Memorial day

Tender moments are made sweet when you have dear friends to share them with . 

Easter: Remembering Caleb

I loved this quote from Elder Uchtdorf's talk

"Grateful in Any Circumstance"

In light of what we know about our eternal destiny, is it any wonder that whenever we face the bitter endings of life, they seem unacceptable to us? There seems to be something inside of us that resists endings.

Why is this? Because we are made of the stuff of eternity. We are eternal beings, children of the Almighty God, whose name is Endless and who promises eternal blessings without number. Endings are not our destiny.

The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions—temporary pauses that one day will seem small compared to the eternal joy awaiting the faithful.

How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings.

Bubbles

When we first learned of Caleb's conditions our bubble of expectations seemed to burst.   Caleb hadn't even been born yet, but all that we had hoped for was swept away after a few glances at his ultra sound.  We knew that Caleb's conditions may not allow him to stay with us for very long.   I never thought I would have to think about saying good bye so soon. 

After Caleb was born I came to understand that God hadn't burst my bubble.  He created one around us.   I could almost see an iridescent sphere of love enveloping our home.  

Bubbles capture light. They are perfectly formed and reflect light from the outside and the inside, just like Caleb.  His pure essence invited a heavenly influence to surround our family. Our bubble of home bound medical care kept our focus on what matters most. 

Again I felt like my bubble burst when Caleb died. I wanted to crawl back into that sweet world where my worries and heart ache were so carefully cushioned by heavens help.  I longed for the same feeling of heavenly envelopment.  

Though it is not the same, I know our bubble didn't disappear, but it is slowly changing shape as we adjust to new circumstances and life experiences.  I hope we can  continue to make our home a protected place that captures light and shares it.

Sorrow and Joy

"Sorrow and joy are two of the great factors that come into life to make it real."

Lucy Grant Cannon

Neal A Maxwell: Those who have required much waiting upon

 "Indeed, some of those who have required much waiting upon in this life may be waited upon again by the rest of us in the next world—but for the highest of reasons."

Neal A. Maxwell was a President of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this devotional address was given at Brigham Young University on 10 October 1978.

Remembering Caleb in Capital Reef