Easter 2012

Amy- 8

Audrey- 4

Clara-6

Emmeline-23 months

Thank you Easter Bunny!

Hamsterveil

All the kids together in their Pittsiness

Reuben-13

Tim-11

Emmeline enjoying the beautiful parking strip garden

It's Easter.  This Easter has been a strange combination of bitter and sweet for my family.  Yesterday our friends' daughter passed away.  She was 12.  We met her when she was a baby and then our families parted ways.  Recently, we reconnected through facebook, and a few days ago, through facebook, learned of the tragic accident that eventually took Elizabeth's life.  When we learned of her accident and that she was on life support, my family began praying for her and her family.  I instantly felt the peace of the Holy Ghost. Still we were deeply affected and saddened by the news.  Their family has 6 children and so does ours.  We cannot even imagine what her parents and siblings were feeling or what they feel now. I have been a constant leaky cup since I heard the news.  My heart aches for them.  When it first happened, Elizabeth's family asked friends and family to fast today, on Easter Sunday.  But, Elizabeth returned to her Heavenly Father on Saturday morning.  Still, my husband and I decided to fast anyway, for those left behind.  So, today at church as we were reminded about the Resurrection, the most amazing and wonderful event of all time, my thoughts were only for this child and for her family. Her death brought the miracle of life and healing for 4 people- two will see, one will walk, and one will have a new heart valve.  What an amazing gift and sweet contrast to the bitter reality of a mortal life being concluded.  It has touched me more than I can adequately express, yet I find myself wanting to try.  I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and for the atonement.  I am in awe of the gift of his sacrifice of his life and his resurrection opening the way for all of us to one day rise from the grave.  It feels very real today.  Happy Easter!