Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Hope

March 21, 2009 changed my life forever.
That day I ran the 5 mile for the first time ever. I hadn't really trained, but I really enjoyed it. Afterwards, I was able to visit with some family friends and overall it was a really great day! That evening I was babysitting while my parents were at a wedding reception and all of the sudden I got a call from my cousin, Josh, frantically wondering where my parents were and why they weren't answering their phones because my other cousin, Travis, had been in a motorcycle accident and was being life flighted to the hospital.
I began to panic.
My parents weren't answering my calls either, so I decided to call a friend who was also at the reception to have him look for them. No such luck. Eventually they came home and my dad and other cousin, Logan, began making plans to drive to Grand Junction. I remember, before they left, we said a prayer as a family. It brought comfort, which is what we needed. I then had to get a hold of Travis' really good friend, Derek (describes Travis as an older brother), who was wondering where Travis was.
I had to tell him.
The rest of that night was kind of a blur. It was filled with tears, fears, and spending time with my family. I spent the night with my grandma and I will never forget hearing my her cry when she got the call. And then listening to Derek cry when I called him. I don't remember much of what was said that night, I only remember that I knew that this nightmare was a reality.
I was not happy.
But in the following days I began to find happiness again as I recognized all of the blessings in my life, especially concerning these recent events.
  • The night before, I had been able to get off work early and eat dinner with my family, including Josh and Travis. This was the most time with him I'd spent since he'd finished his mission.
  • I had been able to be friends with him on Facebook which allowed us to stay caught up on each others lives and talk more.
  • Somehow I had Derek's number and he had mine so that we could get a hold of each other.
  • Most importantly: I know that families can be together forever and that if I live worthily, I can be with Travis, and the rest of my family, forever.
It was that testimony that gave me hope. Hope for happiness. Hope for faith. Hope that others can receive comfort. Hope for strength.
Eventually, with enough faith, that hope turned to knowledge
I know I am, and can be happy thanks to the gospel. I know that faith can move mountains, if it's the Lord's will. I know that the Holy Ghost is powerful and comforts those in need of comfort. I know, without a doubt, that things will be okay. Yes, I have my days where I miss Travis like crazy, but this life is so short compared to the eternities. I also know, without a doubt that
Everything happens for a reason.
Sometimes it takes days, months, years, or even waiting for the next life to understand all of God's purposes in our trials. But someday, if we pay attention to the Spirit,
We WILL know the answers to our questions.

Now I am such a stronger person than I was before Travis passed away. I have a stronger testimony and I'm not as scared to share it. I enjoy the scriptures more. I try to "Let [my] light so shine before men, that they may see [my] good works, and glorify [my] Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16) I want my countenance to shine, like this:
Recently my good friend, Chris, has come down with a bad case of what they thought was pneumonia (but they've discovered that it is a rare autoimmune disease) and he is not doing well. He has been sedated and on a ventilator for almost a week now and the doctors sure aren't quite sure what is wrong with him.
It's so scary.
It's hard to find joy in situations like this, but there is. People from all over have been praying and fasting for him, especially the youth in our area. People are reaching out to his family to help them cope. Through all of this, all those who are serving Chris, by praying, fasting, or helping his family, are growing closer to Christ and becoming more like Him.
Isn't that what life is about?
All we can do, is hope and trust that what's supposed to happen will happen. Or as my dad says:
"What is is right."
If your in the mood to learn more about the power of hope, watch this: http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages#p/a/f/0/UbsU3b2srQA

Also, if you want proof of the love and support that Chris is receiving (and to join the group on Facebook) go to: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=406913512931&ref=ts


5 comments:

  1. Amazing Kandace, thanks for sharing. You are a Light to your Mother!!! I am wiping the tears right now. Love ya girl

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  2. Thanks Kandace. You are a light!
    Hope it's okay to eavesdrop on your blog.

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  3. Thanks for what you had to say, you are a wonderful friend and roommate. Love ya!

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  4. Kandace, your spirit does shine. Thank you for saying words that I feel and touching my soul. I wish you would share this with Uncle Mel. Maybe you could put it on Grandma's blog and all the family can share. We have such great blessing and we need to continue to strengthen each other. Love you girl between my tears.

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  5. Thank you Kandace. It means so much to me. I have felt your prayers.

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