Thursday, April 26, 2007

Final post...

We as a family would like to thank all of you who have followed along and been a part of this amazing journey. We have been so blessed to have so many of you praying with us. Your positive comments and messages have given each one of us inspiration and hope. We are so grateful for your support. We also want to maintain the sacredness of this site and the wonderful feelings we have felt because of it. This being said, this blog will not be available after midnight on Thursday May 3, 2007. We are taking down the blog so as to maintain the great spirit of it all and retain all of the great memories that have been shared with us. If you have questions, you know where to contact us. We thank you and love you all.

Butterfly celebration

Monday was a most peculiar day when we convened in Prescott, Az for the final burial of Tyree. It was a very windy and cloudy day but beautiful beyond imagination. As we enjoyed the climate Tyree had one more thing up her sleeve for us. Just as she was arriving the clouds began to shower us with little snowballs; white and heavenly. Only Ty could have convinced the heavenly hosts to turn springtime showers into a mini snowball fight! It only lasted a couple of minutes, but it was a definate sign that Tyree was already up to no good. The simplicity of the burial service allowed all of us to feel at peace especially when the 50-plus butterflies were released, carrying our best wishes for her to heaven. As the indian legend goes, if you whisper your wishes to a butterfly and send it on it's way, the butterfly will carry it to the Great Spirits and the wish will be granted.

Forever in our hearts,Tyree until we meet again.

Monday, April 23, 2007

What can I say more?

I have been off of the blog for about a week as I have been moving and quite honestly haven't known what to say. I am devastated, of course but I am at peace. I have felt the encircling arms of love extended from so many of you, near and far. I can only say that I am so thankful that I know and understand the Plan of Salvation. I know that Tyree lives! I know that I will see her again, of this I have no doubt. I recalled the recent talk by President Thomas S. Monson at this month's General Conference when he spoke about our resurrection and about how death hath no victory. Although I feel as though I have been defeated these past couple of weeks, I know that the Lord is the winner and His plan is the ultimate goal for all of us still 'at war' here on earth. I am so thankful for that knowledge. I also want to say thank you to so many who have called me, emailed, prayed or just thought of me over the past several weeks. This is probably the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. I pray I learn all the Lord has for me to learn so that I will not have to go through this trial again. I am sad (of course!) but I am at peace. Love to all.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Video tribute to Ty from her service

Our friend, Eric Shurbet, put together a wonderful video tribute for the service. We wanted to share it with all of you. Thanks Eric!
Here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGfZVTryXT4

Friday, April 20, 2007

A Funeral... No, No, No!!! A Celebration

Everything was just beautiful! There were about 200 people that attended the services in Cottonwood this afternoon. Everyone in the family was there except Joel his wife and two daughters. Joel was here for 16 days attending to Tyree before her passing and was a tremendous help and comfort to us all. He and his family were unable to make it to the funeral.

When we arrived at 9:00 am this morning the church building was beautifully decorated with many of the flower arrangements that so many of you had donated. The front of the Chapel was filled with many different styles of daisies (Ty's favorite flower in the whole world). It made for a peaceful atmosphere and was very pleasant to be in the midst of vibrant beauty.

In an adjacent room, the casket was placed for the family and general viewing. Tyree was dressed in the simple elegance of the pure white temple garments and was laid comfortably in her casket with a noticeable peace filled look on her face. There were many tears shed while the congregation passed by and paid their final respects to the body that once housed the exuberant spirit of Tyree Corine Miller.

My Dad led the family viewing and prayer meeting. It was beautiful to meet together to support and love one another.

Everyone that came to the services would have rather not met under these circumstances, and we all tried to put on a happy face. But deep down we all had a little pain. We know that the pain is lessened through the power of the Atonement and we are made perfect through Jesus Christ. His peace was upon us today.

After the viewing the congregation moved back into the chapel where the program began at 12:00 noon. It was our goal to have the ceremony last less than an hour (If you know our family you realize this was not as easy as it sounds). Jason opened with a prayer. I spoke first and talked about Ty's life history. I tried to keep it pretty light, the way I think Ty would have wanted me to do it. I told several funny stories about us growing up and how we never fought(OK, that was a joke). I talked of many of our experiences as young adults, and I bore my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel.

Kathleen Holyoak wrote a special musical number which was performed by the young women of Ty's ward. It was as though the angels of heaven were among us as those beautiful words were being sung.

