Friendship

I am so grateful for friends. I love my family very much, of course, but I don't think I could survive in this world without really good friends.

I am grateful for the new friends I am still getting to know, but that I know well enough to let loose at a karaoke party:) (Thanks so much guys. That was just what I needed!)

I am grateful for friends far and wide that I met by chance (by the way, I don't believe in chance) in my travels far and wide. I may not have seen them since long ago moves, but this brings me to another item of gratitude. I am so grateful for the Internet/email technology to keep track of these special friends. I know that even if I never see them again (even though I truly hope our paths cross again) that we will be friends at heart forever.

I am grateful for old and dear friends from my youth that have helped me grow up (okay, I know I'm not that grown up). I have such good memories from you childhood and youth and it's because of a wonderful group of friends. I am grateful that I have been able to keep in touch with a few of the nearest and dearest, and I can't wait till I see them again.

I am grateful for my siblings and in-law siblings that have become some of my best friends. I am grateful for the many family gatherings that will take place this year, so that we can renew and strengthen these friendships.

To all my friends far and wide, please know that I love you and that you mean so much to me. I love hearing from you and being involved in your life no matter how new our relationship, how far away you live, or how infrequent our visits. THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIENDS!!!

And for a friend that tagged me in her blog--here is my 4th photo in my 4th folder in my picture file. And I tag any of my friends who want to get in on the fun.

This is a picture of a primary class I taught at church in Dallas, Texas. We went with the whole primary to the Dallas Temple and had a wonderful experience. Ah, the memories. It's about this time of year that I miss Dallas. They are just starting to plant the pansies and the weather is gorgeous. I loved the early spring in Texas. It's the only time I miss living there:)

The Circle of Life

I have felt God in my life in the past week as we have delt with the death of my husband's Grandfather. It was one of those happy/sad occasions where he had been really sick and in pain and it was a blessing for him to be released from his pain, but at the same time we are going to miss him.

The day after I found out I could just see him as he is in picture that hangs in their basement. Younger and smiling. He's happy now, and I'm happy for him. . .and sad for us. Especially sad for Grandma. She's alone now. Of course she has loving friends and family, but I can't even begin to imagine life without my husband. And to top it off, this is the second husband she burried. She's been married just as long to the second as the first. It's gotta be one of the worst feelings in mortality to loose your best friend.

I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of God's Plan of Happiness. We are each here on Earth for a purpose. We live our life the best we can and when we are called Home, if we've lived in accordance to God's will, we return to His Presence. I know this is where Grandpa is. He was such a good example. He was faithful to the end. He loved the Lord and tried to be like Him. I am a better person for knowing him.

On the other side of the spectrum, I anxiously await the birth of new nephew. He's been so anxious to come into this world. We've been praying for him to wait just a little longer for months now, and now that it's okay to come, he's taking his time.

Two great spirits are starting a journey. One begins mortality and the other looks foraward into the eternities. And thus the Circle of Life continues.