More Memories

Another therapy picture. Jon and I went out to dinner with my father's family for a "last meal" before my brother reported in for his next big adventure. As Dad is dying of pancreatic and esophageal cancer, as well as a dependency problem, he won't we here when his son gets back. We had some really good conversation, and did a lot of healing. There's just nothing like bonding over unlimited shrimp to heal a few hearts. It is amazing how quickly forgiveness can come when understanding is reached. I highly recommend it, and think they would, too.

Jonathan's first trip on roller blades. He really enjoyed himself and it was fun to watch, only falling once or twice, getting right back up with a big grin every time. Once again he lead the way showing his brothers how to do it, and coaching them from the side lines. We have no doubt he is going to be not only an amazing leader, but all of his brothers' biggest fan. He loves them all so much, and is amazing to watch when they need him. Sometimes it is a challenge having such a strong headed and determined young man finding his place in the world, but those very traits will help him stay strong in the face of adversity, as well as keep him from falling into peer pressure. He is on a good path, taking his calling as first born incredibly seriously.

We have never know Joseph to turn down a challenge. Or adrenaline rush for that matter. He not only put on blades for the first time, but took on the nasty grade on the cul-de-sac. Thank heavens he doesn't know how to stay upright quite yet! He kept trying, and got pretty good there at the end. His looking a challenge in the face, and getting up when he falls has proven to be a gift in the face of his challenges. He is just one more amazing kid we have the honor of loving and learning from. There have not been many days with out a serious grade heading either up or down. He meets them all head on and still has the strength to keep going the next morning. How he does it is beyond me, but he is one of my greatest heroes. We would not be the same without him.

What could possibly be more fun than 10 little superheros and a little piggy running around? Not much. Josh turned 6 a few days ago, and wanted a superhero bash. It was totally his idea and he ran the show. They ran around making all kinds of noise, it was really fun. He got 10" Batman and Joker figures, nearly squealing when he opened Batman. I was thrilled: finally the hero...sweet glory! Jon always picks the favorite toys since he kinda knows what boys like. It was Mom's turn this year! We ate pizza and brownies, decorated door hangers and had no candy. YEAH! He also received lots of fun toys from friends, all of which he LOVED. He was like a pirate hoarding his loot for days afterwards. Grandma gave him 6 gold coins and a treasure box. He really liked that, too. Now he has 14 gold dollars and wants to buy himself more. It was Grandma's idea for helping us to get the boys to save. She is so smart!



We are incredibly blessed and learning more every day. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes I wonder if we are going to make it. Sometimes one of us asks, "Why, me?" the answers come on angels' wings in quiet moments of prayer. "Why not you? He who the lord loveth he chasteneth. He also strengthens, watches over and heals. He wants you all back." I have no doubt we are watched over. Some really hard things have happened the last year, things I was not sure we would survive emotionally or spiritually. But we did make it, and we are all stronger, more aware of those around us, and more thankful. As the clouds now part and the sun shines through, it is clear it never really stopped shinning, it was just hard to see through the tears. There was always a joy, a hug, or someone else to love, and "that has made all the difference." The storms will come, but as one of my favorite hymns proclaims: "Though outward ills await us here, The time at longest, is not long Ere Jesus Christ appear, surrounded by a glorious throng. Lift up your hearts in praise to God; Let your rejoicings never cease... Though tribulations rage abroad, Christ says, "In me, ye shall have peace. (Though Deepening Trials, #122)" Nothing has been truer, nothing more needed. He lives, and gratitude is ours. I love him and await the day to fall again at his feet, finally through the pain, finally fully healed, praising him with those glorious throngs. And knowing, with our family there, we will never part again. "I glory in my Jesus." 2Nephi 33:6

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Isaiah 41:10