All so fast........

We just experienced three deaths in our family in the last 36 days....my father passed on Nov. 1st. My uncle (dad's brother) on Thanksgiving day...Nov. 25th and yesterday my 99 year old grandma passed away...(their mom). And I am just grateful for what they have passed down to us. My grandma was in good health almost her entire life...and it was a good, long life. She was lucid almost up until she died. That was a great blessing. My father passed away unexpectedly. My uncle was sick so we knew it was coming. My grandma was old and we knew it wouldn't be long as well...although us grandchildren were hoping she would make it to 100. My great-grandma also lived until she was 99 so we were hoping for a new record of 100. But after my dad and uncle (her boys) died she went down hill pretty fast.

Here is my mom and dad. What lovely people they are.

I couldn't find a picture of my uncle Joe on my computer so this will have to do. My dad is to the far left. My other uncle Jack (the only one surviving now in that family) and my amazing grandma Emily.

I have two things on this earth that are truly the most important things in my life...family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. They truly are the things that matter most. It is hard getting into the spirit of Christmas but as I sit here this morning and really think about it....Christmas is all about the birth of our Savior. And for that I am excited. And for that there is reason to celebrate. YES....I have lost three important people in my family recently but I haven't lost them for good....just for a season. And in the eyes of our Savior it won't take long before we see them again. Grateful for today. Grateful for my life. Grateful for the things that these family members passed down to us. Grateful that I know that I can see them again. I have no doubt.