We are forecasted for a doozy of a blizzard over the next few days...hopefully you'll hear from us before Spring!!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Without Winter...
...we wouldn't have moments like these. I guess it's not all that bad. (These pics were taken after Christmas. Originally tried to post a video of the toboggan run, but it took forever and then never posted...argh!)
We are forecasted for a doozy of a blizzard over the next few days...hopefully you'll hear from us before Spring!!
We are forecasted for a doozy of a blizzard over the next few days...hopefully you'll hear from us before Spring!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Not Sure Where to Start
So much has happened in a matter of weeks that I'm not sure where to start in terms of playing catch up, letting you know what's been going on, how we're all doing, what we're doing next, etc. I can't just skip the past month in favor of just starting afresh either. When I write/blog, I feel better in many ways. In processing my feelings, I find clarity, closure, and support from my readers. I could use some of that right now. So...here goes.
It's hard to express the tremendous sense of loss and sadness we feel right now. An entire generation is gone. We are now the next generation. That carries with it a lot of responsibility. So much of what we used to rely on our parents to do, we now have to do for ourselves and each other. We have to figure out how to carry the legacy they've worked their whole lives for on to the next generation. We have to keep their memories alive. We have to carry on.
I have so many questions. So much of this just isn't fair. At times the reality of their loss, and it's effects on the family is overwhelming. Yet in those times, I find comfort and solace in some important truths. These truths are the blessings that help make sense of everything for me.
Here are some things that I know:
1. I know that everything happens for a reason. Heavenly Father is in charge, He has a plan for all of His children. He doesn't make mistakes. Everything is intentional.
2. I know the Plan of Salvation is true and real. I am seeing it's blessings and reality first-hand. My testimony of it is strengthened and enriched.
3. Marriages that are sealed on earth continue in Heaven. I believe Dennis and Laurie are together again, and stronger and happier than ever. I believe that they are serving the mission they intended to serve on earth in Paradise.
4. Our loved ones who have passed are not that far away. I believe we can feel their presence, their influence, and their love from beyond the veil. I have felt their happiness, approval, and support so far in many different situations. I can hear Dennis' laugh, or his funny way of saying "huh" often. I have heard Laurie say, "everything is going to be okay" when I needed it the most. Their spirits are still connected to us here on earth.
5. I know that we will see our families again after this life. I believe that Dennis was greeted by his Dad, his brother Roy, and many other loved ones on the other side after he passed. And I also know that Laurie was greeted by her loving husband (who had a lot to do in the timing of her death, make no mistake about that!), her parents, and the children she lost in this life. I believe that when a person dies, there is sadness on earth, but a joyous reunion in Paradise!!
6. I know that through trial and tribulation we can be refined. The Lord never gives us more than we can handle. We can learn great lessons which can strengthen us and those around us, and find peace in the midst of darkness.
7. I know that after the trial of your faith, there are unlimited blessings in store for you. If you prove faithful and believe, there is increase and abundance awaiting you. Both spiritually and temporally.
8. Devastation and loss can bring families closer together. This is a blessing of the Spirit. Satan breeds selfishness, greed, and jealousy which drives families apart. As long as you can feel and are worthy of the Spirit, you can avoid unnecessary hurt and anger.
9. Happiness and joy are what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want for each one of us. Despite the trials we are given, we can experience these emotions on a daily basis. This is done by focusing on our blessings, continuing to be humble, and seeking the Lord's light daily.
10. Life will feel normal again. It will be a new normal. (Okay, this one I don't actually know yet, but I really believe it.)
Navigating life right now often feels surreal. It's a daunting task. They could do so many things better than us. We will miss their love, calling them on the phone, getting cards in the mail, Laurie's sacks of love, Dennis' hours of manual labor on our behalf, seeing our children through their eyes... It's hard to imagine life without them. But despite everything, I know we can get through this. The Dennis and Laurie Brown family will go on, it will continue to grow and expand, their love and influence will continue to be felt. Even though they are on the other side, they are still as much a part of it as they ever were. This is part of the beauty and truth of the Gospel.
I know it's true.
It's hard to express the tremendous sense of loss and sadness we feel right now. An entire generation is gone. We are now the next generation. That carries with it a lot of responsibility. So much of what we used to rely on our parents to do, we now have to do for ourselves and each other. We have to figure out how to carry the legacy they've worked their whole lives for on to the next generation. We have to keep their memories alive. We have to carry on.
I have so many questions. So much of this just isn't fair. At times the reality of their loss, and it's effects on the family is overwhelming. Yet in those times, I find comfort and solace in some important truths. These truths are the blessings that help make sense of everything for me.
Here are some things that I know:
1. I know that everything happens for a reason. Heavenly Father is in charge, He has a plan for all of His children. He doesn't make mistakes. Everything is intentional.
2. I know the Plan of Salvation is true and real. I am seeing it's blessings and reality first-hand. My testimony of it is strengthened and enriched.
3. Marriages that are sealed on earth continue in Heaven. I believe Dennis and Laurie are together again, and stronger and happier than ever. I believe that they are serving the mission they intended to serve on earth in Paradise.
4. Our loved ones who have passed are not that far away. I believe we can feel their presence, their influence, and their love from beyond the veil. I have felt their happiness, approval, and support so far in many different situations. I can hear Dennis' laugh, or his funny way of saying "huh" often. I have heard Laurie say, "everything is going to be okay" when I needed it the most. Their spirits are still connected to us here on earth.
5. I know that we will see our families again after this life. I believe that Dennis was greeted by his Dad, his brother Roy, and many other loved ones on the other side after he passed. And I also know that Laurie was greeted by her loving husband (who had a lot to do in the timing of her death, make no mistake about that!), her parents, and the children she lost in this life. I believe that when a person dies, there is sadness on earth, but a joyous reunion in Paradise!!
6. I know that through trial and tribulation we can be refined. The Lord never gives us more than we can handle. We can learn great lessons which can strengthen us and those around us, and find peace in the midst of darkness.
7. I know that after the trial of your faith, there are unlimited blessings in store for you. If you prove faithful and believe, there is increase and abundance awaiting you. Both spiritually and temporally.
8. Devastation and loss can bring families closer together. This is a blessing of the Spirit. Satan breeds selfishness, greed, and jealousy which drives families apart. As long as you can feel and are worthy of the Spirit, you can avoid unnecessary hurt and anger.
9. Happiness and joy are what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want for each one of us. Despite the trials we are given, we can experience these emotions on a daily basis. This is done by focusing on our blessings, continuing to be humble, and seeking the Lord's light daily.
10. Life will feel normal again. It will be a new normal. (Okay, this one I don't actually know yet, but I really believe it.)
Navigating life right now often feels surreal. It's a daunting task. They could do so many things better than us. We will miss their love, calling them on the phone, getting cards in the mail, Laurie's sacks of love, Dennis' hours of manual labor on our behalf, seeing our children through their eyes... It's hard to imagine life without them. But despite everything, I know we can get through this. The Dennis and Laurie Brown family will go on, it will continue to grow and expand, their love and influence will continue to be felt. Even though they are on the other side, they are still as much a part of it as they ever were. This is part of the beauty and truth of the Gospel.
I know it's true.
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