April 18, 2013 - Albion Lodge - Alta, Utah
I am Rosanne Power, Renae’s mother and Kaya’s Grandmother. I am speaking on behalf of Renae’s dad, Craig, Renae’s brother and sister, Brandon and Erin. We are feeling a most confusing mixture of pride and sorrow.
Today I want to focus on how proud we were of Craig’s wonderful parenting skills. When he came through the door home from work he just seemed bigger than life. He seemed to light up the room. Tall, handsome, rugged with his effervescent smile, Kaya would run into his arms and he would throw her up in the air. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged and hugged her DaDa.
Craig adored his little girl. I heard him time and again say, “Kaya, you are sooo cute! “Kaya you are adorable” “Hey, Pup, I love you Pup!”
I remember sitting at the counter and Kaya asking a question about the plumbing work he was doing. Craig took the time to give an explanation. Kaya just soaked up every word he said and would later repeat what she learned from her DaDa. Not only did these lessons happen around the house, but on hikes or river trips I’d hear him explain things about the stars and all kinds of nature. He was a wonderful teacher. He taught her to respect Mother Earth and why that was so important. I remember thinking what a smart girl Kaya would be from all the knowledge her DaDa was eager to impart to her.
And on the ski slope - I thought how lucky Kaya was to have two expert skiers teaching her to ski. Craig would say, “Keep those poles out in front of you like this.” Skiing backwards he would say, “Kaya, I like the way you ski so smoothly and effortlessly.”
Then discipline – of course Kaya’s grandparents think Kaya is perfect but Craig and Renae seemed to think discipline was necessary sometimes. I remember Kaya asking Craig “why?” one time and he explained because I’m your daddy and that’s my job. Renae and Craig never raised their voices. One of them would say, “Kaya, we need to have a talk.” One of them would take her aside and explain what she was doing, the behavior they expected and why. Kaya might have some input into the conversation, but in the end understood.
Our last day with Craig was on the slopes at Alta. Kaya and Renae skied on some side trails through the woods. We were with Craig down below and I’ll never forget the expression on Craig’s face when he saw Kaya come flying off a big jump. He said “I can’t believe she did that!” Kaya wasn’t hurt, but was upset that she fell. Craig, in his ever enthusiastic manner told her “That was awesome! Don’t ever worry about falling. That’s how you get good. Jump up and try again and again!!”
Then later, Kaya couldn’t understand why she couldn’t go in the bar area and we got to hear Craig’s explanation about rules in life – things I never would have thought to say.
So, I stand here today very thankful! Thankful that our granddaughter had TWO incredible parents to lay the foundation of her life that will undoubtedly lead to a most amazing woman.
I’d like to close with asking you to think of all the employees known and unknown to you, who like Craig quietly go about the business of completing their appointed jobs with courage and dedication. Let’s pledge to honor his memory by feeling and showing gratitude to all those who perform dangerous jobs. Wouldn’t it be lovely if one of his legacies would be ripple upon ripple of gratitude and appreciation toward those who are willing to take risks in order to keep the rest of us safe?
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