"Smile"

I started out my day on the rd driving, feeling so content & happy. I rolled the window down & let the wind blow through my fingers as I sang at the top of my lungs (something I only do when I'm alone, I can't carry a tune!) I had a new direction, a new goal & I was excited! I looked in my rear view mirror at my beautiful daughter sleeping peacefully & I smiled. As I drove on, a thought kept coming to my mind... always "smile". It hit me so strongly- no matter the situation, how sad, disappointed or mad I might be, whether at her or someone & something else in life, it was important to always end with a smile for her to see. And right then & there in my car, I dedicated myself- when she wakes up or goes to sleep, I will be there smiling, when one of us walks through or out the door I will smile, when she trys my patience or makes a wrong decision, yes I will be upset (not claiming to be mary poppins here) but I will make sure the end result is a smile, with all the love in the world. I realized it doesn't matter how mad I may be, why, what or how hard... I want her to remember, regardless, her mother still smiled. Lets face it, its a hard world these days, our kids need to know they are loved & the one thing that makes us smile everyday. They need to feel they matter & make the world a better place. Smile to show them our strength. Smile so they always know someone loves them no matter what, when or where! As they say, a smile can go a long way, even coming from a stranger when your having a bad day, it makes a difference.  I decided today to teach my children its important to smile even when they dont feel like it, by showing them. One day, I want London to remember her mothers smile & know how happy she made me, no matter what life threw at us. 
I wish the ending to this story was as bright as it began, but unfortunatley after I arrived home, unpacked & put London to bed, I opened up my laptop & received this email.  My heart instantly broke & the tears started to fall as sadness came over me. I can't even begin to imagine what my friend & mother to this beautiful little boy, must be feeling & I found myself saying a prayer. As I said amen, the feeling came over me again & I remembered Bek's smile. He was always, always smiling & no matter how bad a day I was having, whenever Chelsea brought him in to the office, I couldn't help but just smile & light up around him. I believe he taught & inspired me today. Bek's smile & glow touched my heart & is the one thing I remember most.  He truly touched everyone around him with his "smile." 

Beck J Rippy

2007 - 2010

In memory of Beckster, the sweetest soul we've known.

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OBITUARY
Beck Rippy was born on November 12, 2007 to Tyler and Chelsea Rippy of American Fork, Utah. He rejoined his Heavenly Father on April 23, 2010, due to complications with pneumonia.

Beck was, in every sense of the word, a blessing. The perpetual light he carried with him could find its way into even the hardest of hearts. Despite a few developmental challenges, this small boy was able to communicate the love and courage his soul contained.

Beck's happiness, his playful spirit, his angelic countenance, and his teasing smile were contagious to every person who came in contact with him. To see his face would be to look into something greater than all of us-- a peek into heaven.

Beck is survived by his proud parents, his adoring brother Evan (9) and his doting sister Kate (7). He is also survived by his grandparents Jim and Sue Rippy and Randy and Kerry Stenson. His great-grandparents, his many aunts, uncles, and cousins will greatly miss him, and will forever be affected by the short but powerful role Beck played in their lives. We love our Beckster.

Funeral services for Beck will be held Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Hillcrest 2nd LDS Ward Chapel located at 1120 North 150 West, American Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call Monday evening from 6-8 pm at the Hillcrest 2nd Ward Chapel and also on Tuesday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to services. Funeral Directors - Warenski Funeral Home.