Parker Allred

last Friday in seminary, my teacher announced that Parker Allred, a sophmore football player, just got life-flighted to Primary Children's the night before. It started out with the flu, turned into pneumonia, and got worse really quickly. He told us to remember him in our prayers, and then we moved on with the lesson. but for the whole day, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I knew who he was, have heard lots of good things about him, knew what he looked like, and that he was my best friend's cousin. But I didn't really know him. yet I felt like praying for him was the most important thing in the world. as the day went on, I got several texts reminding me to pray, and I found the link to a blog his sister was keeping for him, http://sweetblueeyedboy.blogspot.com/ So as I read about Parker, I would like to say that I had the faith that he would be okay, he would improve and get better and come back to Timpview. but all I felt was confusion and worry. From what I read, some people were hopeful, but in reality, his chance of making it through the night was small. He needed a miracle. I prayed lots, but I didn't feel any better about it.

The next day, Saturday, I woke up and checked my Instagram. the first picture was of Parker, saying some beautiful message and ending it with R.I.P. I felt a bit guilty crying over someone I barely knew, but that didn't stop the tears from coming. Parker was gone. I couldn't process the whole thing. but after seeing one of my friend's facebook posts, saying "Guys, Parker made it. He made it back to Heavenly Father", I finally felt a little better. How lucky we are to know that we can be together after we die. it isn't the end. Because our Savior died for us, we can all be together up in Heaven. He gave us the greatest gift possible, to be able to return to Him and Heavenly Father. I guess that it was just Parker's time to go back home, and that his time on Earth was well spent. It is at God's will, not ours. If a miracle was necessary, it would've happened. but Parker is now in a better place, and it feels so good to know that it's the right place for him. Everything happens for a reason.

"Today's trials are tomorrow's testimonies."
-Thomas S. Monson

On Monday, I had no idea what school would be like. It broke my heart to see students crying. But it made me feel so happy to walk into a school full of students in their Sunday best, signs everywhere, and blue ribbons honoring Parker. His football gear is in a display case in the commons where everyone can see it. everytime I walk past our memorial to him, it reminds me to work hard, like Parker did. To smile, like Parker did. to be kind, like Parker was. I feel at peace, knowing that Parker will always be in our hearts forever, and that we will be able to see him again.

This is Parker's KSL news article. Please watch the video, and try not to cry!