Forever Families

We got some sad news the other night. In what can only be attributed to divine inspiration and intervention, Tim felt he needed to call up some neighbors of ours from our old ward. We hadn't talked to them in months, it was 11 o'clock at night, I was already in bed, and Tim had just put Chase down for the night and was on his way. Calling anyone was the last thing on his mind, but he did it, and it was immediately obvious that they needed the call.

We were shocked to find out that they were due with a little girl two weeks ago. Last weekend, the night before they were scheduled to be induced, and very suddenly, the little girl passed away and was stillborn. The parents expressed an obvious sentiment of heartbreak and sadness, but also expressed an attitude of hope, understanding, and gratitude. They related how this experience has only strengthened their faith and desire to be with their little one someday. What an amazing couple. They named their little girl "Talitha Cumi", which means "little girl arise". It is from the New Testament story where Jesus raises Jarius' daughter from the dead. It was also the name of their ancestor who was baptized by Joseph Smith. I thought the name was so appropriate, and so beautiful. We expressed our sympathy and support to them and the husband thanked Tim for an inspired call when he just needed someone to talk to.

Both a little heartsick from the news, we went to bed. Filled with grief and sadness for our friends, we felt incomplete just the two of us, and Tim went and got Chase and brought him to our room so we could all be together as a family. We both just sat in the dark and watched him as he slept. Neither of us said anything but I felt an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude for our baby and the blessing it is to raise him and have him in our home. I finally understand the overwhelming, inexpressible, encompassing, unselfish love that a mother has for her child. I finally understand the completeness of a family unit consisting not just of two people who love eachother, but including children TO love, especially when they cannot love you back. We found comfort in our little family and strengthened through this experience.

Although I am still upset and saddened for our friends, I feel grateful and hopeful in knowing that life does not end at death, and especially in knowing that families are eternal, and that these friends will meet their daughter someday. I am also amazed at how intimately God knows of and provides for our emotional, mental, and spiritual needs and am increasingly aware of how he places specific people in your life for specific and purposeful reasons, events, and seasons. Overall, I feel so grateful today for everything that is good, true, and right in my life, and particularly for knowledge of God's plan and his hand in our lives. Sometimes I forget to appreciate the things that go right, and only focus on the things that go wrong. How blessed our family is for all that we have and are.