I knew it was finally time for this post so I pulled up this picture and just started bawling all over again. It represents more than just the person in it. It has been an emotional year, one filled with the greatest joys and the greatest challenges. Within 13 months, we have lost 2 dear friends, Jeff Williams and John Jones, and 4 wonderful family members, baby Levi Maughan, Grandpa Verdas Reed, Grandpa Dee Lang, and Grandpa Rulon Callister. We've also experienced our 3rd miscarriage before getting pregnant with this little one who will join our family soon. And as Wade and I have both started new careers, our dream jobs really, there has been great happiness and great hardship. We've had several months without income or health insurance, but lots of faith that things would work out. And as many of you know, my mom was recently in a four wheeler accident, in which she broke her sternum, 6 ribs, and a hip. I feel so blessed she's still alive, but I pray that her body can heal and that she can be free of pain soon.
Here's a picture of my Grandpa Dee Lang many years ago. What a handsome soldier! I had the opportunity to take care of Grandpa Lang in St. George right after my preschool ended in May. His health was deteriorating rapidly, and it was sweet to sit by his bed and just talk to him and help him eat or drink.
A week later, we drove back down to St. George for his funeral. Here he is with my beautiful Grandma Lang before he passed. Grandma's been incredibly lonely without him, and I've been really worried about her. So I call her on the phone a few times a week just to check in. We have a really special connection since we're so much alike and since I was lucky enough to grow up with her and Grandpa living next door.
A few weeks after my Grandpa Lang died, we lost my Grandpa Callister. There was not a dry eye in the congregation as his grandchildren sang, "Families Can Be Together Forever." It was really neat for some of us granddaughters to hold the flowers in two lines as the pallbearers brought his casket forward.
When we went up to Idaho for baby Levi Maughan's funeral in May, we were able to visit with Grandpa Callister one last time here on earth. As I walked into his room, he said with delight in his voice, "Why Catherine, I wasn't expecting you." I can't tell you what it means to me that he has never forgotten my name, even in his old age and with over a hundred grandchildren and great grandchildren. I love this man, and I have learned a lot from him! I agree with every word that my cousin, Melody, shared about him.
As difficult as it has been to have our loved ones slip away, I have felt immense gratitude that I will see each of them again someday. It makes me happy that these two lovebirds (Grandpa and Grandma Callister) are back in one another's arms. :) I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. I've learned this year more than ever that we have trials to strengthen us and help us become better. And for that, I'm thankful.