Isn't it incredible (and kind of scary) how one little thing can turn into a life-altering chain of events? Everyone has their stories, this is mine.
One day in August 2009, my dad called me and asked if I would like to go to New York with him. I had so many reasons to stay home, but how could I pass up an opportunity like that? So, two weeks later, it was just my dad and me in the city that never sleeps. New York is indescribable, it feels like a whole different world, you HAVE to experience it for yourself to appreciate its vast size, busy-ness, and feeling!
We went to a Met's game, saw Wicked on Broadway, viewed the whole city from the top of the Rockefeller building, ran in Central Park, and most importantly went to 2 Yankee's games. Why would going to a baseball game be so important? Well, before the 2nd game started, my dad and I went into a little Yankee's souvenir shop and bought a cute Yankee's jacket for me. The week ended too quickly and we went back home to our normal lives.
2 months later, it was mid-semester and the MLB postseason, the Yankee's were playing the Angel's, so I decided to wear that Yankee's jacket to class. Before leaving my house, I told my mom, "A boy is going to talk to me today because of this outfit." I was kind of joking, kind of serious. I got to my Abnormal Psychology class a few minutes early and I sat in my normal seat near the door. A handsome boy, whom I had never talked to, walked in, looked right at me, and said, "Yankee's huh?"
I had a million reasons to decline my dad's offer to impulsively go to New York that August: I would miss the whole 1st week of fall semester, I was participating in a triathlon 2 days after we would get home, I would have to ask for time off work... BUT It's a good thing I accepted his offer because that handsome boy who said, "Yankee's huh?" is now my husband.
Craig Richard Park, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away March 15, 2011 surrounded by his family due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis. Craig was born August 20, 1940 to John Sidrick Park and Stannie Amelia Burt Park and was the youngest of seven children. He was raised in Bennion and attended Granite High School. He served a two and a half year mission in Paris, France from 1960-1963. He married his eternal sweetheart, Barbara Rae Bailey, in the Salt Lake Temple September 6, 1963. They were blessed with five sons and one daughter and 21 grandchildren. He loved time spent with his grandchildren; each one knew they were his favorite. He was a gifted cabinet maker and passed that skill onto each one of his sons and son-in-law. He was also an accomplished pianist and trumpet player. Craig was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings throughout his life including a recent mission with Barbara to the Congo and South Africa where they developed many close relationships. Preceded in death by his parents and five brothers. Survived by his wife Barbara, sister Beth Smith (Joseph), children Spencer (Robyn), Bryan (Terri), C.J. (Lisa), Russell (Amber), Michelle Nelson (Jared), Jason (Joslyn), and 21 grand-children. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 19th at 12:30 p.m. at the Bluffdale 5th Ward Chapel, 15040 South 2040 West. A viewing will be held Friday, March 18th from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy (10600 S.) and on Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. prior to services at the church. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South.
