Friday, August 28, 2009

Grateful for Life

We just returned from our summer trip to the states. It was quite eventful and caused me to reflect on how grateful I am for life, family, and friends. We had reunions with both families, reunions with my college friends, visits with grandparents, the marriage of my brother Josh to Jo, and a mix of breakdowns, car disasters, jet ski disasters, and tired children disasters...

The most eventful and devasting part of our trip was the tragic loss of my brother and sister-in-laws' baby girl, Elizabeth. Celeste was 29 weeks along, and we all were soooo ecstatic that she was pregnant with a girl after her first three boys. About half way through the reunion, she stopped feeling the baby move. The day after Josh and Jo's wedding, on the way to the reunion in Pittsburgh, we got the message that they had lost the baby. I cannot think of the words to describe the emotion and pain we all felt for their family, and especially for Celeste. They are both such strong and amazing individuals, and have been tested more than most. I love them both for the example they have shown throughout everything.

All of the events reminded me how lucky I am to have been raised in such a good family. I am lucky to have a husband who was also raised by such an amazing family. I am so grateful to have been blessed by having good friends all of my life. We are blessed to know the plan of salvation and the gift of eternal life from our Savior. I know this baby girl, for whatever reason, is needed elsewhere and the rest of us are given the opportunity to grow from this depth of sadness.

I love you Jake and Celeste. You are in our prayers.

5 comments:

jenn said...

I've been thinking about you a lot the past few weeks. I am so sorry to hear about your neice, that is so hard. I'm happy you were there to be a support to Celeste and Jake. I hope you are doing ok and that your trip went well. I'm worried about you. And I love you. Jenn

Jenna said...

What an eventful summer. I am so glad to hear that you were there to support your family. Sorry to hear of their loss.

It sounds like you had an exhausting but wonderful trip. Welcome home.

Happy Mom said...

One of my favorite things about you is that it's easy to see your testimony shining in your eyes. It's automatic for you to draw strength from and rely on that witness in times of sorrow (and happy ones too).

Long time, no see, but I sure love you still

Kindermusik with Celeste said...

Thank you...

Jake said...

Thanks Emmy-Lou,

I was so grateful you stayed for the ceremony and were just there to hug lots. It was so nice to hang out with everyone and inspired to have all the bros and sis there to help us grieve. We love you guys tons, and here's hoping for a future Dallas empire!!

Love ya,
Lil Bro Jake