Hunter Joshua Larson - Joshua's Namesake

Hunter Joshua Larson

Born:  October 10, 2005

(just 6 days after Joshua died)

Today, my handsome nephew, Hunter is 9 years old.  Hunter blessed our lives immediately as he was born just 6 days after Joshua died.  My brother Doug, and his wife, Rochelle, had already decided to name him after Joshua.  The timing of his birth was a wonderful, beautiful, blessing from heaven.  Hunter is handsome, bright, warm and loving.  And he loves to hear stories about Joshua!

Happy Birthday Hunter!!



Here is a sweet excerpt from Doug's funeral talk:

My name is Doug Larson. I'm another one of Joshua's Uncles. Two and a half years ago I got married, and before that, when I was dating my wife, right at the beginning of our courtship, the first family party that Rochelle came to, we were just sitting actually on different couches, and Joshua walked up, grabbed Rochelle's hand and put it on my knee. I guess that was his way of saying that he approved.

Four and a half months ago, Rochelle and I found out that we were having another boy, and we chose the name "Hunter Joshua Larson." Hunter is after Howard W. Hunter, who most of you know. And Joshua is after "Joshua Michael Eisenstat." Someday Hunter, who is not born yet, but could be any minute at this point. Someday he is going to ask why he is named after these two great men. And we can tell him that Howard W. Hunter had a love for music, and he gave up his music career in favor of a stable family life. He was the 14^th president of the church and encouraged all members of the church to be worthy to enter the temple. Joshua Michael Eisenstat was lacking somewhat in musical talent, and did all he could to create a hectic family life.

That may be what someone who never got to know Joshua might have thought. The Joshua I knew would better be described as a disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple is defined as a pupil or learner, a name used to denote all followers of Jesus Christ, one who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of the gospel. In Matthew 18, verses 1 through 5, I changed "child or children" to "Joshua." And it says: "At the same time came the disciples came to Jesus saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And Jesus called Joshua unto him and set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Verily I say unto you, except you be converted and become as Joshua, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as Joshua, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive Joshua in my name receiveth me." Does that fit? Is that the Joshua that you know? How many of you were ever randomly hugged by Joshua? Or given a high five? How many of you did Joshua smile and say "hi"? Or even several hi's in a row just to get your attention. Did he brighten up your day? We always joked that Joshua would be the perfect Wal-Mart greeter. But he was so much more than a greeter, he radiated the spirit of Christ in his life.

For the full talk, go to:
http://joshuasheartfullofhugs.blogspot.com/2013/01/funeral-talk-excerpts-by-uncle-doug-we.html