One of the Lucky Ones

The past couple of weeks I've had the chance to spend a lot of time with my family.  There have been ups and downs, but it all culminated in a beautiful moment during the Sacrament on Sunday after Spencer blessed his new son Connor.  

As I sat there, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of love and appreciation for my family.  I thought of Spencer taking that cute little baby in his arms and how amazing it was that he had the power and the honor to bless that little child.  I looked at Amy as she held her children in her lap and felt everything was coming full circle for them.  I looked at my beautiful nieces and nephews and became so aware of the blessing children are and the meaning they give to life.  Abby is five now and I can't believe how much she's grown.  In that moment, all I wanted to do was pick her up and hold her while I reminded her over and over how much she is loved and that she will always be our family's little princess, just so that she will never forget.  And when Spencer stood up and bore his testimony I couldn't stop myself from crying as I contemplated what a strength he is to everyone and how grateful I am to have him as my biggest brother.

Sunday was also my parent's 31st anniversary.  Alicia and I put together a gift for them Saturday night that required a lot of looking at old pictures, which brought a rush of memories back to us.  Through the course of the night we laughed a lot, but in a serious moment, we talked about how incredible our parents are.  That they are always so willing to sacrifice for us and only want what is best for us.  The trust they show their children as they let them make their own decisions and support us no matter what is unmatched.

L to R: Derrick, Shannon, Dad, Mom, Nate, Daxton, Mandi, Max, Amy Spencer, Abby, Lyla, Alicia, Me, Peter

My family is big, loud, crazy, and just plain weird.  We don't always get along and very often do not agree 100% with the choices the others have made.  And sometimes, we want to smack each other.  Despite this, I think I hit the family jackpot.

The lessons I've learned from my family and the love I've felt are things I would not give up for anything.  They are the rock to stand on when life's waves come crashing down.  They are the strength in my soul when I feel I have none left.  

I truly am one of the Lucky Ones.