Our Children are Something Special

"Your children have been prepared for this time." Those were the words from a blessing I received from my dad. I cannot tell you what comfort those words have given me. I stand in awe of how my children are handling everything -- it is like nothing has changed for our family. No one is crying in the corner, or acting out, or doing anything unusual. They are still as awesome as they always have been. (I said awesome -- not perfect!)

I think part of that preparation has been that they have always been so close together. They all share a room, with Sammi in a loft bed, in the walk-in closet. They are never alone. If they are sad, or want to talk to someone -- someone is always there. They do not have to be afraid. They are in this together. We are all in this together! I love how close my children are to each other. They love each other so much, and that makes me SO HAPPY!

I am also grateful my children are not wimpy. These kids come from good, solid, Scottish ancestry, and they are tough! They are going to have some heavy workloads in the future, but I think they are well prepared, and cut out for the tasks ahead. I was not left with little babies, I was left with almost teenagers -- who can pull their own weight, and more. (That's right little Henry… get to work!) The combination of me, and Charles, made some pretty sturdy people. Thank goodness for that!

You know what else has prepared these children? We have prayed and read our scriptures together EVERY DAY, always. We talk about gospel topics, and discuss deep things on a daily basis. We have tried to instill in the children a faith in God and his Eternal plan for us, and for families. That knowledge is everything to us now! Now that their daddy has passed from this world into another -- it is an easy discussion, because we all know where he is. We try and keep it an open conversation at our house. We talk about Charles/daddy daily, and we even pray for him and his success as a missionary on the other side. Of course, the first few days were really rough, but I will talk about that later, when I'm ready to. It has been a month, and there is joy in our home.

I am so grateful to have these kiddos with me. They are everything to me, and Charles. We both love them so much. May they continue to have strength and courage in the days ahead! May the joy we have always had as a family continue on, forever… and ever!

Thanks for these sweet babies, Charles. You were so kind to give them to me. Watch over them, will you, my love?

My Heart is Bursting with Gratitude

I cannot go another day without expressing my gratitude. I have been treated with such love, and kindness -- I can hardly stand it! My heart is overflowing with love, and appreciation, for all those who have been so sweet to me, and my family.

There is still so much good in this world, and I have seen it firsthand! There is no way I can ever personally thank everyone who has helped in my time of need, but for those of you who read this, please know how my heart is full of love and gratitude! Each and every gift, and the thoughts and words shared with me, have been uplifting and strengthening. I can feel the prayers of those who have lifted their voices to Heaven in our behalf. Those prayers fill me with strength and joy.

I have not had one single dark day, not one. I had a dark night on Tuesday, April 1st. But since then, I have been lifted to new heights of faith, and devotion to God through all of this -- in ways I never thought possible.

I am not alone. I will never be alone.

Thanks to everyone for your kindness, and generosity. It is so special, and eternally treasured by me. Thanks be to God for allowing such glorious people to be in my life. I have seen those who act as followers of Christ, I have seen those who honor Him through the services of others in need, like me.

May you be blessed for your kindness and goodness!

Love, love, love!

- Mari 

My New Shirt

I made myself a few shirts. This one is my favorite. It was our Trek family motto. (Click: HERE.) I just wanted something to wear that made me feel uplifted and powerful. My other shirt says, "KEEP CALM AND STAY STRONG."

I have been adorned with all sorts of things to wear to remind me to be happy, and strong. Normally, I am pretty much jewelry-free -- but now I have been decorated. My wedding ring fits as of the day after Charles passed. I also wear his ring on my thumb. I had friends make me beautiful necklaces, with wonderful messages. And my sister got me a trek bracelet. I was not into having things on my hands, or arms, or around my neck -- but now it feels great to have the constant reminders. I especially love wearing Charles' wedding ring. I've got to find a place to have it engraved…???

I want you to know that I have the Courage to Continue. There may be times in the future when I will need to "find" my courage, but for now -- I HAVE it. Thanks be to God for that! Do you know why I have the Courage to Continue? Because, Charles is the love of my life, and it is difficult not having physical access to him -- but it is not Charles in whom my faith is anchored. My faith is firmly anchored in my Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ. Charles is gone from this world, but my faith in God is the same. (If not stronger!) 

