June
29, 2020
Dear
Hal,
Last
week was a Tueller reunion and we had almost everyone in the Vern Tueller
family attend, including six of your seven children. As I drove up the canyon on the way to the
lodge, I felt a little anxious because I guessed that being around your
children was going to make me think of you and miss you, but Hal, it was wonderful
being together! Yes, seeing your
children made me think of you and yes, several times during the reunion I felt
a pang of heartache missing you, but it was so great to be with your children,
and everyone else. I’m guessing that for your children, being around all of
your siblings made them feel a little pang of heartache too.
The
biggest surprise of the reunion was that Grandpa Tueller drove up the canyon
with Mark, used his walker to move from the car to a comfortable chair, and
stayed for several hours! Everyone in the family was able to visit with Grandpa,
and your children and grandchildren were so nice to him. Little Bo rubbed his
arm and was concerned with an injury on Grandpa’s hand. The generations were definitely linked and
there was a feeling of love and concern for Grandpa.
You
can be so proud of your children! They
are amazing! They have grown so close
and they handled assignments unitedly and with great enthusiasm and generosity. Your children contacted me several times
before the reunion asking what they could do to help. They were quick to step
in and help no matter the assignment. We were served a delicious breakfast and
a children’s lunch, thanks to them. We enjoyed singing together, thanks to
them. Natalie and Denise helped with
crafts, Sam and Paige led out on the night games, Trent gave a devotional, and Brittney and Matt bought us all specialty
tacos. And your grandchildren—Hal, they are so wonderful! They came into the
reunion knowing almost no one there and yet stood out in their friendliness and
total participation. We loved being with
all six of them! Lucy received a lot of attention and she deserved every bit of
it. She was very well behaved and put up
with the “passing around,” as everyone wanted a turn holding her. Emery impressed the crowds at the dance party
by initiating novel dance moves and keeping the fancy footwork going for an
extended period of time! Quinn loved pulling a mini rolling suitcase down the
hallway to her room. Brittney’s children
were friends to all, and all of the children loved those three. They were quick
to say “thank you,” quick to hug, and quick to smile. We adore your six grandchildren, and we want
to spend more time with them.
Most
of all, I think you would be proud of your kids for completely stepping in and
supporting this reunion. We were so
strengthened by all of them. They have
borne some heavy trials in life, and yet they are positive, optimistic, fun,
and they are carrying on. They are so strong Hal. You raised them with backbone. You raised them to have humor and laugh and enjoy
life, but also to be wise and steadfast.
You raised them to be good parents, and they are raising their children
so well! They bring honor to your name and I love and admire each of them.
I
want to tell you that you are not forgotten. You are still (and always will be)
an important part of this Tueller family! No one can replace you and you are
sorely missed! The way you faced hardship is such an example to me. I know you
didn’t choose things to be the way they were, but you kept positive and hopeful,
and made the best of it. I miss your laugh and all the funny things you said
and did. I miss seeing you and being with you, but I am grateful for the times
we had together and I look forward to being with you again someday. I love you
Hal Pitcher Tueller!
Love,
Janine
