“Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.”
In the past eight years, I've experienced loss in a personal way. My dear mother-in-law, Enid Noreen Wheeler passed away unexpectedly. I was not prepared to lose her, and I'm still sad to this day that I was unable to say goodbye one last time while she was in a conscious state. However, I will never forget the moment when my children knelt by her bed to hug her and a tear rolled down her face. I knew that she knew we were there. Gratitude. That is what came to mind in that moment.
When my maternal grandmother, Helen Money Bird left this life--it was expected. We knew her time was coming, but I was still unprepared for the way I would feel when her physical body died. I rushed to her bedside and held her hand while waiting for her body to be taken away. A flood of memories flashed through my mind. She was such an example for good, and I knew that physical death could not take away those memories. Gratitude. That is what came to my mind in that moment.
Years ago, when the economic crisis hit the United States--my husband and I knew that our business would be under fire. We had ventured out on our own less than a handful of years before the crisis. We knew that we were too small to withstand the shock of banks that weren't giving out loans. We knew that owning a commercial construction company during this crisis was going to be the beginning of great challenges. A few of our clients were using banks that went out of business during the building process and we were left with the expense. It has been nearly 7 years since the beginning of that trial, but several blessings and a miracle or two made a difference. Gratitude. That is what I have felt several times over the years.
I often say that our family is enduring the journey, rather than the more familiar quote of "enjoying the journey". But, I know that He is there. I am grateful for the moments when I feel him close. I know that we are not alone in our trials. I do know this. At times, my human weakness makes me not want to believe that, but then I'm quickly reminded to believe Him and in Him.
When Elder Quentin L. Cook mentioned the time his young son exclaimed to his wife, "Hope you know, we had a hard time"--I understood how he felt.
I am different today than I was eight years ago. I'm more humble. I notice others needs more and I understand how people feel that are suffering. However, I've never felt more grateful in my entire life. I have wonderful family, loving children and a husband that leads us righteously.
By Kristie Wheeler
By Kristie Wheeler
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