Mountains to Climb

One of my favorite quotes is Spencer W Kimball saying humbly to the Lord, "Give me this mountain"; he was speaking about the benefit of challenges, but today I am reminded not only of the value of challenges but also the mountains of blessings my family has received as we continue to climb.  With Jordan so far ahead, there is no turning back for us now.

This week I have not been the only one in our family to recognize these blessings.  Yesterday, my oldest son woke up and walked into my room to tell me how blessed he is.  He told me he was looking around his room and realized he has so much to be grateful for with a bed to sleep in and good clothes to wear and people who care about him.  He is 10.

Today, after weeks of mail forwarding between here and Seattle, our mailbox was literally flooded with letters of inspiration, hope, and gratitude.  Friends, family, and loved ones reached out to fill our hearts and home with love.  These might have come with all the other support around the time of the funeral but instead the Lord allowed for these to be held back and to have them arrive just as we are settling into a routine without Jordan.  I see this as yet another tender mercy at a time when a little extra boost of love and encouragement is most welcome.

I echo President Kimball's thoughts and expand on them with my own: I will take the mountain of challenges because while there may be no simple path to tread, there are ALWAYS blessings to outweigh the struggle and pull me upward.  There are meadows of flowers everywhere--even if I have to close my eyes at times to see them.

Jordan's Memorial Service Pictures

These pictures are a glimpse of our beautiful day celebrating Jordan's short but beautiful little life.  We are so grateful to all who helped out with every small detail.  We have so many talented friends who gave so freely of their time, energy and talents.  Thanks Jen for all these beautiful photos we have to look upon through the years to come.