Another Sappy Post About My Family

Its that time of year when I've been trying to scheme up some thoughtful Christmas presents. In the process I came across an old photo album my Grandma had given me. Looking through it caused so many memories to flood over me that I decided I had better record some of my thoughts...at the risk of yet another self-centered blog entry.

I know I've said this before, but my Grandma & Grandpa Carson meant so much to me. Obviously...I named my son after them. When I was younger I spent a lot of time at their house while my mom worked. In fact, most of my early memories are of being with them. Those days were precious and full of so much happiness. A few days before my Grandpa Carson passed away, I was talking with him. I'll never forget him telling me, in a broken voice, "Each day with you was such a blessing."

In his last days, my Grandpa taught me a valuable lesson: when it all comes down to it, what matters most is spending time with those you love and building memories. Isn't that a big part of this whole mortal experience? To build our eternal families? I am reminded of a passage from The Proclamation:

"In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress towards perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally."

This "earthly experience" hasn't always been a rose covered path for me...or for anyone. There have been times when I've felt so overwhelmed, discouraged, and depressed that I've felt myself wanting to slip into despair. As some of you may know, I went through a pretty rough patch after Mason was born. In short, depression is horrible, and a place I never want to go to again. Without an eternal perspective of who I am and what I'm doing here I don't know what I would have done. The knowledge that all my trials lead me to a better end...an end where I can be with my family, has given me the strength to press forward when the way was difficult.

I am ever so grateful for my family. My husband, children, parents, siblings, in-laws, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and each and every cousin. I am thankful for photographs like these that help me remember those early days of playtime with my cousin, Ben, who felt more like a brother to me than anything. A photograph of a very sad me saying goodbye to my Grandpa when he and Grandma moved to California. A photograph of my Grandma holding a me as a baby.

I will forever be thankful for simple little snapshots of a cherished childhood.