25 March 2013

It has been a very emotional week for us.  Our daughter Emily had been placed on limited activity for the past 3 weeks because of complications with her pregnancy.  She was admitted to the hospital in Brigham City on Friday, March 15 and on Monday March 18^th she went into pre-term labor and gave birth at 19 weeks to a little stillborn angel they named Julie.  We have prayed mightily for Em and Kris to be strengthened in this most difficult trial.  We were in the Santo Domingo Temple on Friday and I saw angels dressed in white on both sides of the veil, ready to go to Emily’s aid.  For that I am eternally grateful. 

Being so very far away during this emotional time has certainly been hard for me.  The late night call from Missy saying, “Mama, don’t worry, I’m going to take care of Emily,” was music to my ears.  I knew she would.  I knew all of my children would rally round her, to buoy her up, call her, visit her, clean her house, help her laugh a little…all of which they did beautifully.  It was profound evidence of their love and support for each other, especially in time of need.  Nothing could make me happier. 

I learned once more that the circle of sisters called Relief Society is a viable and beautiful part of the kingdom...which of course I have known forever but now from a different perspective, as a mother far away from her daughters.  Emily’s good Visiting Teacher organized the troops and they came to her rescue.  They were ready and waiting at their posts with meals and daycare if needed, assistance, compassion, love and support.  Kris’s Elder’s Quorum President was equally prepared.  Again I give heartfelt thanks to my Heavenly Father for these tender mercies.

Watching Emily and Kris standing strong in faith and trust in the Lord’s will for them, not understanding it, but trusting that He knows what is best has given us great peace.  How grateful we all are for our testimonies of Father’s loving eternal plan for His children.  Though the hurt is real and very painful, especially for Em and Kris, they are comforted and sustained by their faith and knowledge that “All things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things.”  II Ne. 2:24.  With that sure knowledge, we can go forward.