When the going gets tough and life is rocky, I believe that is when you really see the good in people. I am absolutely amazed at the sheer goodness of the people in our lives. We have been so blessed. When life is busy and "on schedule", I tend to focus on what needs to be done, checking the next thing off my list. But, when I am forced to slow down, I realize that I am surrounded by some incredible people.
I could spend all day and night listing all the wonderful and kind deeds that have been performed for our family. I am in awe. I am so very grateful. There are so many wonderful and caring people in my life for which I feel so blessed.
When I am sick, for the most part, it feels like the rest of the world keeps going on, but for these three women and two wonderful men, their worlds have stopped and changed, just like mine, so that they can help us.
Jodi- I am so grateful for an amazing sister. Every morning, Jodi comes over to my house, diet coke in hand and her and Talmage take care of me. She sits and talks to me until she has to pick up kids from school. What a blessing she is. She has made this time of bed rest bearable. We talk, we try to find answers about life, we talk about our children and our hopes and dreams for them. We discuss how we can be better at our church callings, be better moms and how we can come closer to our Savior. I will ALWAYS cherish this time I have had with her. I am so grateful that my Father in Heaven allowed her to be my sister and best friend. He knew that we would need each other. I used to take care of her and feel responsible for her. I am not sure when those roles switched but she is the amazing one. She is one of our Heavenly Father's most precious daughters. I learn so much from her and her example. She focuses on the truly important things in life. I am grateful that I am one of her priorities. Words cannot express my love for her!
Joyce-My mother-in-law is a beautiful woman inside and out. I love her spirit. I love talking with her. She is quiet. She is so humble. She gives credit to everyone around her and always talks of how the Savior or others raised such a wonderful man for me to marry. She serves selflessly. She takes me to doctors appointments and picks up Hayden from school, gives him treats and makes sure we are okay. I love her. My heart cannot express how much she means to me. She raised a wonderful son and I am so lucky he is my husband. I hope to teach Hayden some of the wonderful traits that she taught Thomas. Yesterday, she came over with lunch. As we sat and talked of enduring trials and seeing the Lord's hand in our lives, I looked at her differently than I ever had before. I saw someone that loved me like a daughter, not just a daughter-in-law. It was a special moment for me.
Julie-She has sacrificed every day. She has absolutely lived this trial with Thomas and I. She spent many nights in the hospital with me, and rotated many nights here with Thomas. She has gotten to know the doctors so well and communicates with them so effectively. She has held me when I have sobbed tears of hopelessness and tried to console my deepest aches. She has helped by making meals, shuttling me and Hayden, fed dogs and anything and everything else that could be needed. Most importantly, she quieted my fears, she helped me find the strength to move forward and she cared for me. I watch her. I admire her. I see in her some of the qualities that my mom had. In quiet moments when I am certain that I can't do it one more moment, she will say something that my mom would tell me. It is in those moments, I feel as though I have a mom here on this earth and one in heaven. I think my mom has spoken to me through Julie. They both love me and when Julie is around, not only do I feel her love and strength but I feel as if she also carries the love for me that my mom had and still does. Words cannot express my gratitude.
My Dad-I am so grateful for his kindness. For the days he spent in the hospital demanding answers, paying for extra care and treatment, finding specialists to help me and loving me. He has sacrificed by completely covering my duties and responsibilities at work without complaint or grumbling. He has just loved me and cared for me through this. I can tell the concern and care in his voice when he answers the phone, "oh, my Jer Jer". I am taken back to my childhood and the days that my dad could just fix anything and everything. He was my hero. Through this trial, I have had moments of feeling completely helpless. I will always remember the moment he entered my hospital room. I was so scared. I felt as if my life was slipping from me. As he entered the room, I was taken back to the days when I believed he could fix anything. As I reached out for him, I felt safe. My Dad was in the room and no one could hurt me. I relaxed and let him handle the doctors. I cannot express how much I love my dad and am so very, very grateful that I am his daughter.
Thomas-there are no words. I love my husband. I cherish him. I am so grateful that he is my rock through this and every other trial we face. I love my life with him by my side. He holds me, he cares for me. He rubs my feet at night after he has tried to do Hayden's homework, laundry, run errands, do dishes, clean, pay bills, take care of the dogs, IEP meetings, doctor appointments, works and organizes everything that needs to take place each day. When needed, he lays his hands on my head and gives me a priesthood blessing. He loves our Savior. He is the best dad. He loves me. I love Thomas so very much. I am so grateful for his undying love, support and care of me. I am so grateful that when this life is over and my time on earth has ended that we will still be able to be together forever. The best decision I ever made was to marry him. Oh, how thankful I am for having my husband to be beside me. He certainly can make me smile even in the hardest situations.
My heart is filled with gratitude to these and all the other wonderful people that have and do serve and care for me every day. My Heavenly Father sure has surrounded me in the arms of his love by surrounding me with earthly family that loves me.
My poor boy was immediately put under "I don't care" meds and they went in and cut the tooth out. Poor boy. It didn't take long but he was pretty miserable once home. But, now, boy is he excited to show that tooth to anyone that walks into the house.
Hayden has turned into quite the clown when on a stage or in public situations. He is one funny boy and we sure love him and are so proud of him!
Hayden's best buddy, Joseph, received his bear at the same time. These guys are such great friends.
Hayden was lucky to have so much support.... Grandma Joyce
Of course, I wouldn't have missed this. Isn't this part the mom's award, too? Actually, the bear was such a family and extended family award. So many people helped Hayden in different areas... I am so thankful!
Of course, Aunt Suzi helped with some requirements... especially hiking... one I did not want to do.
Thomas spent a lot of time with Hayden but some of their favorites were building bird houses, the pinewood derby car, the insect and bug museum, identifying snakes and so many more....
Grandma Julie took Hayden and picked him up from scouts for the last several months. She also helped with photography, wildlife, birds and speaking to a wildlife conservationist.
Hayden is so lucky to have so many people that love and support him. Not only are they there for the awards but also help him to earn them. We feel so loved. Most importantly, so proud of my boy!
