quick weekend home to celebrate marriage and family, some of the greatest blessings our Heavenly Father gives us.

Massachusetts

     Well, I better start to learn how to spell Massachusetts correctly because we are headed to Worcester, Massachusetts for the next four years for Ryan's residency in Anesthesia.  Don't worry I am already practicing up on my Boston accent.  Worcester, pronounced "Wustah", is the last suburban city of Boston inland about 35 miles.

     Ryan will be doing his residency at UMASS medical center.  I am currently looking for a pharmacist job as well.  We are really excited to be heading back east to New England and to get to explore America's great history.  We will probably become Boston Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics fans.

     We were able to take a weekend to get away to go and find a place to live.  Needless to say, it will be a big culture shock living back east.  We found a cute old victorian house that was built in 1890.  It is a "multi" family home.  We are on the second floor and it is about 5 minutes away from Ryan's hospital.  It was quite an adventure to find a place to live, but luckily we were able to get it done in a weekend.

We also have a great bakery directly across the street that makes canolis, so of course we had to buy our first try at them.

     We are excited for this new adventure ahead of us!  Worcester, we will see you in June!