Gratitude

**I wrote this December 11, 2008...It embodies the perspective and growth I've experienced over the last year and a half--and the perspective I strive to maintain and build upon**

Friends and Family,
My heart is SO full today and I have seen and felt many tender mercies the past couple weeks and especially today. Last week I attended the viewing for my roommate Brittney's mom who sadly lost a short, but hard fought battle to lung cancer. She left behind a beautiful family and loving husband. Today I attended the funeral of my friend Justin's wife, Susan. She too lost a very short hard fought battle to colon cancer at a far too young age of 25. As I sat at the funeral today Susan's dad stood up and gave an amazing talk and in it he challenged us to follow the feelings or promptings we were feeling that moment- improve on the aspect of our individual lives to better ourselves and in turn better those we come in contact with. That is how Susan lived and while I didn't know her as directly or as well as others I was impressed by her spirit and you could see the light she was to so many. As I sat there I realized many things in my own personal life that I need to and want to work on. Each of these families effected by loss carried themselves with such courage and a sense of peace and calm. I can only imagine what they are feeling at this time. My heart aches for them. They each have a strong testimony and knowledge of the promise of eternal families- what a comfort. My heart breaks for Justin- he and Susan dated off and on for about two years and finally just this January they were married for time and all eternity. Less than a year later she is gone...for now. I cannot imagine finding your soul mate and loving someone SO much and then to lose them so quickly. While we don't know our Fathers plan for us I do know that it's a much bigger picture than we can see. The recent events have made me reflect on and appreciate the relationships I have and reiterated how precious life is and to not waste time- make the most out of everyday. If you care about someone let them know, tell those you love how much you love them as often as you can!

I'm grateful for my knowledge of eternal families and the Lords plan for each and everyone of us. I know that is what will get Justin and his and Susan's family and Brittney and her family through this tough time in their lives. The understanding that the time on this earth is but just a small piece of eternity. I felt blessed to have been able to attend the funeral service today- it was inspiring. With the new year around the corner I hope we can all reevaluate our lives and where we are and strive to become more diligent in the things most important and strive to better ourselves.

I love my family so much and am grateful for each and every one of them. I had the privilege of helping my brother Garrett prepare a talk for church a couple of weeks ago on the Power of Prayer and his experiences since his accident. It will forever be one of my most treasured memories. The spirit he possesses is remarkable and the trials he has faced over the past year to anyone would be incredibly overwhelming but he has faced each one with such grace and faith that I'm forever in awe of him. I love you Bubba and am so proud of you. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey! I love you!

I love all of my friends and am thankful for your friendship and your example. If I can ever be of service please let me know and know that I'm always here for each and every one of you!

These are the things on my heart tonight- writing this may be for my own selfish reasons but my hope is that we can all strive to become a better people and help to better each other.