May 14th, 2005

Tomorrow is my birthday- big 2-2. I am not sure how to feel about birthdays anymore. I mean, sure its AWESOME that i made it another year (go me!!) but, its also a reminder of the death of my hero, my Grandpa Seely. He passed away on my birthday 8 years ago. That is insanity to me. Back then, i don't think i quite comprehended "eternal families". With my grandparents being the only two strong members in my family, and them both being gone at that point, all i had was my mother, brother and sister in  hysterics, therefore making me in hysterics, it wasn't the most pleasant feeling.   

I attended my first funeral since then this past weekend. Being older, and having my own Testimony in the Gospel, and understanding that "they got married in the Temple" meant, "they would be with each other for time and all eternity", it changed my whole outlook on death, and also the importance of working hard in this life, to keep your covenants so you could be with your loved ones for time and all eternity. 

Landon's grandmother English passed away this past week. We were fortunate enough to drive up to Salt Lake this weekend for her services. Naturally, i was nervous. Landon and I have never had to deal with a death of a family member as a married couple, so thoughts were constantly running through my head. I know people deal with grief differently- i wasn't sure how Landon dealt with it. Once we showed up to the church- i was instantly comforted by the spirit. I knew that Landon's grandma was the epitome of a strong sister in the Gospel. She had devoted her entire life to the Church, and to our Heavenly Father. The spirit was so strong in the viewing room, as we made our way up the line, saying our "I'm sorry's" to all of Landon's aunts and uncles. We got to Landon's Step Dad, and he lost it. He was just so happy to see Landon there. The support of his son meant the WORLD to him. He explained how happy he was that we got to see Grandma just a few weeks prior, and Landon was equally grateful that we got to visit with her. 

We stood by Grandmas casket... just admiring her. She looked so at peace, we knew she was with her eternal companion. We knew that, living the most worthy life, she was in her perfect state, in her kingdom. It was then, that my testimony only grew. I KNOW this church is true. I KNOW that Landon's grandmother and grandfather were reunited in heaven, because of their service and devotion while they were here on Earth. I know that my grandparents were reunited as well. I know that by being sealed in the temple, it seals you and your spouse, and your children that come thereafter together as a eternal family. I am so grateful for the comfort this brings me. 

I am so grateful for my grandparents and the knowledge that they instilled in me when i was little. I am SO grateful that i get to have an eternal family with Landon, and that when we have children, they will be sealed to us. There is NOTHING in the WORLD that can compare to that.