Sunday was an incredible day. I had 3 birthdays to celebrate and the day ended with Ron inviting several friends over to give me a blessing. More on that to come. My BFF growing up, Kate Date as she is affectionately known. Kate lives in Texas so I never get to see her. She is an incredible musician. She plays the piano and has a beautiful voice. But my favorite is her mastery of the cello. We grew up playing together, she on the cello and me accompanying her. Our mom's even made us matching dresses and bought us matching red shoes when we were in 4th grade for some performance somewhere. I love you Kate Date!
My baby bro, Stephen Preston, turned 45. He is 8 years younger than I. We were very close. Nils' middle name is Stephen, after my bro. Steve lives in Boston and I rarely get to see him. He has a beautiful wife and 4 gorgeous children. They came to visit this summer and it was so great to see him. I marvel at his fathering skills. He and Heather are such great parents. Love you Steve, and I have got to get back to see your new home!
The 3rd b-day is our baby Andy. He was born 16 years ago. He is always in the back of my mind, but the beautiful fall time of year, brings him to the fore front of my thoughts.
The Sunday meetings were all so uplifting and motivating. But the one thing that stood out, was the beautiful closing prayer that was offered in RS. It was a sermon in and of itself. The Spirit was so strong. We were all taught well.
The day ended with Ron inviting several men over to give me a blessing. It was so powerful and strong. I am trying to remember and record the thoughts I had. I had such a powerful feeling of peace. I wasn't told I would get well, but was given counsel on dealing with this life changing adventure.
One of the women suggested that Curtis have a blessing as well. I will be forever grateful for her inspiration. Many of his hero's were there, his young men's leaders. He so loves and admires them. Ron asked Greg Fawson, his scout leader to offer the blessing. Greg has been through an incredible last month and a half, with his darling Chantel. Chantel should really not be alive. They have been through so much, and I can only imagine the alone times Greg had as he could only witness the pains his sweetheart was going through. In a nutshell, she has had a chunk of her skull taken out, and her brain operated on to fix the problem. Everything about this experience has been nothing short of miraculous! Anyway, one of the first things Greg said to Curtis, is that there are guardian angels surrounding him to bear him up. I know that Curtis' special angel is his big bro, Andy. Thank you Greg, for your righteousness and inspiration.
Curtis and I were lying in bed talking the day over. He expressed thankfulness for living in such a great neighborhood with so many great friends. The Priesthood blessings that were offered, brought him, and me, so much needed comfort and peace. I am so grateful to the many adult examples of Christlike living. I am so grateful to his great friends, and to their parents. Thank you for looking out for my son.
I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know He lives. I know He loves me. I know He knows all the thoughts and feelings of my heart. I know He knows the physical and mental pains I am going through, and that I will yet go through. He can succor me and bless me. He can show me the way. I am so grateful for the plan of salvation so I can live with Him again. I am a very blessed woman.
I have so much to live for, so much to look forward to. And through all the love and support coming the Nelson's way, I am going to be OK. And so will the rest of our family.
Thank you.
Reading this made my insomnia all worth it. There really is something to the trials we go through. It's all part of it. As much as they suck, we need them to grow and to be strengthened. We need them to be awakened to our many many blessings. We need them to appreciate what we have and to not take things for granted. We need them to feel joy, peace and happiness. We need them to gain humility. I hate that you've had to and will have to continue to go through this- I would still take it all away if I could. But it is a blessing, and I too am thankful. Love you, Mom! You're an inspiration.
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