Examples

Today I am incredibly grateful for the examples of many who have gone before.  Primarily for the examples of others who have lost children and persevered.

One of the biggest examples of this perseverance is Lawrence's Grandma and Granddad.  Many years ago Granddad was in a terrible accident that resulted in the loss of their oldest child who was only 6-years-old.  It was a devastating loss for grandma and him and changed many things about the way they were living their lives.  It's not that they were doing things contrary to the Church of Jesus Christ, but that they were strengthened in their resolve to live all the commandments of the Gospel so that they could one day be reunited with their darling boy.  They also established some traditions for their family that centered on their sweet boy, traditions that we have now adopted in our own way.  They kept a chest with some of his belongings, toys, and clothes and they would gather their other children for his birthday and talk about their memories with their angel.  Despite this tragic loss that could have torn their family to pieces Grandma and Granddad stayed together for more than 50 years, through thick and thin, sickness and health.  They stayed true to their faith in the LDS church and their temple covenants and will certainly be reunited with their boy in eternity.

My great-grandparents on my mother's side are another example of this kind of faith.  They lost a daughter to illness when she was young.  Despite this loss they also stayed together and continued raising their family.

About 4 years ago I saw a post on facebook from a friend of mine.  She was requesting prayers on behalf of a family she knew who's daughter had fallen in a creek and was in critical condition at Primary Children's.  I red through their blog as they shared their experience with this tragic accident.  They thanked people for their prayers and fasting, they prayed themselves, and truly sought after the Lord's will concerning their precious little girl.  I sobbed hysterically as I learned that their princess was not going to survive.  I held my very own princess, only a few months younger than theirs (at the time) and prayed that I would never have to face this kind of trial.  I didn't follow their blog much after my initial reading, but since losing Ethne I have been following them and their experiences that have been very similar to ours.  I look up to this family and to their strength that they have shared since their tragic loss.  (there is a link to their blog in the sidebar)

So many other examples exist, but one last one that stands out to me is that of Emma Smith.  She lost so many babies, but she stayed with her family and her husband through so many trials of faith.

I am thankful for the many great examples I have in my life, and particularly to those that show me I can continue in this life, even after such a terrible and heartbreaking loss.