I decided that I needed to
write this LONG before Thanksgiving and have this particular blog posted by
11/11 (November 11th), which marks the 11th month to the
day that Zach departed this earthly life.
I know…you just might be
thinking, “with that title…she has finally CRACKED!” Just so that you know, that could not be
farther from the truth concerning my life.
But “for reals”…what do I have to be thankful for? The reality is that I have everything to be
grateful for!
This time of year, each of
us usually sums up what we are grateful for with a “gratitude list.” In the past, my gratitude list has consisted
of the same things…year in and year out.
The list usually has included gratitude for my family, a roof over my
head, food on the table, my husband being employed, and so on. Please do not get me wrong, I am still ever
grateful for all those blessings.
But, this year in
particular, I am grateful for my family and friends. As for you my friends~your friendship has
buoyed me up, inspired me, and has even carried me through stormy days. Many of you have been prompted to call, text,
email, FB message, and have even persuaded me to go to lunch or dinner with
you. Each of your friendships are
treasured and I have deep gratitude for each one of you ~ you KNOW who you are!
From and through Zach’s
passing, our family has united. Many
people told us over and over again how something as devastating as losing a
child usually destroys marriages and tears the family apart. Mark and I decided at the beginning of this
journey that we would do everything we can “together” to be with our son
again~to be with our family again one day. We are very much like a teeter-totter~when he
is up…I am down and when he is down…I am up.
Each of us helps one another to find the balance ~ the peace ~ the
strength to endure. Our children are our
pride and joy. We speak with them often
and love and appreciate our relationships with each one of them. We feel of their love and concern for us and
in turn we have that same love and concern for them. I am blessed with an incredible family and
have deep gratitude for them.
I have to admit, there are
times I think that my heart just may not be able to endure this journey. This is NOT the road I wanted to travel. And, at vulnerable and weak moments, I have
asked myself, “Do I have it in me to press on?”
In Ether 12:27 it states:
“And if men
come unto me I will show unto them their aweakness. I bgive unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my cgrace is sufficient for all men that dhumble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves
before me, and have faith in me, then will I make eweak things become strong unto them.”
Faith. My faith coupled with family and good friends
is the source that gives me the will and the power to move forward. This Thanksgiving, I have much to be grateful
for. I am grateful for my beautiful
family and incredible friends. I am
grateful for my faith~for all that I have learned and continue to learn. I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ,
who suffered all~even my pain~so that each of us may have the opportunity to
live with our family, Him, and God once more.
From me…to
you…Happy Thanksgiving!
I am
attaching a video that explains a few things about my faith that we call “The
Great Plan of Happiness.” Also, I am
attaching a couple of songs that bring my heart comfort and peace. Enjoy!
This song is Every Breath by Jenny Phillips--beautiful
Because I Believe by Jenny Phillips
Adorable--aren't they??!!!
Getting ready for Christmas...
No...Rachel is NOT making ANY announcements...but she will go through the Temple this month so that she can be with us when we do the work for Zach in December :)
Brooklynn wanted to join in on the fun for trying on dresses for baptism :)