I am still me, and my devotion to God is first and foremost in my life. I love Charles more than any other -- except for Heavenly Father and Jesus. And it is that Ultimate Love -- The Love of God -- that is burning in my heart now. My heart is so full of the Love of God, that there is no room in my heart to dwell in pity and sadness.

My heart is more full and happy than it has ever been, actually. Is this not supposed to be my darkest hour? As I draw myself close to God, I am overwhelmed with light and love! I have had my crying in the night moments, but I also want to cry to the world how glorious and wonderful Heavenly Father is! He gave me Charles in the first place -- without God, Charles would not be mine. Because of God, Charles is mine forever. Charles' first devotion was to Heavenly Father and Jesus, and then to me, and our family. And that is the way it is supposed to be. I know he is doing the Lord's work now. He always wanted to serve another mission more than anything -- and now he is. I am so happy for Charles, I know Charles is so very happy. I love it when Charles is happy.

If you are having hard times, and struggling with pain and sorrow -- then draw yourself closer to God, and He will draw closer to you. Allow Him to fill your heart full of His love. I cannot describe the happiness that is possible, even when facing life's most difficult challenges.

Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you.

I promise.

Don't believe me?

Try it for yourself!

Find the Courage to Continue! 

Happy Birthday, Will Turner!

Today is William's birthday. At this point -- 3 birthdays in a row later -- we are all pretty worn out of cake. We have had kind of an ongoing party since Thursday.

William turned 7 this year! Next year he will be getting baptized, and we are so excited for him. Someone will have to step in for his daddy for the baptism, but I am sure it will work out beautifully.

William is a really fun boy. He is full of life and silliness. He is always saying and doing the funniest things. He also tries really hard to keep up with his older brother and sister. William loves to be outside, especially playing in the dirt. He is currently digging a hole to China in our backyard, with Daniel.

I was worried the most for William, with the passing of Charles. He is at a very tender age where I thought it would be more difficult for him to understand and handle things. But my worries have been quickly put to rest, as William informed me early on that daddy still talks to him.

For example…

The other day, I was talking to all the kids, and expressing my gratitude for how Charles used to teach us how to do things -- sometimes he would teach with great passion in his voice. Charles was very particular about how things were done around the house. He would teach us how to properly load the dishwasher, or properly fold the towels, etc. Sometimes he would get a little too excited about it. (I am guilty of the same thing!) The reason for his "excitement" was because he used to work in those kind of industries, and he learned the professional way how to do things (like folding towels) right. As I was talking about this with the kids -- truly expressing gratitude for all the things he has taught us -- William came over to me and whispered in my ear, "Daddy told me, to tell you, he is sorry." I missed it the first time he said it, so I asked, "What did you say?" William repeated that Daddy said he is sorry. I wish I could describe to you the feeling this gave me, but it is kind of indescribable. I was enveloped in a warm confirmation of the word "sorry."

We are all sorry for silly little things, I am sure -- but none of it matters now. All that matters now is how much we love each other as a family. All that little petty stuff has disappeared. As it should. I just think it is so sweet that Charles is still saying he is sorry, and that he told William to tell me. Love it! "I'm sorry," are some of the most powerful words in the world!

I am so glad that Charles talks to his William. May that continue throughout his lifetime.

William also says the sweetest prayers now. He prays that Heavenly Father, Jesus, and Daddy will protect us. And you know what, I think they all will.

Love you, William! Happy Birthday!

Charles has been whispering in William's ear for a long time… may it continue forever! 

Dan the Man

Today is Daniel's birthday. He is 11 years old! Daniel has always had the nickname, "Dan the Man." That title applies to him now, more than ever. He is such a mature kid, he always has been. Sure, he can be a goofball like most 11 year old boys, but he is also steady in ways beyond his years. He is a wonderful boy, and I feel so blessed to have him as part of our family.

Soon after Charles passed away, I told Daniel he is now the man of the house. He seems to have been prepared for this job. Daniel is one tough-cookie. One of Daniel's jobs as the man of the house is to call on someone to pray for family prayers. Another one of his jobs is to take out the trash -- I know so glamorous. Daniel is something special. I have known this from the very beginning.

Daniel has been through some rough stuff in his life. When he was born, he had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, he was the color grey, and not breathing. I can remember screaming in my dilusional state, "Breath, baby! Just BREATH!" It took a bit of time, but he recovered, and turned from the color grey, to the color of life. It seemed that he was not too keen on coming to this world, but he seemed to give in, and finally take his first breath of life.

