What a piece of work is a man

So this morning I got a phone call from my Mom. She had just found out that my step Brother Raphael was killed in action while serving in the US Army over in Afghanistan. That was definitely not the news I was expecting to hear. Just the day before I was thinking about how he would be coming home in a few months. I don't think things have really sunk in completely yet.


KSL did a small piece on him, they interviewed Andrey, another of my step brothers. You can watch the clip here: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=16413923
ABC4 also has a clip here: http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Utah-soldier-dies-in-Afghanistan/wIqBq3Ea20Gf0phzifYMeA.cspx
Fox13 News: http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-ogden-soldier-killed-south-ogden-soldier-killed-in-afghanistan-20110718,0,2838902.story and http://www.fox13now.com/videobeta/9f0bbadc-272d-4433-95cf-ddb925f856e4/News/Brother-of-fallen-soldier-says-he-was-inspired-to-join-the-military
News 2 http://connect2utah.com/news-story?nxd_id=156477
The story was even covered in Brasil : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WhKOHYv03c&feature=player_embedded and http://www.demamacedo.com.br/2011/07/paraibano-morre-no-afeganistao-vitima.html
Article in the Salt Lake Tribune: http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile/52210899-78/arruda-andrey-brother-raphael.html.csp


Today was a good day. I am staying with my cousin down in Payson for a little while and today she taught the lesson in Sunday School. Her lesson was on the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I thought it was such a tender lesson. It made me so grateful for the knowledge that I have and the comfort that the Savior brings. I know that death is not the end, and that the way is paved for all men to live again.


While I was getting ready to post the news story I had two Shakespeare quotes pop into my head.  
Hamlet:
"What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how
infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and
admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like
a god!"

MacBeth:
"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."

I always find Shakespeare's words so interesting. I don't agree with everything that he wrote, but there is always something that provokes thought. The one thing that I have been thinking about is just how fragile life is. We do not know how long we will have to live on this Earth - sometimes it feels like we will live forever, have all the time in the world, and then things like this happen. Rapha was so young, I still can't believe he is gone, but I trust in God. I know that this won't be easy for my family but I know that there is a purpose in it. Rapha had a good heart and was so loyal and full of life. I know he will be missed by many including myself.

If I Die Young - The Band Perry - I have this song stuck in my head. I love the melody, although I found the words a little strange. After watching the video I caught the reference to the Lady of Shalott by Tennyson but I the phrase 'a sharp knife of a short life' keeps repeating in my mind. 

RIP Rapha, jumpa lagi

Summer Continues

So the summer continues... it is almost half way through July... when did that happen??
As always, Life is Good! I finished my internship, helped out with the NW Parade of Homes. Check out my other Blog for an update on that. I went down to Payson to stay with my cousin for a bit.

Basically the things that have been occupying my time are, hanging out with family, catching up on Burn Notice Season 2, and Supernatural (Season 1). Been working on my tan in preparation for some beach and water park time when I go to Virginia next month.. oh and reading! I have read two books by Shannon Hale lately. She is awesome - this summer I finished off the Books of Bayern, and recently read Book of a Thousand Days, and the Princess Academy.

The other things that have been taking my time are starting my own business. Yup that's right. Basically I had an opportunity for work, but needed to start my own business so I did. Just waiting on some things to get approved and signed and then I can get to work.

...and lastly I have been working on some ideas for a couple of design competitions. Which reminds me, I need to get a move on, the first entry is due Aug 1st!

Events this coming week ... Cousin's birthday, Wedding Reception in Provo, Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 2, Bridal Shower and another Wedding Reception. It'll be grand!