Love

December 24, 2013

For the Love of God -

I remember thinking on that long torturous ride to Price that day of how evil this world was. It felt like I was being consumed by all of the evil in the world. How could something this horrific happen to my sister? Until that moment I hadn't been personally affected by such wickedness. I couldn't imagine living in such a world- a world that my family had just been abruptly thrust into.

As the hours and the days wore on I was brought to another realization. God loves each and every one of us so much. God loves me and each member of my family so much. We were shown God's love through the love and service of others over that arduous week. The moment we arrived at my Dad's house we were showered in love and service of others. Our rather large family was provided three meals that day. We had more than enough food the entire week. Each one of us individually were rendered service by our own friends in our home towns, food was brought in, houses cleaned, and much loved shared. The generosity and heart felt love given by others, friends as well as strangers was so overwhelming.

How ironic that Shaniel's viewing was on Valentines Day- the day of love. For that day God reviled how great his love was for us. Earlier in the week Shaniel's oldest and an Uncle came up with a plan, a great plan for love. They asked their friends to show their love and support for the family by planning a 'Heart Attack' on Shaniel's house. At the beginning of the week the house was bare, it was unbearable to look at knowing what had just happened there. It was dark and dreary, snow on the ground, so cold to look at. The word quickly spread around the schools and around town of the heart attack. By Valentines Day the entire house was covered from roof to ground with red, pink, and purple hearts. The front lawn was also covered in hearts. Some hearts shared messages of love, some were blank, all conveyed our loving Heavenly Father's love for us.

It was at that moment that I realized that yes, the world can be evil, but God's love for us will always overpower the evil. The love of God that I felt that day was very physical. It was as if God wrapped me in a warm blanket and hugged me, to tell me that he was sorry that we had to experience this, but he does love us so much and that his love will carry us through this awful trial. In the end all will be made right and good will always overpower evil.

At this Christmas time I would like to share with you the love of God. I know it, I have felt it and I know it is real. God so loves each and every one of us he sent his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ to earth to die for us, to redeem us from our sins. May we always remember this, and always be able to feel of the love our Savior and Heavenly Father have for us. Please keep this love in your hearts at this Christmas time and share of God's love with others. He uses us to show his love and help bless the lives of his children. May you spread the love and kindness that you have been shown to others in need this holiday season.

This video clip is from the mother of Emilie Parker who was also tragically taken one year ago in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. What she describes in the video is exactly how our family has felt since our tragedy. May you feel the love of God as you watch.

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUR7BFTphmI&feature=youtu.be&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DyUR7BFTphmI%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&app=desktop

November 6, 2013

Heart Attack -- Messages of Love

November is a month of reflection and thanksgiving. When we think back to the first week of Shaniel’s passing, we feel blessed and overwhelmed by the amount of love and support from extended family, friends, and community as they rallied around our families during the most difficult time of our lives.

It was hard to cope with the loss of losing our daughter, sister, and mother, but a plan was quickly put into place that set us on a journey of healing, hope, forgiveness and love. This plan was designed by Shaniel’s oldest daughter and her uncle. The idea of doing a “heart attack” on the house was put into motion that quickly spread throughout the community. Shaniel passed away on February 10, and Shaniel’s oldest was bound and determined to reach a goal of 1000 hearts on the house by February 14 – Valentine’s Day.

Word spread quickly. Local radio stations and news papers, KSL news, schools and church members acted with exuberance and dedication to cheer up the children whose lives were changed forever in an instance. It started one afternoon with the family. Pink, white and red paper hearts were cut out and messages of love were written on each one. One day, after another, the front of the house filled in with big hearts, small hearts, and cards… all with one purpose in mind… to share a message of love and memories for the parents now gone, and messages of love, thinking of, and support to the children. Soon, the front fence was covered with hearts. Then, the yard filled up with large posters and hearts. Each school class wrote a special message to each child in the family letting them know how much they were loved. It was so overwhelming and a great blessing to our family. The love showered on our families provided a much needed bright spot during a very dark period of time.

My granddaughter’s wish came true! There were around 2000 hearts posted on the house, in the yard, on the fence, and one the car! Thanks to thoughtful and loving family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church members and community! We always knew Carbon and Emery County had some of the best people around, but that week you proved it! We love you! We want you to know how much we appreciate your goodness and kindness by bringing meals in, sending condolences, and just being there to let us know you care. It made all the difference in the world! Many broken hearts started healing that week.

It is also our hope and wish today, that the kindness continues each day throughout the rest of the year and beyond… not only for us, but for everyone living in the communities of Carbon and Emery County. Love and kindness goes a long, long ways. Thank you!

Over 2000 hearts, written with messages of hope, love, and forgiveness were placed all over the house, yard, fence, and car! This was a great blessing and provided a much needed bright spot during a very dark week. And, look how beautiful the sky was! Many hearts started to heal that week.