Daniel has been our most injured child. He has had tons of injuries on the school playground, and he has had more stitches than I can even recall. One of his more severe injuries was falling on a chain-link bridge, landing on his gums, splitting them open, requiring oral surgery. He also ran into a pole on the playground and split his head open, which required over 20 stitches (you can see the scar in the picture above). His trips to the Urgent Care were once very frequent, including one trip where we had old stitches removed, while having new stitches put in for another flesh wound -- crazy boy! However, since he has worn glasses, he has had no injuries -- go figure.

I just love this boy. We have been running together lately, and doing workouts at the park. When we go out running on the trails together we always talk about daddy, in a very light and positive way that makes him feel very close. Daniel loves his daddy. They were great buddies. Charles was a beautiful example of what a man should be, and so Daniel has a wonderful example to follow. Thanks, Charles!

I can hardly believe that Daniel only has 7 years left with me before he will go on a mission at 18. The way time is flying now, that seems like no time at all. I look forward to Daniel's future, and all that he will accomplish. I do not care what he chooses to be when he grows-up, I just want him to be happy, and faithful to God.

Daniel has such a simple and awesome faith, it is fun to watch. He has great power in his prayers -- there is something special about a Daniel prayer. I am glad to have him around to help protect the family with his prayers. It will be really exciting when he gets the priesthood, and can use it to bless the lives of others, and also to have it as a presence in our home.

Daniel mentioned to me that many great men lost their fathers when they were young, and now he joins the ranks with those great men. I am grateful Daniel had so much time with Charles to learn and grow from him, and his example. There will always be a piece of Charles with him. The best pieces of Daniel are from my sweet Charles.

May Daniel follow in the footsteps of his father, and be a man of God.

Dan the Man, you are AWESOME! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Happy Birthday!

Henry

It has been 2 years since I went to the hospital, and gave birth to Henry. I will never forget that day. I knew going to the hospital that something was wrong with my sweet boy. I knew -- even before he was born -- that Henry had 4 chambers in his kidneys, and he would likely need surgery right after he was born, and another one later on in his childhood. I knew that with Henry, things would be a little different, a little harder. When I first heard of his challenge a voice said to me, very clearly, "It will be hard, but it will be OK."

Now, 2 years later, Henry is full of life, vigor, and happiness. He takes his medicine everyday, to control kidney/bladder infections. We are still awaiting his prognosis on his surgery. I was getting ready to go for his renal ultrasound at the hospital, when Charles stopped breathing on our living room floor. I went to the hospital that day, but not for what was on my calendar. (I will tell the whole story another day. Not yet.)

Henry has been a joy to our family. He is also, obviously, our last baby. That question was still up in the air, but now, well -- that's it for babies around here. It was never really likely we would have another one, since I struggled with a blog clot in my leg with my last pregnancy. As I have recently learned, blood clots in the leg can be very, very, dangerous. (Again, another story, for another day.) 

Having Henry around now is very healing. His cute little face makes it hard not to smile. He also says and does the most precious things. When Henry sees a picture of Jesus he says, "Daddy!" It makes me smile every time … to him Daddy does look a lot like Jesus. And right after saying, "Daddy!" he puts his arms out and says, "Hug?" How precious is that? The first time he did it, yep, I cried. I thought it was just a certain picture of Jesus that he would identify as "Daddy" but I showed him a bunch of different pictures, and he said the same thing, every time.

I do hope that Henry will always remember his Daddy, somehow. The other kids will remember him, and how much they love him -- but Henry is so young. I pray we can do our best to keep Daddy (and Jesus!) firmly planted in his little heart. We have pictures of Charles everywhere in our house now. Henry identifies both clean-shaven Charles as Daddy, and pictures of Jesus as Daddy. Precious, precious, child.

Oh Henry, we love you so much! Happy Birthday!

You know, I thought that surely having a baby with some health issues would be a "good enough" trial to go through to last me awhile, right? One trial at a time…nice and easy does it. But apparently, God has other plans for me. Did you know that on a scale from 1-100, loss of spouse is ranked as the number 1 most stressful thing to endure? Yep, I can testify to that. May God continue keeping me close -- and equal to the task of not only enduring, but enjoying life too.

May I be given the strength, and joyful countenance -- to be the kind of mother that these beautiful children, like Henry, deserve!

