Tender Moments in Life

There are times in our lives when the presence of our Savior is very near. I have experienced His presence this week as we have dealt with heartache. On Thursday, I taught preschool and all seemed well. Within an hour of returning home, I began to experience the signs of miscarriage. I was 8 weeks along and had been eager for our first ultrasound to tell the kids for Christmas. I was totally unprepared and in shock. The emotional sadness was coupled with the physical pain. My children didn't know what was going on, which added to the impact. So, Thursday night, I canceled our dinner plans with our friend Chelsea, who was preparing to leave for a vacation in Alaska, followed by a semester internship in Idaho Falls. She responded back with her concern for our situation and inquired if there was anything she could do to ease the situation. We were hoping to see her that night before she left. Friday morning she texted Dan a goodbye and Merry Christmas before leaving for Boise to catch a flight to Alaska. On her way up to Boise she lost control of her Chevy and crossed over the median to hit another car. The other driver was killed instantly, his three passengers were severely injured and Chelsea was life flighted up to Boise, where she was pronounced dead. We did not receive the news until Saturday. I cannot remember a time where I have felt my emotions so raw, nor have I experienced heartache like this with Dan. Her funeral was yesterday, and because of the conditions of the roads, we decided to stay back, Today, there was a memorial at Dan's work. (As Chelsea was a co-worker of Dan's) As I was pondering our friendship, I felt Christ's presence. I know that our Savior lives and that this life is not the end. I know that our spirits go on to live in a state of rest and peace until they will someday be reunited with our bodies at the Resurrection.

I am not sure why Chelsea was placed in our lives. Dan came home from work one day suggesting that Chelsea babysit for us while we attended the temple. That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.  She was 22 and a radiology student and CNA. She was living here without family. She would babysit or come over for dinners and Family Home Evenings. She took care of the kids the night Dan threw out his back and Trick or Treated with the kids. Though Dan has known her longer than I, I know that she was placed in our lives for a reason. Through this experience, we have been able to ponder on the beauty of life, on the Great Plan of Life. Today Elijah told me he was going to build a Rocket Ship to go visit Chelsea in heaven. Noelle was asking about where our bodies go when our spirits go to heaven and Corom said he could not wait to see her in heaven again. In their small way, our children are gaining a testimony of the Plan of Salvation. I am grateful for the Christlike example of friendship that Chelsea has shown us and thankful also for the trial of my miscarriage. I do not understand the why's behind these heartaches, but I trust that there is a plan for me. I am thankful for my body, a healthy body and for a beautiful family and the time we have together on earth.