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I have been so happy and feel at peace. It sort of reminds me of the people in the Book of Mormon that had burdens, that were not removed, and yet they could not feel them. I know that life, in and of itself, gives us challenges. Challenges that can be viewed as burdens, just from the sheer overpowering weight of helplessness or frustration or just being overwhelmed to the point of feeling paralyzed with fear of the helplessness of desperation BUT with all the aspects of available help, from tenets of the Gospel, we can survive it and actually thrive in our living.
I grew up terrified of death from about age 14 until I joined the Church and understood it was not the end of life. Even with that it took years of study and living and faith to really have a testimony of it and to no longer fear death. With the passage of years and life-experiences and purposeful preparation, on many levels, I understood Dixie's passing was a part of life and someday I would join her.
As I left town, it was symbolic to me to see a mural with hot air balloons and then a real one ascending above it.
On the drive home I thought and prayed a lot and renewed my determination to live life to the fullest while I'm still on earth. I believe we honor those that have moved to that next realm, by living and enjoying life while we are still here. Live to live and not live to die. (Dixie's Doctor gave her that advice!)
A couple of days ago I saw this meme! Confirmation of my thinking!
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This is our wonderful 36 year old grandson, Kipper, and his precious little family--wife, Kim and then kiddos...Ava and Kai. 2 days, before Dixie passed away, he had a dreadful mountain bike accident.
Our son, Kipper, posted yesterday....
6/11 Kip shattered his pelvis - both sides. He's had 5 surgeries in under 3 weeks. This pic was taken today as he learns to do the basics without the use of his legs. No weight on the legs for another 2-3 months.
He's taking it one step at a time. This is a shock to us all, especially him. But I am so impressed at how he is handling this. He inspires me to be a better person.
He is in a nursing home and learning to use a wheel chair plus OT/PT and then eventually will learn to walk again. He is so young and it's just heartbreaking for all of us that know and love him & his little family that he cherishes. He is brave and courageous and that will take him far & he now will be carried on our faith and prayers and heartfelt love.
Right now we want him to be able to go home!
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I am still studying about angels and here are a couple of quotes from talks that I recently read...
One of the things that will become more important in our lives the longer we live is the reality of angels, their work and their ministry. I refer here not alone to the angel Moroni but also to those more personal ministering angels who are with us and around us, empowered to help us and who do exactly that (see 3 Ne. 7:18; Moro. 7:29–32, 37; D&C 107:20).
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I believe we need to speak of and believe in and bear testimony of the ministry of angels more than we sometimes do. They constitute one of God’s great methods of witnessing through the veil, and no document in all this world teaches that principle so clearly and so powerfully as does the Book of Mormon.
For a Wise Purpose by Jeffrey Holland-1996 here
(D&C 84:88.)
When do the angels come? If we seek to be worthy, they are near us when we need them most. The mountain might even be full with the horsemen of Israel and their chariots of fire.
When Do the Angels Come? by Bruce Hafen - 1992 here
I'm also re-reading the book Covenant Keepers by Wendy Nelson. She quotes Joseph Smith...if we "live up to our privilege", the angels will not be able to be restrained from being our associates.
She also quotes Elder Holland, from 2010 --Ask for angels to help you . (Elder Holland has really talked a lot about angels over the years. that is what I'm noticing.)
You know that I have been talking about and reading about and desiring to know about angels and how they fit into my personal life or if they even should or if it's even something I should desire or pursue. After study and prayer and contemplation...yes. Yes...I am opening my mind and heart to this element of growth and am feeling comfortable to embrace whatever comes my way.
I especially like the element of available help, for the asking, for family and friends and genealogy. It fits with my Patriarchal blessing and recorded personal blessings given by my sweet hubby and also most recently our son.
I'll continue to study and understand this fascinating subject.
I wonder how many of us, and that includes you, have done as Elder Holland said...Ask for angels to help you? Well, something as private as that will most likely be held sacred in our hearts but I'll share with you this fact--I'm going to keep endeavoring to embrace and understand and yes, enjoy the journey.
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Thanks for being patient with my sporadic posting. I'm planning on getting back on course.
(Natalie- sorry I've not responded to your beautiful letter. I pray for your daughter and for you to have strength. I cannot fathom how one prepares for the pending loss of a child. True she is an adult but still your darling daughter. so beautiful and so successful. I had a friend that lost a son and she said it was so difficult because it was out of synch. you are strong and faith-filled so you will make it through this impossible circumstance as that is how believers survive. We rely on the Gospel teachings. always love to you)
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