For stories about Henry's birth go: HERE and HERE  and HERE. (They are pretty interesting to me now, looking back. My thoughts and feelings back then -- VERY interesting…) 

To Where you Are

I went to the Temple this morning. I wanted to go a few weeks ago, but I was just not ready yet. I am still learning to control the ugly cry… I am getting better at it. I find that if I just let the tears come freely, I am better able to avoid the bursting-out of body trembling emotion. (I do NOT promise never to ugly-cry in public, it may happen, sorry in advance.) 

The temple was beautiful. It was just what I needed. I shed many tears. So many things come to mind when you are sitting in The House of God. I did feel Charles very near there with me. More than anything, I just felt a sense of peace and comfort. I feel peace and comfort so powerfully now -- my comfort is equal to the trial I am facing. Amazing! Sometimes I ask myself, "How can it be?" 

Why do I feel so at peace with all of this? Is there something wrong with me? 

The thing is, despite my grief and sorrow for the loss of my sweetheart -- I KNOW that God lives, and that death is a part of life. It is a part of life we ALL must face. It is a part of life we don't really like to talk about too much, but now it is part of my daily dialogue. I also know where Charles is right now. I know what he is doing, and I know he is free from sorrow and pain, and worldly cares. I find myself drawing closer and closer to the things of Heaven as I study, pray, and seek after those things. I am so comforted by the knowledge that I have of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I have been focusing my gospel/scripture study lately on the Spirit World, and things pertaining to life after death. The Spirit World has suddenly become a very tangible place for me. When half of your whole is there, it makes the link to Heaven, and Heavenly things, that much stronger. (If you want to learn more about what happens after you die, go to www.lds.org and search "Spirit World".)

I admit I was hoping for something special to occur with this temple visit. The temple experience was wonderful, and powerful -- but it was immediately after leaving the temple, getting in the car, and turning on some music that my heart was touched, and my special moment occurred. 

Just as soon as I started the car, a song came on called, "To Where you Are." It was performed by Celtic Women. Both my mom and I sat in wonderment as we listened to the message of the song. It was as if someone had picked it out special just for me. I was driving down the freeway with tears in my eyes, and a burning in my heart. I knew the song was no accident. Heavenly Father knows the best way to get to me is through music. 

The song was beautiful and painful at the same time. The pain and beauty of music now… I will blog about that another day. 

Do you know how much I love Charles? Do you know the kind of love that we have? I just feel so blessed having that love in my life. I know it is a special kind of love that very few people get to enjoy. And though my time with him on Earth was cut short, he is mine forever, and I am his. OK, OUCH, I can't think about our love too much right now -- it kind of hurts. *Sniff*

I love him forever. Thank goodness for forever… if I did not know I have forever with him, I would be a wreck. 

Here are the lyrics to the beautiful song…I was going to post a video of the lady singing it, but the video is not as powerful as just hearing it. Maybe I will try singing it sometime… Josh Groban also sings the song if you want to google it. 

"To Where You Are"

Who can say for certain

Maybe you're still here

I feel you all around me

Your memory's so clear

Deep in the stillness

I can hear you speak

You're still an inspiration

Can it be

That you are mine

Forever love

And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are

Beyond the distant star

I wish upon tonight

To see you smile

If only for awhile to know you're there

A breath away's not far

To where you are

Are you gently sleeping

Here inside my dream

And isn't faith believing

All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you

Just one beat away

I cherish all you gave me everyday

'Cause you are my

Forever love

Watching me from up above

And I believe

That angels breathe

And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up

To where you are

Beyond the distant star

I wish upon tonight

To see you smile

If only for awhile

To know you're there

A breath away's not far

To where you are

I know you're there

A breath away's not far

To where you are

I love the temple. Because of the covenants and blessings performed in the temple, I get to be with my love for time and eternity. That knowledge lifts my soul to indescribable happiness, and joy -- even now. Especially now! Charles has passed onto the next stage of life, a beautiful, restful, glorious phase of life. He is so alive, and so happy -- I testify of that. I am alive, and I am happy, too. Both Heavenly Father, and Charles, want me to be happy -- so I had better be! Right? Right! 

Each day is a gift from God.

Live and love life to the very fullest!

