Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Bittersweet...

Whenever one comes to the end of an experience there are mixed feelings. When Rick(y) finished a school year there was a sense of accomplishment, yet a sadness for the things that he would never experience again. On Friday, July 24, Rick, our husband and father came to the end of his mortal test.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Peace AND Quiet

Several times over the last few weeks people have come to visit us and had mentioned that they felt a great peace in our home. It happened again yesterday. It makes me happy that they feel that as they enter here.



Sometimes I have wondered whether My mother and Dad and Rick's Dad are near us, watching our progress from the other side of the veil. I have not had any earth-shattering experience other than I know my Mom can feel my pain. She went through a similar experience before me and her mother before her, both at younger ages with younger families than we have. I want to have them near to support and strengthen us. Their examples show us that we can pass through this experience in one piece. I have not expected any visions, or spoken words to let me know of their presence here. I don't think the Lord works that way very often....but I have come to the conclusion that the peace in our home exists because of Heavenly Father's spirit and possibly the protection our our guardian angels and maybe the angels come as those who continually serve us and love us on both sides of the veil. One more tender mercy that we have not asked for, but have been blessed with anyway.



Through priesthood blessings, Rick has been promised that he can attend to us after he reaches the other side. A blessing given to the faithful. It has been his greatest regret that he will miss important events in our lives. If he could choose his assignment in the hereafter, he might choose to work in the nursery...to hug and love any more babies before they come to our families, he has so missed the opportunity to hug and love baby Ricky, his namesake. But there may be more to do than he has time to get to....leaving us for a time with the peace that the Gospel and the Plan of Salvation brings to our family as we prove our faith.



The months ahead may prove to be quiet, and hopefully will remain peaceful. I'll be grateful for that, and hope for a glimpse of the peace eternal bonds bring.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Grace

What is Grace? Now an again popular name, I can think of any number of little girls it belongs to and yet, there is another meaning that goes way beyond the name given to a new little spirit arriving from Heavenly Father.

In our challenges throughout life, it is my desire to live with grace, to experience joy and sorrow, strength and weakness...with grace. In my half-century of living, there have been many times where grace would be the optimal approach to working through problems that occur in my own or my family's life. I have not always achieved it. I pour emotion into my living. I have my highs and my lows. During those experiences, I know I am in charge of my response, but I am not always convinced I give it my best effort.

I strive for grace in living, while experiencing life. It is part of the test.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Time here....

"Time here is measured in relationships, in helping friends and family, not in objects obtained."
Angela Nelson, artist.
Although this quote was taken from an entirely different context, it impressed me for a different reason than the author intended. She was talking about pioneers in Ghana.
I was snapped back into my family's current challenge. Over the last month, we have been caring for Rick at home, with one brief hospitalization. Things have not been easy, we have all had our ups and downs. We have learned, we have progressed, but we have not perfected...not yet.
During the month, I have been impressed by people that have in some way been partners in relationships with Rick over the years. They have stretched as far back as childhood friends, to people who have worked with and for him, to people and professionals who have cared for him, to people who have sung with him, to wonderful neighbors, to many extended family members, to friends of mine, who first knew me and then loved him.
It has been a constant outpouring of love and devotion.
As I watch these tender moments as these kindred spirits visit with him, I am reminded of his impact upon many and how his life will be measured. It will not be measured in possessions, but in love unfeigned. It will be measured in his gentle service to his profession, to family, to friends and to total strangers. Many of those people will be waiting on the other side to thank him for his gentle caring for each of them in their time of need.
May our lives be so measured....

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