Finally Making Time

I've been hesitant to add posts to the blog until I made the time to "privatize."
So, I've added a couple of posts telling what we've been up to.
Aside from the busy of our everyday lives, we have been very humbled in our little community by what may seem to some as a "series of unfortunate events." For a little while I felt that way. Then I realized the miracles and the strength that has been poured out on these families, and although these trials will be difficult, there is sufficient strength, love, and healing in the Atonement for everyone to come out better for these experiences.

{Clay M., Carson, Clay, Reid G., Brady, Reed R., Amelia}

Three weeks ago one of Clay's friends and wrestling buddies, Reed Robinson, was kicked in the head with a horse while he and his brother were feeding them grain. It was incredibly critical, and there were tears at our house. But with those tears were the most sincere and thoughtful prayers that can come from an 8 year old. The community immediately rallied around this little family with a spaghetti dinner, and other events to raise money for the medical expenses. Our PTA at North had jars in every room with the promise that $30.00 would allow the kids to silly string the teachers.

Mrs. Tesoro, Reed's Teacher

Chaos that followed

Mrs. Lester {no relation, but a great teacher} and Sam

Together with a lunch fundraiser during our carnival, those kids brought in $1,200.00 for Reed. And, the company that did the carnival, after hearing about the incident, took $100 off of their fee to donate to the family. The generosity is absolutely amazing. Prayers and fasting were offered immediately on their behalf, and a miracle happened. The doctors were not hopeful that he would survive, and if he did, there was certain to be damage. On the Children's Miracle Network the other day, the doctor said that they did not think he would talk again because there was damage to the speech center. He said that as Reed sat and told about what had happened to him just three short weeks earlier. Last Sunday we went to visit Reed, who talked to Clay and tossed a football back and forth with him. They were going to remove the feeding tube the next day and then move him to the rehabilitation center, and they would keep him for a couple of weeks until they could replace the portion of the skull they had to remove to release the pressure. On Wednesday night is Clay's turn for Family Prayer. He said,"thank thee that Reed could come home." In the middle of the prayer Nate and I looked at each other with disbelief and astonishment. I tried to explain to Clay what we had talked about Sunday and that it was impossible for him to be home already. He insisted that it was true. I found out the next day that it was true. Reed was at school Friday morning for the awards assembly, and was recognized as the "ultimate survivor." What a miracle!!!!

Last Sunday, a young member of our ward passed away after a short illness and an unexplained infection. He was only 32, a husband, father, son, nephew, and friend to many people we are close to. His passing was unexpected and sudden. As with Reed, when many became aware of the situation, there were many prayers and fasting on his behalf. The difference in this situation is that it was Jeremy's time to go home. How fortunate for the family to have that confirmation from a loving Heavenly Father who blesses us with trials to strengthen our faith, and then blesses us with strength to make it through the trials. The next Sunday Jeremy's brother-in-law suffered a stroke and is scheduled for surgery this morning. They are hopeful that there are no lasting effects, but the reality remains. We are constantly reminded that we are not in charge here. There is a greater power who has his hand in all things.