At One with Nature, God, and Charles

About a week ago, my dad gave me a blessing. As he laid his hands on my head, he gave me a Father's blessing of comfort and council. As he spoke the words that God would have me hear, I was filled with warmth and peace. I have had more Priesthood blessings in the last few weeks, than I have had in many past years combined.

Do I believe in the power of Priesthood blessings to heal and comfort?

Yes. I. Do.

In this most recent blessing, I was given some beautiful words of council. I was told that in order to draw close to Charles -- and my Heavenly Father -- I will need to spend time out in the beauty of nature. In an effort to be obedient to that council, I have been for walks, runs, played in the backyard, mowed the lawn, and gone to parks with Daniel to workout using park equipment. (That weird lady doing squats and lunges at the park, yeah, that's me.) 

When I am outside, I do feel closer to Charles. When I am outside, my mind is lifted to new heights of hope and joy. I feel free, like anything is possible. Sure, sometimes I will have tears streaming down my face as I am jogging, but that is what sunglasses are for.

Charles loved being in nature, and he loved everything outdoors. In order to feel close to him, it is important for me to be in his element, enjoying things that he loved so much. Sometimes -- when the wind blows just right -- it is as if he is gently kissing me on the cheek, telling me it is all going to be OK. Sometimes -- when the wind blows -- I can hear his voice declaring his eternal love for me. Those are just a few of the perks from venturing outdoors.

I am so grateful for Priesthood blessings. I always loved it when Charles would give me blessings, he has such a soft, soothing voice, and gentle hands. And now, though he is not the one giving me the blessings directly, I feel him very close as others have laid their hands on my head to offer comfort and healing. It is as if Charles' hands are also laid upon my head -- perhaps taking a break from his Heavenly work -- to add a touch of comfort in my life.

I will obey the council directly to me, from God, to be outside, and enjoy the beauty of nature. There is so much to be grateful for when you go outside, and inhale deeply the glories of the Earth. Just breathing fresh air, and seeing fresh images -- is rejuvenating to both body, and soul.

When I am near nature, I am near Charles, and my Heavenly Father.

If you need me, I will be outside.

Here are a few images I captured from a recent walk… 

For Good: A Musical Tribute

Sammi and I went to see Wicked last night. We bought the tickets a long time ago, but I was not sure I was up for it. I had many people insist that I go, so I obeyed. I am really glad I went, it was amazing. I made it through the whole show without tears, until the end, when they sang the song, "For Good." My eyes began to sting -- while burning, wet, emotion rolled down my cheeks. I did my best to control my ugly cry, I managed, but I was really close to losing it completely. It was a little too close to home for me right now.

However, I also loved the song, it stayed with me, and the message is permanently etched in my heart. Today, Sammi and I decided we should sing it, and make a little video tribute for Charles. (The song affected her, the same way it did me.) Singing is good therapy, music can be very healing, especially for those of us in this household.

Here it is… Sammi and I singing, "For Good" in honor of our favorite person in the world. We are all better because of him. He has absolutely changed us all for good.

For Mobile Devices Click: HERE 



For Good Lyrics:

I've heard it said,
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn.
And we are lead to those
Who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you.

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun,
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
But because I knew you.
I have been changed for good.

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime.
So, let me say before we part:
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you.
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart.
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you'll have rewritten mine
By being my friend.

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea.
Like a seed dropped by a sky bird
In a distant wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
But because I knew you...

Because I knew you...


I have been changed for good.


And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done,
You blamed me for.

But then,
I guess,
We know there's blame to share.

And none of it seems to matter anymore.
Like a comet pulled from orbit
(Like a ship blown from its mooring)
As it passes a sun.
(By a wind off the sea)
Like a stream that meets a boulder
(Like a seed dropped by bird)
Halfway through the wood.
(In the wood)
Who can say if I've been changed for the better.
I do believe I have been changed for the better.

And because I knew you...


Because I knew you...


Because I knew you
I have been changed...
For good.

The Burial of My Sweetheart

We laid Charles' body to rest at Pioneer Cemetery, in Idaho City. I had a bit of anxiety leading up to this day. I thought that surely the grief that has still not yet consumed me, would come when I saw the casket. I stood before the casket of the mortal husk of Charles, but the grief did not come. All I felt was peace. 

The last time I saw Charles was when I left him in the hospital room on April 1st. That is a story for another day. All I will say now is that leaving your sweetheart lying lifeless, on a cold hospital bed, is perhaps one of the most surreal and dreadful moments life has to offer. Those moments still haunt me, as they likely always will…I will speak more of those moments in the future.  

