Facing Reality

I have a lot of catching up to do. I have just been dragging my feet because there seems to be so much to write about. A lot of it brings up so many emotions that I have been really avoiding it, not that it is anyone's business, but for my posterity it should all be out there on the table.

Just as we were getting used to the idea of having a son-in-law, we found out we were going to be grandparents. I had such a hard time trying to sort my feelings of joy over the good decisions that one daughter was making while struggling to make sense of the bad choices another one was making. I wanted them both to feel loved, not just for their choices but just because they were my daughters. I also didn't want all the attention taken away from Jordan on her wedding day. I had to take one day at a time and just let things take their course. We've come a long way. This is how Brooke looks today:

Almost 8 mos.

It's kind of hard not to say how cute she looks. We sit on my bed at night watching Criminal Minds and feeling the little baby girl inside her move around. It is still hard to know what the future holds, but back in December I was afraid of losing my daughter forever and though we have had a rough 6 months, I feel like I have her back. A lot of the conference talks reminded me that our trials refine us, make us stronger, teach us to be humble and help us on our path to become more like our Savior. Isn't that what this life is for? My daughter having a baby isn't the end. There are still eternal goals to be set and lessons to be learned and good times to be had. We just have to endure some of the bumps on our path of life. And right now we are looking forward to seeing this sweet baby girl that has helped my daughter see that Heavenly Father knows what is best for each of us.

P.S. Thank you to the wonderful people that have surrounded us, lifted us and eased our burdens. Your prayers and words of encouragement mean more to us than you will ever know.