A Shout-Out to my Friends

I have a lot on my mind lately, good things, bad things, happy things and sad things. I don't have the time or the emotional energy to explain all those things, but one thing that my mind keeps going back to is how thankful I am to have friends.

It has been my friends who have been my biggest supporters during some very challenging couple of years. It's impossible for me to thank all that deserve a thank-you, for some thanks I don't know where to place, only that it was needed and that I am grateful.

During the Relief Society lesson in church this Sunday I was reminded of the blessings that come from the visiting teaching program. Usually lessons like that put me to sleep or invoke a slew of guilt. But not this lesson...this lesson reminded me how much my Heavenly Father loves me. It became crystal clear to me that though I feel a lack of support from some people in my life the Lords has not forgotten me. He has placed certain people in my life at the right time to make up for where I lack in other places.

I was reminded of...

 The many face-less friends who helped us through those difficult months of unemployment. My prayer is that your generosity has returned to you tenfold.

My dear friend Tish, who week after week brought me dinner all the way from Spanish Fork while I was too sick with the twins to properly care for my family. 

 

Margaret, Jen, Jill, Susan, and many, many others who brought in meals and took my children for me while we were grieving or welcoming a new addition to our family.

Mandy who didn't forget Zachary when we was born or on the anniversary of his death. You may never fully understand what that meant to me. From the bottom of my heart-THANK YOU.

Dione for her constant friendship and for the thoughtful picture of the Savior with the little boy and girl. My little Aftyn and Zachary together. 

Those who came and cried with me in those very early days of grieving. And those who were still there long after those early days of grieving.

Shelly for being the first to celebrate with us when we announced our impending arrivals. And for being the first to the hospital to celebrate Aftyn's safe arrival. You were so quick in fact that I missed your first visit because I was still in the OR getting put back together. You are speedy and thoughtful. 

 Natalie for being willing to leave her family to take pictures of ours so we could save a moment in time forever.

Our friends close-by, our friends afar, and those we have never met who left tender messages of hope, love, and well wishes on our blog. Each thoughtful message helped buoy us up. You have mourned with me, celebrated with me, encouraged me, and made me feel loved. Thank You!

The phone calls to check-in. Or the random visits just to chat. The listening ears that heard me vent on the days I just couldn't be strong and needed to scream, cry, or be angry.

The many people who have offered prayers on our behalf. Prayers that we would find a job. Prayers for a healthy pregnancy. Prayers for a family grieving. Prayers for our surviving twin. Prayers for me. I have felt your prayers.

I cannot mention all the people in my life that have strengthened and supported me through the past few years, but I sure am thinking of each of you. You have been my source of strength. I know my father in Heaven loves me because of each of you. I am so grateful he places people in our lives for a purpose.

Why am I thinking about all this now?

For two reasons...

I have a heart full of gratitude and wanted to share it.

And two, today I am missing my baby boy. Some days just hurt, but today I am reminded how dear friends can make those rotten times in life so much more bearable, leaving sweet memories to cherish for a life-time.

Thank you, Friends!!! Each one of you, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!