My husband, who is my biggest fan. He gives me all the love and support that I need. This has become very evident to me this last year as I accepted a calling to serve as the adult Gospel Doctrine teacher in our ward. A calling that I never could imagine myself fulfilling, but Thomas has helped me see that this was something I can do and dare I say "enjoy" doing.
My children. These two boys make me so happy, I can't imagine my life without them. They help me laugh and not take life so seriously. They really are the greatest kids I know, and I really can't take the credit for that.
Our extended family. Our parents, who are so supportive to us. Both my parents and Tom's parents are great examples of what parents should be. We owe a lot to them. Our siblings. Our cousins, aunts and uncles. Our grandparents. Which leads me to the reason why I started this post. In September, I lost my first grandparent. Grandpa Washburn passed away on the first day of school. A milestone to send my first child to school, and also to witness my grandpa's passing from this life to the next. It was a bittersweet day.
My sister and I were asked to speak at the funeral. We are the only granddaughters of the family and we felt honored to share memories of our Grandpa. In preparation for our talk, we decided to meet with all the cousins and gather everyone's memories of Grandpa. It was a neat experience to reflect one those memories, and learn a few new things about Grandpa as well. What a great man he is. What great man to have raised such good children and grandchildren. I am grateful to him for his example and love he showed us.
Losing a grandparent has reminded me of the importance of family. What a blessing it is to have family. What a blessing it is to know of our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. To know that it doesn't end with this life. What a sad thing to think about. . . losing a loved one to death, and not knowing or believing that you will see them again. At this time, as I reflect on my blessings, I am most grateful for my knowledge of the gospel and of THIS plan. It truly is the plan of HAPPYness. I am grateful to be part of my eternal family. I miss Grandpa Washburn, I've thought a lot about him lately. But I know that I will see him again. What an awesome blessing. THE greatest blessing that our Heavenly Father has given us.
This picture was taken just weeks before Grandpa's passing. I will always treasure it. Right before this picture was taken, Grandpa was "chasing" my boys around the driveway in his chair. He was always a good for a laugh.
I've always loved this picture. It means even more to me now. That's me in the corner of the picture waiting for Grandpa to throw me the ball.