Following the song Erika got up and powerfully taught and testified of the power of the resurrection. She taught gospel doctrines that caused the spirit to burn within each of us. She also related a couple stories about Tyree and how even now through her passing she was continuing to bring people unto Christ. Erika testified that Tyree's spirit was no longer trapped in this mortal body, but was peacefully lingering in the realm of the spirits, embracing those that passed before her.

Chris followed Erika and after thanking the congregation for all they had done for him and his family gave unique insights to Tyree. He related several stories that told of how he and Ty met, how they both loved to serve others, and told of Ty's unquenchable desire to serve the Lord and the young women she serves so faithfully.

The final speaker was Bishop Merwin. He shared several scriptures and personal stories about birth, death, and the resurrection. He bore powerful personal testimony of the Savior and his mission. The spirit followed right behind his words to confirm his message to our hearts. Mom closed the meeting with a prayer.

Today was a special day. I will never forget it.

Travis

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Services


Tyree C. Miller

On behalf of the Miller and Johnson Families, it is with heavy hearts and highest honor to announce the funeral services for Tyree C. (Johnson) Miller. On ******** 2007 there will be a viewing followed by services. All are welcome to come.


For additional questions and donation information to the Tyree Medical Trust, please email Jennifer Johnson at ivanjohnsonpdq@cox.net

Farewell, my daughter

Our beautiful, witty, spirited daughter has completed her mission in mortality.

To those of you who have cried and laughed with us: our heartfelt thanks. To the many who have called, sent cards, written, blogged, emailed, prayed, and come by: please know how much your thoughts and actions have helped us through this difficult time. To you who have given untold hours of service, beautiful flowers and plants, and food fit for royalty: many thanks. Your contributions of time, talents and funds are greatly appreciated. For the many who traveled from across the country and around the world to be with us: please know your sacrifice is noted with love and gratitude.

My heart is full and my words seem so inadequate to tell each of you how much we love and appreciate all you have said and done for us.

Tyree would not want us to dwell in grief and sorrow, but rejoice that she has returned to the arms of our loving Father in Heaven. I was able to spend a good part of this day with her together with her sister, Shiloh, who lovingly brushed and braided her hair. Jason also came by and visited with Chris, who has been so thoughtful and strong. We are so proud of him and are very thankful for the love and happiness he brought into Tyree's life.

Their sweet daughter, Jocelyn, is very much her mother's daughter. She has Tyree's bright eyes and happy countenance and is such a joy. Tyler has added depth and dimension their family as well as laughter and good times. Chris and Tyler will draw strength from one another and their strong bonds of love will see them through.

Chris' mother, Mary, and sister, Natalie, have come and been such a support to Chris, Tyler and Jocelyn, and also to our extended family. Their love and help have carried us when we stumbled. Having them here has been a great blessing.

Services for Tyree are being finalized and will be posted when we know more. Again, please know that we have felt your love and been strengthened beyond measure by your prayers.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Ty's Update

This last week has been difficult to see Ty in the state that she is in. However, she is very comfortable and hanging in there. It is such a surprise to us all that her lungs have been so strong but it is a testament to who Tyree really is-a fighter! The nurses have been great at the Hospice and continue to give Tyree the best of care and sincere support for all of us. The doctors are in routinely to check on her and keep her relaxed. We braided her hair and held her hand. Tyree is so beautiful even in this situation. As we know more we will keep everyone up to date, but know this...that we are so eternally grateful to each and every one of you for your love, support and compassion on behalf of Tyree.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Beautiful song

Tyree,

I wanted you to be able to hear the words to the song that the harpist played for you. It is the most beautiful song and it really touched me when I heard it. The name of the artist is David Haas and he has produced so many inspiring songs. This one is called You are Mine

You Are Mine
David Haas

I will come to you in the silence,
I will lift you from all your fear.
You will hear my voice,
I claim you as my choice,
Be still and know I am here.

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

I am hope for all who are hopeless,
I am eyes for all who long to see.
In the shadows of the night,
I will be your light,
Come and rest in me.

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

I am strength for all the despairing,
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see,
The lame will run free,
And all will know my name.

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

I am the Word that leads all to freedom,
I am the peace the world cannot give.
I will call your name,
Embracing all your pain,
Stand up, now walk, and live!

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

I want you to know Tyree, that I love you and know that you are being carried in the arms of our Lord.

Your beloved sister and friend,
Shiloh