Happy thoughts are hard for me these days. Though I have lots of wonderful memories that make me smile and daily happenings with my family that do make me happy, somehow the writing always shows the grief still in my life. But I am trying, and I am getting better day by day.
The picture above is of Stephen and Katie at Stephen's Spina Bifida camp in July. I am so happy that Katie was able to volunteer at the camp this year and spend a week bonding with her little brother. They really have been closer since this experience!
I am so grateful to the Lord for my sweet Chrissy, who spiritually is probably the strongest in the home! I hold her in my arms and feel of her strength, her testimony that Heavenly Father loves us, and the peace she has in her soul. She is always willing to share that peace and her unconditional love to all who cross her path!
This has been a tough year. The summer hasn't been all fun and games. Katie relapsed in her drug recovery after Emily passed away. The depression of losing her little sister was hard on her. She has been in a great adolescent inpatient program for the last month and just got out this past week. She has re-committed herself to her recovery and has made good on her promise to start anew (including new friends from her alternative peer group PDAP). She is 33 days sober and counting.....I am so proud of her. She will be starting college on August 30th, because somehow, despite the craziness of our lives and hers, she has still managed to graduate high school an entire year early! It just shows me how much Heavenly Father loves her and wants her to succeed! And no doubt, her precious angel sister, Emily, is watching over her and keeping her safe!
Of Course the highlight of the summer was Stephen's Baptism!! August 7, 2010Kevin did get a new job in May. He was out of work for just over a year. He is working for a good company with good insurance benefits and hours that are manageable for our family. The important thing about that is that we are together in one city as a family!! And it helps that he happens to LIKE the job too!
We really are trying hard to move forward, not be consumed by the devastation our family has endured, and to give our remaining children all the love, support, and happiness they deserve. Though it is hard to put aside grief some days, I work hard at doing that for Andrew, Katie, Chrissy and Stephen!
For me, part of moving forward, is to resume somewhat "normal" activities. I am trying to eat healthier, exercise more often, and of course read my scriptures and pray daily. Prayers are an important part of my day. These things are starting to pay off in the growing peace in our home. Emily would be happy about that!
Love to all who continue to pray for us and care about our loss. Thank you to those who understand that healing will be a long, arduous journey for our family. And know we love you all, as we also love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and look forward with patience to the day our family will be reunited with Emily through His atoning sacrifice!
