While reading the scriptures, the phrase found in 2 Nephi 2 :25 , "men are that they MIGHT have joy," caused me to reflect and ponder on its truth.
The Lord has blessed us with so much goodness in this world...I have found much beauty, truth and Joy throughout my life.
I have found that JOY is fleeting. I also have come to realize that the Lord has said, I "MIGHT" have Joy....if I "might," then I guess I must work at this in order to "Have" JOY.
So ....I will list my JOYS. These are the things that have brought or remind me of JOY.
But first I want to thank a dear friend that let me play with her little boy today while she had to go to her 6 week Doctor visit without her baby because she went back to heaven too soon....
I was able to find Joy playing with her little boy....as if Evan was here...I think he was...We played blocks, trains and ABC's, had a snack, danced, and rocked in the rocking chair...I did all the things I would have done if Evan was here...I thank this little boy for playing surrogate today....I felt Joy through my tears today....
My
dog Sheba.....my childhood confident and friend....I had her from age 3 to 12, until she passed away.
My
sister Ashley.....born when I was almost 13. I always prayed for a sister and finally was blessed with the sweetest one ever.
Grandparents....the best a child could ever have...the love, the understanding, the talks, the games, ....grandparents are a child's gift.....
Grandpa Towers' hikes, Bobonne's gaufrettes, Grandma Marilyn's crocheting, Grandpa Glen's fishing, Grandpa Dean's voice....
Parents....who moved to a city during my high school years because of a music program the school offered....they sacrificed for me....a parent is a child's true cheerleader and advocate...sacrificing themselves along the way...monkey's at the park...swinging so high at Mormon Center...playing hopscotch...getting a jump rope...the love....
Brothers, Adam and Aaron....who I always don't express love to....who I hope they know my love for them...
Angela, Lauren and Justin....for bringing happiness to my siblings...
Nieces and Nephews....who delight in life and gave love to Evan...
Jim's Brothers...for making Jim laugh....
Kiera...for creating beautiful memories through photography...
Jim's Parents...for raising such a righteous, loving man...
Friends... throughout the years who have been willing to sacrifice their own personal lives to lend an ear when life has thrown me some curves....the listening, the patience....the flowers, the gifts through the grief...
Aunts and UnclesSunsets, walks and talks on Kauai with my Auntie Gayle....
Playing Uncle Wiggly with My Uncle David...
My ever wise Aunt Lynette....making me as a child always feel welcomed in her home even though she had 7 children at home....
My Uncle Ron's big bowl of popcorn he would share with me...
Uncle Frank's quirkiness....
Uncle Brian....fast driving from BYU to HOME! (In Heaven with Evan)
Aunt Nancy's smile....(In Heaven with Evan)
Uncle Michel....the way you make my dad laugh uncontrollably....it is pure joy to watch....
Aunt Linda...my teacher trainer...your love to teach children to read became one of my purest joys! (In Heaven with Evan)
Aunt Saundra...hikes....swimming...lagoon...brown sugar macaroni
Aunt Brenda...providing fun cousins to play with!
Uncle Mark...Camping
COUSINS:Brianne's tender spirit
Heather's hand me down clothes, driving unlike Ms. Daisy when she was 16 and I was 12...Pure joy for a 12 year to hang out with her..
Kristen...sweet words through losing Evan, and my little follower when we were young...
Baby Tamra's kisses...
Andrew sharing his room...
R.J.....when he would share his cookie dough and ice cream...
Eric...going to the temple with him when he received his endowments....
Michael....I always felt like he was my little brother....loved spending time at BYU and Florida with him...
Uncle Ryan....making Jim feel so welcomed to the family...
Shad....memories of yesteryear's when family was different and we had each other to ride bikes around the apartment complex....
Jason...summers in Utah...Lagoon...connection...
Chantele....time together in Utah, while I was at BYU....your precious Karlee
Sumerlyn....your love for life was so contagious...I loved being around you...
Ben...your H.S. grad...loved being part of it....
Becky....I wanted you for my baby sister when I didn't have one...
Ammon...beautiful blue-eyed, blond baby....
Nathan...Outgoing and fun...
Anna....sweet friend to Ashley...
Joshua...letting me give him all those practice cognitive tests when he was 5 or 6....
Madi....getting to know you shortly after losing Evan....beautiful young lady..
Andrew W. .....my youngest cousin....about Evan's age (when Evan died) when I met you....wish you could have met him....but it brought me joy to meet you...
Jim...our wedding....our life...our children...your love for me...your humility...patient...respectful...loving...knowlegeable...protector....best friend....my inspiration...my soul mate...
CHILDRENDanielle....the moment I knew you were growing inside me...JOY...
Kailey....your sparkling eyes and beautiful voice...
Cameron...my first son...mommy's little boy....tenderness...
Evan...your life was full of life and wonder....(In Heaven)
Savannah...Evan's gift to his mommy....I see his smile through you..
ThingsFlorida, Colorado, Wyoming, California, Hawaii, and Utah....part of me is always there because I learned valuable truths in each of those places....
Sunsets....I really cannot get enough
Beaches....sand between my toes....
Books....for fun, but especially the scriptures...
Home...warmth....love...family....
Nature....creatures, flowers, and greenery...
Humidity...really...I love it...
Cold nights...fireplace....blankets....good book....
Hugs...
Words of Wisdom....from the Prophets, from friends, from family
The Love of a child....the purest love....
My Purest Joy....Memories cannot be taken away, even when our loved ones leave....
I cannot wait when my
Joy will be full, when Evan will be back in my arms....
Savannah is such a doll!
She loves to smile with that tongue!
Had to include this face!
