Celebrations of Life: 4 Birthday parties and 3 funerals

I've been pondering about the beautiful lives we each have been given. Life is truly a gift.

This weekend our children have been running here and there to different birthday parties for their friends. Birthday's can seem fairly routine--like an everyday occurrence, but they are a reason to celebrate! Each individual is unique and has been given a unique family and circumstances to grow and develop.

This weekend we have also attended 3 funerals for 3 special people.

First, Monique White who at 9 years old had completed her mission on this earth. She was a special child totally dependent on others for care. She has a very special family who loved her so much and it seems her presence affected the lives of so many. At church, we will miss seeing her brother Jacob push her in her wheelchair to sit by their family and her primary class will miss having this special child in their class.

Kathy Williams was a wonderful wife, mother and new grandma who was an inspiring woman of faith. She led a life full of service to her children and to others. When she became sick 8 months ago, she never complained and her faith grew stronger. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and will be missed by many.

Eric Allen was a young man who was a teacher and football coach at Lincoln High School. For several years, he lived life to the fullest even as he suffered from brain cancer. He inspired his students in the game of life: "This is why I coach, to teach the kids that life is more than football. There are going to be hundred of challenges in life and you have to be strong enough to get through them. If you can handle football, you can handle those challenges."

Roger and Veronique White summed up their feelings very sweetly:

"During this difficult time our family testifies of the reality of the resurrection which is a gift from our Savior Jesus Christ and 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 now and throughout all eternity."

I am also thankful for my knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that we will be reunited with loved ones again after we die. I know that we were given this life to learn to be obedient and to serve and to love. Each day of life is truly a gift and I am thankful for it.