Hello friends. Well, we are back from Georgia. I wanted to update you guys and to thank you so, so much for all your kind words and prayers. We have truly been sustained in this incredibly difficult time by our friends and ward members. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and love from our ward and from the wards of Mel and Adam, Adam's brothers, and my mom's ward in GA. It has been inspiring to watch the Gospel in action, to witness others truly bearing our burdens and mourning with us. I could never express how much it has meant to our family.
We got back to Provo last night. The flight was fine, though the kids were a little restless. It was nice to be able to visit our loved ones back home, especially amidst the beauty of the springtime. Adam was buried in Augusta, Georgia; the ceremony was very nice. It was presided over by Elder Stephen D. Posey of the Seventy, who is our former Stake President and a great friend of both our families. He's also a funeral home director there and spoke at the service.
I'm not sure how many of you already know this, but Adam's dad was stationed at Ft. Gordon, GA many years ago -- twice actually. Once they were in the Harlem Ward, which is our home ward where we lived before moving here. They also were in the Augusta Ward, which is the ward Chris and I both belonged to for many years when we were younger. There have been so many amazing connections we have discovered -- one was finding out that Chris' mom babysat Adam when he was a baby. Chris would have been 10 or so, and very likely helped his mom with Adam's care. It is no wonder they are such great friends. Bishop Cox, Adam's dad, served in the bishopric in Harlem and was over Young Women; he was a powerful influence over many of my friends who grew up in that ward, and he was very likely a chaperone at many dances we attended as youth. (Poor guy.) So many people have been affected by Adam's death; everyone who ever knew him seems to have loved him deeply. He's just one of those people you love automatically.
My sister is doing as well as can be expected, I guess. As you might expect, she is in a bit of a daze still. Even I find myself thinking I am going to wake up at any time and find this was just a very long nightmare. Now is when it gets real -- in everyday life. When Melissa has to wake up every morning without him. When they don't come over for dinner and TV almost every night. When I don't hear his characteristic knock on my door and see my sister run to greet him with hugs and kisses. When I don't find him (and Chris) assembling a Bug engine on my kitchen counter. When I don't see him wrestling and playing with my kids on the living room floor.
I'm just so thankful for my testimony of the Gospel. I have learned that when we hear that God will not tempt or try us above that which we can bear that He means that only when we turn to Him for strength. Without that faith and guidance, we couldn't bear this. My sister has faith I only dream about -- she is an amazing example to me. I know that even though this situation is hard, it is God's will and all is right. He will assist us in enduring it if we are faithful.
Thank you all again for everything. Jessica, I have to single you out as the orchestrator of so many blessings for us. Thank you for being a fantastic Relief Society President and a wonderful friend.
We got back to Provo last night. The flight was fine, though the kids were a little restless. It was nice to be able to visit our loved ones back home, especially amidst the beauty of the springtime. Adam was buried in Augusta, Georgia; the ceremony was very nice. It was presided over by Elder Stephen D. Posey of the Seventy, who is our former Stake President and a great friend of both our families. He's also a funeral home director there and spoke at the service.
I'm not sure how many of you already know this, but Adam's dad was stationed at Ft. Gordon, GA many years ago -- twice actually. Once they were in the Harlem Ward, which is our home ward where we lived before moving here. They also were in the Augusta Ward, which is the ward Chris and I both belonged to for many years when we were younger. There have been so many amazing connections we have discovered -- one was finding out that Chris' mom babysat Adam when he was a baby. Chris would have been 10 or so, and very likely helped his mom with Adam's care. It is no wonder they are such great friends. Bishop Cox, Adam's dad, served in the bishopric in Harlem and was over Young Women; he was a powerful influence over many of my friends who grew up in that ward, and he was very likely a chaperone at many dances we attended as youth. (Poor guy.) So many people have been affected by Adam's death; everyone who ever knew him seems to have loved him deeply. He's just one of those people you love automatically.
My sister is doing as well as can be expected, I guess. As you might expect, she is in a bit of a daze still. Even I find myself thinking I am going to wake up at any time and find this was just a very long nightmare. Now is when it gets real -- in everyday life. When Melissa has to wake up every morning without him. When they don't come over for dinner and TV almost every night. When I don't hear his characteristic knock on my door and see my sister run to greet him with hugs and kisses. When I don't find him (and Chris) assembling a Bug engine on my kitchen counter. When I don't see him wrestling and playing with my kids on the living room floor.
I'm just so thankful for my testimony of the Gospel. I have learned that when we hear that God will not tempt or try us above that which we can bear that He means that only when we turn to Him for strength. Without that faith and guidance, we couldn't bear this. My sister has faith I only dream about -- she is an amazing example to me. I know that even though this situation is hard, it is God's will and all is right. He will assist us in enduring it if we are faithful.
Thank you all again for everything. Jessica, I have to single you out as the orchestrator of so many blessings for us. Thank you for being a fantastic Relief Society President and a wonderful friend.
9 comments:
Julie---this post made me cry. Thank you for sharing this with us. I have thought about you over the past weeks and wondered and tried to imagine what everyone must be going through...especially your sister. It is inspiring to witness and hear of your faith. I know heaven smiles on you.
xo
(And I have to thank Jessica, too. She is wonderful, and does so much for all of us without a thought for herself. What an inspiration!)
Julie, that was such a sweet post. He looks like a great guy, I especially like the one where he's holding Nathaniel on his lap. Give Melissa our love, we continue to put you all in our prayers and thoughts.
We have been praying for you all. Thank you for sharing this all with us. I hope your sister will be able to get the comfort and peace she needs. I am glad she as you and your family.
I cry. This to shall pass. That is what I always tell myself during my difficult times. I have never had to endure anything like this yet. So hard.
your family has been on my mind so much this past month. i hope that sooner rather than later you all will be able to feel peace and comfort.
Glad to see an update. We have been wondering how things are (we have an idea, but, you know...) The fact that you mention that Mel is holding up against this just reminds me of how strong she is.
You guys are amazing and I love you to pieces!
Julie:
Your family is still in my prayers, especially your sister. I cannot imagine what she is feeling right now. I hope that through the healing power of the atonement she can move on, and I pray that she will have the strength to do so.
thanks julie. I know its hard - but it helps the rest of us to see how you are doing. Thanks for sharing. What a beautiful person.
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