Monday, May 28, 2012

Returning Home

Our sweet William returned home to the loving, welcoming arms of his Heavenly Father on Sunday morning, May 27, 2012. His battle with cancer is over, but his legacy of faith, optimism, strength, patience, and adventure will live on forever.We love him dearly and are so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and to know our family is eternal. We are thankful for the gift of his life and those who helped to extend it and enrich it.

Our boys are doing very well. William's passing was sweet and peaceful and we were able to have some precious, sacred family time all together. Our children understand and are comforted by knowing God's plan. We know our family will be together forever and that William is not far away. Clark, 8, was very tender with his emotions and commented with tears in his eyes that he feels William is really, really happy and is still very close. He added, "It feels like he is touching me right now."

We are still making arrangements to celebrate his life. I will post more details in the coming days, but for those of you who are planners, like me, it will not be this weekend. We want to have time to be with our children and not feel like their needs have to be postponed again for William. The tentative plan is:
  • Thursday, June 7--public viewing
  • Friday, June 8--private family day
  • Saturday, June 9--Celebration of Life services

19 comments:

  1. Words can't Express how much I love you all and how grateful I am to be your family. I'm sure Clark will feel Williams presence throughout his life. XOXO

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  2. Amen, Katie! I am so moved by the faith of your family and by William's life and strength. Thank you for sharing it with us. Love you and am thinking about you all! xoxo

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  3. Wonderful Murdocks, you inspire us beyond measure. Our hearts continue to be with you. Thank you for sharing your faith and strength with us. We love you and are so thankful for you. We feel so lucky to be related to William and to all of you.

    Love,
    Sarah, Markus, Peter, and Anja

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  4. Beautiful! You're in our prayers!

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  5. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers. William will be missed. Please let me know if you need help with ANYTHING.

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  6. My heart is full for your family right now. Thoughts and prayers are being sent your way!

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  7. Dear Murdocks, our hearts go out to you. Thank you so much for being willing to share William's and your experience. We have learned so much from your example of faith, love, endurance, and making each moment count. William is a remarkable person and you are an amazing family. We send our love and continue to pray for you.

    Love,
    The Firths

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  8. Julie!
    Chris and my prayers are with you and your family. We hope and pray for comfort and peace for you all in the next weeks and months. Much love!!

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  9. Julie, Our thoughts and prayers are with your sweet family and hope that you take comfort in knowing how much your family and William's story has touched all of our lives for good. We love you, ReNae Orton

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  10. Julie My Thoughts and prayers are with all of you,your sweet family...William story has touch me soso much Julie... Love all of you soso much...

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  11. Julie,

    Our prayers are with you and your boys. What a courageous battle you have all fought. We are glad William is in a better place but are sorry for your loss in the here and now.

    Love,

    Lincoln & Lindsay Nadauld family

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  12. Julie and Family- this is Spencer's Dad W.C.

    Words are just not enough to say how you, William and your entire family (village) have inspired many others. Thank you for sharing your journey, your wisdom, your faith, and all those moments when we were blessed to be with you all and William in the hospital stays and other conversations.

    Our prayers and thoughts are with you, and we will plan to attend the funeral once you have details worked out. Spencer understands what has happened, and really wants to come and celebrate William in person. He is happy that William is among the angels out there and no longer fighting this disease. It never hurts to have an angel you know! It is amazing how mature our sons have become through all of this.

    We love you guys.

    The Pihls

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  13. William is an inspiration to all. You are good parents. God bless your family.

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  14. Ryan and Julie,

    We are so deeply sorry for your loss and so very grateful for your example of faith and love. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love Mitch & Avery

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  15. Dear Murdocks one and all:

    Your example has touched us very much. We appreciate your sharing William and his incredible journey with us. All readers have learned so much. Thank you very much for having charity -- the pure love of Christ - it is true - it never fails. We hope to see you when you come to Utah.....It is time for you to pay us another visit - we'll even get the Firth family up here.

    Love - Nancy Jones

    Prayers and good thoughts are with you.

    Love, Nancy & Jerry Jones

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  16. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

    I have been inspired by your family's dedication, love and strength and have been touched by William's story. It has reminded me, more than ever, that life is a sacred gift and that families really are forever.

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  17. My family's prayers have been with yours and will continue as your journey changes. Remae is my good friend and keeps us updated.
    Love, the Romero family

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  18. Julie and Family,
    I saw a post by Mary, through which I found your blog. I just wanted to say that I am sorry for your loss. I remember seeing you (Julie) with him at a track meet when he was just a baby. He seems to be an amazing child of God, and has touched many lives. You all are a great example of faith and love.
    Love,
    Miriam (Glenn) Fisher

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  19. Murdock Family-

    Thank you for sharing your journey and the life of your precious William with so many. He has truly touched many hearts and will continue to live on in each of you. Thoughts and prayers fromthe East Coast.

    Lisa Romish and the Newark 3rd Ward Primary

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