When Alden Payne was born, no medical practitioner could explain why he was three (3) pounds under weight. His mother worked diligently with the family pediatrician to help Alden with his medical problems. When Alden was six months old, his pediatrician admitted Alden into the Phoenix Children's Hospital for kidney disease. Medical tests were performed, but nephrologists were unable to determine neither the cause nor the cure of his kidney disease. After being released from the hospital, nephrologists continued to monitor his condition.
When Alden was a youth, his nephrologists indicated that medicine was no longer sufficient to keep his kidney's functioning. Alden would need to go on dialysis or have a transplant. As an answer to prayer, one of Alden's school teachers volunteered to donate a kidney. The surgery was performed at the Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Although Alden was limited in his activities, Alden tried to live a normal life. He had a strong determination to be as independent as possible. He was active in Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Rank. He also earned his Bronze, Gold and Silver Eagle Palms. He took lessons in karate and earned his Second Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He graduated from High School and has obtained employment. He enjoyed helping others and his neighbors always knew that they could always count on Alden to help in time of need. Alden once sponsored a drive to obtain food and clothing and to be donated to a homeless shelter. After he delivered the donated materials to the shelter, he commented, "Boy, that sure felt great!"
His favorite class in high school was shop and as an adult he was often found on his back porch making something out of wood or metal. He loves children. When he goes to visit his nieces and nephews, they all shout, "Yea, Uncle Alden is here." The children play "king of the mountain," with Alden being the mountain. He was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was able to serve as missionary. During his mission he found great joy in serving others.
A very sad day for Alden was when his older brother, David Payne was killed in the line of duty as a Chandler Police Officer. Alden and David were very close and this tragic death was very hard on Alden.
Although Alden tried very hard to follow medical advice, his kidneys failed. He has been on dialysis for the past year. He has not been able to work and he had to go on disability. Luckily, he was eligible for Medicare, which paid for his medical services. The last year of his life has been very challenging for Alden. He has been in a great deal of pain and discomfort. His biggest challenge is that he has not been able to work on his wood and metal projects. He has not felt well enough to visit his nieces and nephews. He has been in the hospital many times for a variety of medical reasons. Although the hospital care was excellent, it seemed that each time he was released his body was weaker and he was less able to function well. Finally, his heart gave out and his spirit left this earth life to return to his Heavenly Home.
One of Alden's favorite poems is Pennies From Heaven. The poem hints that found pennies are tossed to earth by angels to cheer us up. Many people feel that,
Alden was a Penny from Heaven.
Pennies From Heaven
I found a penny today
Just laying on the ground.
But it’s not just a penny
This little coin I’ve found.
Found pennies come from Heaven
That’s what grandpa told me.
When an Angel makes a wish,
They toss a penny down.
They try to turn a smile
Out of a grouchy frown.
So don’t pass by that penny
When you are feeling blue.
It is a penny from Heaven,
That an Angel’s tossed to you.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18