I am also late in posting about my Grandma and her birthday. I am so grateful for such a wonderful example of a righteous and loving woman in my life. I have always looked to my Grandma as an example and as a light to emulate. I love her very much and I wish we could be closer to her so we could visit more often. One thing I have always admired about my Grandma is that I have never heard her speak an unkind word about another person. She is always optimistic and views people in the best light. Thank you Grandma for your love, example, and kindness.
The reason I never did post about my Grandma's birthday is because my Aunt Barbara died suddenly the day after my Grandma's birthday. This sent our family into shock because Barbara's death was so unexpected. When I think of my Aunt Barbara I think of a woman who always persevered and never gave up. She had many trials in her life but never gave up on her faith in the gospel and she was also a woman who showed unconditional love to my Grandma and all the people around her. My Grandma and my Aunt Barbara really were best friends and I know everyone misses Barbara. I know my mom is dealing the best she can with loosing a sister. In the picture above Barbara is the second from the left side and my mom is the first on the right side. I was really sad I couldn't attend the funeral service Here is a link to my aunt's obituary: http://www.reviewjournal.com/obituaries/individual_display.jsp?obitID=3779511
Within weeks of the death of my aunt, Sheldon and I received news that his Aunt Kris was reported missing. Her car was found abandoned by a beach and there is no sign of her. They think she might have committed suicide or else fled to another country. She just recently divorced from her husband. We are hoping and praying for her safe return. Here is the news article about it: http://www.redding.com/news/2008/apr/09/crews-seek-missing-woman/
I was just recently put into the young women's organization again and today in church the young women's lesson was on extended families and their importance. I felt the spirit very strong and I felt that I wanted to honor my Grandma and express sadness about the loss of two aunts, one of whom is still missing. It has been a crazy month for our families. I am so grateful for my knowledge of my Savior and the peace and comfort his atonement brings. I am grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the true happiness it brings to belong to Christ's true church upon this earth. I know that there is a Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ came to this earth to atone for all mankind. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and truly did restore Christ's church again on this earth. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and the true happiness it brings by living it's teachings. I often reflect on my membership in the church and how grateful I am for it because my knowledge of these things sustains me when times are troubling or difficult.