Just Grateful

February 10, 2015

I came across a post I had written, but not finished, from last November.  It was about gratitude.  Since it wasn't completed nor published then, let me express what I was trying to say then… now...

I know how blessed I am.  Incredibly.  My husband and I are able to provide for ourselves and live in a comfortable home.  We have relatively good health.  Our home is simple, but warm and safe.  After 10 years of marriage I think we have this thing figured out - we love each other and we like each other.  My husband told me the other day that he has never had a relationship where he trusted someone so much.  I'm honored.

I love my family - I can't imagine this world without them in it.  I have a brand spankin' new beautiful grand-niece born just a week after my dad passed away.  Another grand-niece is due in about a month.  The cycle of life.  

We are expecting our second grandson this coming summer.  Our nearly three year old grandson is doing great, as are his parents.  They have made the decision to make the sacrifices necessary for her to stay home with their kids.  We are proud of them and they are doing well.

I have incredible friends who have supported me through thick and thin, and who are infinitely patient with me.

So this is just a little snip of all the things for which I'm profoundly grateful.  Things aren't perfect, and I certainly have an endless list of things I need to change about myself.  But I know I'm a daughter of God and He loves me. And I have a deep and profound faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which gives me peace that surpasses understanding. I wish for you the same.  (Learn about it here…)

Cheers

My Dad

I've been away a bit.  Some will understand when I say that I needed a bit of time away…  you see, my Dad died about a month ago.  He is/was a hero of mine; I love him more than I can put into words.  

Some may wonder why I need(ed) time to grieve, after all, he was 96 years old. But I couldn't imagine this world without him.  Until about three years ago he was in amazing health. Then he did OK until about a year ago. This past year has seen a steady decline, although he's been living on his own and his determination and drive to live his life to the fullest has been without question.




He passed in the most kind and gentle ways possible; he had gotten up and ready for breakfast, then he evidently sat back down on the bed and passed away.  So after 40 years apart, he is finally reunited with the love of his life, my Mom.  Another incredibly amazing person who still influences my life for good today.  





My Dad was born in very, very humble circumstances in Kansas. So it was there we returned him to be encircled again by family.  The cemetery is across the road from the farm where Dad grew up. Close to him are my grandparents, my uncle and aunts and many others.  As I stood and looked out over the rolling hills, in my mind's eye I could see my dad and his brothers running through the fields. 

Healing takes time.  It doesn't seem real most of the time.  A couple weeks ago I was at the store and saw they had Valentine's Day cards available and my first thought was that I needed to find one for Dad so I could he would have it before Valentine's... and then reality hit.  I have written to him or emailed regularly and I miss that.  We put his townhouse on the market and it sold almost immediately.  He had lived there for longer than any other place in his life -- 24 years -- so many holidays, evening meals, watching sports (with the sound turned off as he liked it better that way), hearing stories from his life.  It is still surreal that I will never go visit him there again.

Through it all, I know and understand the Plan of Salvation, also known as the Plan of Happiness.  I know Dad is now surrounded by the people he loved and who loved him most in life.  I understand that death is a part of this mortal life and I am so very, very thankful for "goodly parents" who loved us. I am so very thankful for wonderful memories, for having been raised in a humble, but safe home by parents who cared.  

I am so very grateful to know beyond doubt that 

Families are Forever 

and the day will come when we will be reunited.  

The fullness of 

the Gospel of Jesus Christ 

has been restored.  

He lives, and because of this, we will also live.

I love you, Dad.