...and we're back!

...Well, sort of. It has been so very long since I've posted anything here...though there has been so much to celebrate about the last many months...My goal after Saturday, is to actually complete the posts I started and never finished :)

The thought below is something that has been on my mind a lot recently, it is something I need and want to remember, and so when I saw this quote today, I wanted to share it with anyone who may possible take a glance at this page.

Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes…

I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey---now.

--President Thomas S. Monson

Monique White

White Family - Fall 2008

Monique White was born to Veronique and Roger White August 30th, 2000. Last Sunday, March 21st, 2010, she returned to her Heavenly home. As Veronique and Roger describe her, she was a miracle child, and a perfect little angel, born with so many physical disabilities and difficulties. Monique has been completely dependent upon her parents for everything. She has not been able to communicate in the way that each of us make sounds, talk and move. This said, you can't be with her and not feel of her strong, beautiful spirit. Through the experience of being with sweet Monique, especially when I returned home from my mission, I learned that we each absolutely do have a spirit inside us.

It was beautiful to be at Monique's memorial service Friday and to listen to her parents, two of my heros, speak about what they learned from Monique, that providing for all her needs taught them of our dependence on our Heavenly Father, how necessary He is in our lives. And then the focus on the Resurrection and of Easter. The spirit was so sweet in the room during the service and also afterwards as people met in the cultural hall filled with lovely pictures of the White family and especially of Monique. Veronique and Roger included Monique in everything, including dressing her up for Halloween. They loved her unconditionally. It's difficult for me to describe what I gained this weekend, when I try to verbalize it, I begin to cry.

I love what the Whites said about this difficult experience, "During this difficult time our family testifies of the reality of the resurrection which is a gift from our Savior Jesus Christ and we are filled with an overwhelming sense of love and hope. We take strength in a sure and peaceful witness that our Father in Heaven loves us and has prepared a way for our family to be together no and throughout all eternity."

I miss you Monique. I'm grateful you are free, finally able to move and dance as you'd like. Thank you for what you have given each of us who met you, thank you for sharing your beautiful spirit with us.