Blessings from Above

We are so thrilled Jade can crawl.  She is motivated by food, milk, and any electronic devices.  I wondered if she would learn to crawl or if she would go straight to walking.  She's such a cutie and we love her more everyday!

Jade loves to blow raspberries.  Make sure you don't get to close.  She makes quite a splash.

Today has also been a sobering day of reflection on the gift of life.  There is a sister on our street who has been ever so willing to watch Jade while Gary and I work at the Salt Lake Temple one Saturday per month.  She is so gracious and willing to help us.  Today we went to visit her and confirm the details or our arrangements for babysitting. We asked how her visit to the doctor was about her knees.  She explained that there isn't much that can be done.  She can have chemo but the doctor has said she has about 8-12 months to live.  I was so shocked by the information that I was having a hard time finding the words to express my sincere concern and love for her.  A knot formed in my throat, I couldn't speak, only cry.  Ironically, this sweet sister was comforting me.  I told her that we didn't want to rob her of time she could be spending with family and friends to watch Jade.  She said that she wanted to keep watching Jade as long as she could.  She always wanted to work in the temple, but never got to.  Since she is not able to work in the temple she feels watching Jade for us is one way she can help serve in the temple.

A about a month ago a friend and teacher of ours from elementary school passed away.  She battled cancer as well.  She was an inspiration to all of us with her positive outlook as she battled the cancer.   My life has been greatly blessed and touched by friends in my life who have battled cancer. I feel sometimes that they are here to teach us how to face adversity.

Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior’s name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.