Today, was an emotional and a very difficult day. It seams as though there are so many friends and family who are going through some type of a heartache. I know my friend Desiree has a close friend who has lost their 5 year old son, another dear friend Shaila who is flying back and forth to Utah to be with her Father who is ill, We are also dealing with my Brother in law who has been in the hospital for 3 weeks now trying to get strong enough for a 2nd surgery. Another sister in our ward who was pregnant had to deliver her baby knowing that her baby would live an hour or so. This baby will be laid to rest soon. On top of all of this. A very awesome family in our ward just lost their 2 years old son. He has drowned in a canal close to their home. Today was his funeral. I did not know this family very well but felt a special connection with her as I helped in planning the funeral luncheon with the sisters in my ward. No matter where you live you can always feel at home in a place where the spirit dwells. As we walked into see little 2yr old Brandon Todd Allen laying so peacefully in his white casket. You could not help to let out a sigh and shed a few tears. His Mother, Sherrill stood proud and tall as she GREETED each guest who walked into the room with a big smile and a huge hug. Her and I made eye contact and exchanged some very nice words. I explained to her how much the sisters in this ward love her and her family. It has shown in the outpouring phone calls that I received to help in anyway. She said through tears. " I know, I feel it"
I was so amazed at her strength and her courage to press forward. The Morning side ward is barely 3 years old (I believe) this are the beginning stages of the trials that will come to this ward. I'm sure there are some that I'mnot aware about.I know that we are off to a great start as far as supporting each other and being their for one another. I know that this is where my Father in Heaven wants me to be and I will be there to go and do what is asked of me. The service was beautiful and the music was comforting. Mike and I sat together and held hands and reflected on being so blessed to be alive. We know that we need to live it well.
On the way home today, I just let out tears the day was over, I was exhausted physically and emotionally that the tears just came. As we got closer to the house. Mike and I looked out at the canals that carry the waters to the farms and saw a Mother and a small child holding hands. The mother was pointing at the bottom of the canal. The picture was clear to me that this Mother was telling her child how unsafe it is to be around the canals at all times. Again, the tears came. I came home and waiting anxiously for my daughters to get home from school so that I could just hug them and let them know how much I love them. Yeah, they are older and know not to go near the canals but I know other accidents can happen to them as well.
Teach your Children Safety, go over it, over and over and over again. Until they roll their eyes at you and say OK MOM, I GET IT.
I'm so thankful for knowing the PLAN, I'm thankful for sisters and Mother who are thier to lift me up and encourage me as I go through my own trials. Even my sisters who live in other states. I feel thier support and love and thankful for their advice and encouragment. I'm thankful for the friends that I have met who are so fun to be around. They make me laugh and make me feel accepted. I appreciate you!
I hope Shaila, Desiree, and others find comfort in friends and family both near and far. And now, we must PRESS ON! and enjoy the journey NOW!
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