Life is precious!

Last night I held my 2 yr. old tight and hugged and kissed her, I don't know how many times. In Relief Society our teacher Tammy Curtis told us that her teenage boys give hugs, kisses and tell each other they love one another every day, because they lost their dad and brother to cancer within 2 yrs. of one another. We have to tell each other every day that we love each other and show affection, because we have no idea when we will be called home.

It seems like I have had many friends that have faced loss this week. There was a boy in our stake that was reporting to the MTC next month, but went Elk hunting last week and was in a fatal car accident. Another amazing family in our stake (The Burton's) found out Rex is facing Pancreatic cancer. The hardest has been my friend Dawn Peabody in Arizona. They had a weekend that is only in parents worst nightmares. Here is a link to the story, because I really don't think I can write about it. http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/10/19/20081019toddlerdeath.html

I have been praying so much for Dawn at this time. I keep thinking about what wonderful parents they are and how much they love their children. Dawn's husband was so great at juggling the kids so Dawn could do so much in the school library. He is so supportive, and I can't say enough about Dawn's ability to do so much while keeping calm and having fun. I was on VAPO (Valley Academy Parent Organization) with her. She knows how to serve and is a great christian and example to me. She seemed to be able to do it all, and was so helpfull to me when I had Naomi, since she was a dula (sp?)and knew so much about nursing and babies. They also have big hearts, and have done foster care and adopted children.

When we lived in Arizona, this could have easily happened to me. I remember having family in town and Josiah being left in the car because you think someone else got them out. Thank goodness our vehicle was in the garage, and it was around 1 hr. when we realized he was forgotten in the car. It can happen to the best of parents, and I hope that they realize this. Heavenly Father has called Maya home. We all pray that this won't happen to our children. I know I was faced with this scare with my adventurous 2 yr. old. While I was finishing up the rock on our home, the kids were on the deck and went inside leaving Naomi outside while I was working. I got a phone call and she slipped by me and followed our dog down to the creek on our 3 acre lot. I noticed how quiet it was and called to Hannah. I had the immediate impression to go down to the creek. Hannah went to one end and I was headed to the other when Hershey came to me. I told her to take me to Naomi and Hershey lead me to her. Naomi had fallen down the embankment, and was covered in dirt, but OK! She could have easily hit her head on a rock and drowned in the creek. I thank God every day that the spirit and Hershey lead me to her so quickly. It is so important to pray for inspiration daily, but sometimes we have to accept that when bad things happen it is God's will. I hope that Dawn realizes that little Maya will be excitedly waiting for her family on the other side, and that she is a special child of God. They will be reunited.

I guess this doesn't sound like a Perky Perkins post, but it actually is. It has made me realize I need to appreciate every day and every part of my life and family.