Page 4 November 2 0 1 4 Life’s lessons bring thanks By Amanda Goossen The last two months have been filled with lessons for me. Lessons of being thankful for what we have and giving constant love to those around us. When I was 18 years old, I was a hostess in a restaurant. There was a family who came in a few times a week and one man, a man larger than life, was obviously the patriarch. He would enter with his two young sons, remarkably cute little boys dressed with significant detail. His wife was always at his side. She had a certain amount of grace that cannot be explained. The family was impressive. They caught your eye. The man’s name was Dan. He would often have other people with him as well. They looked to be his brothers. Each had the same strong jaw and great hair. They walked tall and with purpose. I would soon find out that one, the youngest of the crew, was Dan’s oldest son. They would all gather for dinner. They always kissed each other on the cheek and put their arms around each other. They were a team. They had a bond. One year later I married Dan’s oldest son. It was the greatest day of my life. I believe it was one of the greatest days of Dan’s life as well. Dan Goossen had a true belief in two things: family and God. His kids all went to Catholic school and he never missed a Sunday Mass. He wanted his family members around him. He loved them. He found comfort with them. They were his team. For a man who built his life in the sports business, you are nothing without your team. And boy, did he welcome me onto his team. The day his son was married, I saw a smile on his face that meant appreciation and pride. He radiated joy; he walked even taller. The only moment I remember him happier was the day his granddaughter was born, three years later. She would become the absolute apple of his eye. During Labor Day weekend this year, my beloved father-in-law went to the hospital, not feeling well. Pain led to surgery and eventually a cancer diagnosis. On September 29, before the sun even rose, Dan passed away. It was a moment that took our breath away. I tell you this, my friends, not because I want to bring you down, but because as we all know, life is too short. We lose the ones we love. What my family has been through over the last two months has taught me about the meaning of love. The things we do for our family and our friends in a time of need are truly remarkable – the way people can rally, can connect, can hold each other up. For that, I am thankful. live love arcadia Read Us Online Now! Online arcadianewsonline.com by Frederick Knott adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher NOVEMBER 13 - 30, 2014 ARIZONATHEATRE.ORG | 602-256-6995 2014/15 SEASON SPONSORS: I. MICHAEL AND BETH KASSER PERFORMING AT THE HERBERGER THEATER CENTER Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available Meet our teachers, see our cutting edge technology and see our completely new facilities! Visit our Open House on Nov. 7 from 9am – 2pm and see us in action! 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8

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