But even through all the anguish and gut-wrenching pain, I feel peace. 

Why? How?  

Where is my overwhelming sorrow, confining me to my room, rocking in the fetal position? 

I do not feel it. 

All I feel is an overwhelming sense of peace, comfort, and gratitude.  

Do not get me wrong, I spend many nights crying out to God, as my body trembles and thrashes with heartbreak. But even as I cry out in agony, I know the answers to calm my consuming pain and sorrow. My heart is broken, tears slip from my eyes, my whole being burns with sadness. And yet, in those very same moments of almost intolerable pain, my heart lifts with gratitude to Jesus Christ, The Savior of the World. When I think of Jesus, my soul fills with peace and hope. Because of Him, death is not the end -- it is the beginning. 

I will be with Charles again. I had a very profound image of that reunion come to me last night, and all I can do no now is live each day to its fullest. Though his body is no longer with me, his spirit remains by my side. There are many moments when it feels like nothing has changed. He has just gone on a mission for awhile. We will be together again. 

The burial was on Wednesday. It was a beautiful day. The drive to Idaho City is a lovely one. As you are driving, there is a huge message in white on the side of the green-covered mountain that says "Jesus Loves You." What a sweet reminder. The cemetery is beautiful and full of a special spirit. There is a sense of tranquility in the air. 

Most of my family members, and Charles' family, had gone home, so there was just a small gathering. 

The night before the burial, I decided that it would be appropriate to wear my cowgirl hat. Charles got it for me, and he loved it when I wore it, but I just don't often have a chance. I am not quite bold, or brave, enough to wear it to the grocery store, yet. It just felt like the right thing to do, in Idaho City. And it was. 

The Bishop said a few words, and he asked us all to share a memory of Charles. It was really special to hear about Charles moments. I love to hear anything about him. I think in the future I will request memories from anyone who knew him. 

 My mom said some sweet things about Charles, she mentioned that at first she did not think he was "the one" for me, but after a very short amount of time, realized that he was in fact perfect for me. Notice the ring on my thumb…that is Charles' ring, and that is where it will stay. I am going to have it inscribed with "My Precious" in Elvish. I just need to find where to do that….Oh, and my wedding ring did not fit until just a few weeks ago. Very timely, I should say. 

My dad gave the dedicatory prayer. He did a wonderful job. While he was praying, a gentle wind blew in through the trees. The wind has always been meaningful to me and Charles, and now it feels to me as if Charles is in the wind. Especially up in the Pioneer Cemetery. 

Normally, you would leave before the casket is placed into the ground. But I insisted on staying and watching the whole thing. The casket goes into a cement vault, to protect it from the elements.

We stayed and watched as they put the vault and casket into the ground. A few days before we had watched them dig the grave. You would think that this would be a strange thing to watch, but it was not. None of it felt strange. It felt like the right thing to do -- to watch and see how all of these things are done. It is not for everyone, but it was right for me. 

All of these kind of moments are very dreamlike. Every moment since the moment my life changed forever, has felt like an out-of-body experience. 

I stayed and watched as they placed the dirt over the grave. We are still working on the headstone, that will take some time to have finished, before they set it up. 

We had some great friends there, and grabbed a few pictures…

The Bishop presented Charles with the Adult Scouting medal. He loved the Scouting program, and he LOVED the boys he worked with. It is now a treasure for our family. 

The reason that this was not a horribly miserable day was because Charles is very much alive, and well. He is just as much alive as he ever was, and very much more alive, and happy now. His mortal shell is laid to rest, for now, until the Savior comes again (hopefully sooner, than later!). But his spirit is free and living! My six year old, William, says he talks to him all the time. I asked William what daddy has said to him, and William said, "He told me he will be back in the Second Coming."

He lives, and he is still with my family, take comfort in that. It is not the same as before, it is very different, but it is still special and very powerful. We are still a whole family.

We laid Charles' body in the earth, but he will rise again.

 I love Jesus.

 Happy Easter!

*On a side note, I was told by the funeral director that they point the head/headstone towards the West so that when Jesus comes again in the East, they will be able to sit-up, and rise to greet Him. I must say I long for that day now, when Jesus returns -- but until then, I will praise His name forever.