for a special family

growing up, my brothers and i had an awful lot of horrible babysitters. babysitters that would smoke in the bathroom and tell us that if we told our parents, we'd be in huge trouble. babysitters that would lock us out of the house. babysitters who would watch t.v. and that's about it.

there was a family in our ward. their dad was the bishop of our church and they were THE family to look up to, at least we did.

i can't remember how many kids there were altogether, 9? i was friends with the younger ones, and the older sisters had babysat me and my brothers at one time or another. they were actually our favorites. i know we were a handful, but they never mistreated us like the others. they were kind and patient, even if we were annoying brats.

i just received some terrible news about one of my former babysitters. she lost her daughter yesterday. it's been years and years since i've seen her and i've never met her daughter. but when i read the notes of condolences, my heart broke. although we aren't close, i have fond memories of my former babysitter, and their family has always held a special place in my heart. it hurts me to know that they are suffering.

when my parents left the church almost 20 years ago, we went through a very trying time.

then my brother died three years later.

i still remember the slew of people at our house.

my dad had distanced himself from the members of our church, but even then, there was our former bishop holding my dad as he wept for the loss of his son.

i think my dad was afraid he had cut ties to the extent of losing dear friends, and still, there was Bishop Y. there he was, his arms wide open and mourning with his friend. i will never forget that selfless and loving act of kindness.

i have always looked up to this family. they are spiritual giants, and i don't know how we would have made it through past struggles without their friendship and great example.

i know words are useless at a time like this, but i do know that you will see her again. i know she will be watching over you, embracing you from the other side. you come from an exceptional family of spiritual giants, and you will have the strength to get through this, even if you feel like you don't.

my son once asked, "mom, is heaven real? is Heavenly Father really there? and is it really as beautiful as everyone says it is?"
 i answered, yes.
he said, "well, i can't wait to go to heaven. i can't wait to see Jesus and Heavenly Father again."