I remember when I was about 7 or 8 years old and hearing that my beautiful young Aunt Alisa had just passed away from cancer. At such a young age, I think the loss is somewhat hard to really comprehend - or maybe -it is just that the spirit is so much closer that we have a lot more understanding about the plan of salvation and we don't have to grieve like our parents did with loss. I vividly remember a poem that her aunt or someone wrote, I still have the first of it etched in my brain- SO YOUNG, SO NEEDED HERE AWHILE, BUT HEAVEN COULD NOT WAIT FOR THE SUNSHINE OF HER SMILE.
This week our family just received devastating news about my little neice Lucy. Cherisse called Thursday morning saying that Lucy was diagnosed with a terminal disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. They said that the average lifespan was about 18 months. Lucy is 5 months old. As a sister and a mother, I have been aching and grieving for Cherisse and her sweet family. I cannot imagine the trials that they are going through and the path that they will have to trod until the day that Heavenly Father calls Lucy back home. We love them and wish we were closer to help and support but are very grateful for the many kind acts of service and love those in her ward and community have offered.
Times like these always first humble us, and we remember that this life is but for a short time, that the knowledge of the plan of salvation brings peace and comfort but that the loss is still real and painful. We never know when it is our time to go. So now what- with this understanding do we really take into account our greatest priorities- and make them a priority daily. What if we were told that ourselves or a beloved family member were given 12 more months on this earth-would we change our daily focuses-would we change our attitudes to the grind of daily life and its challenges. Would we spend more time at home-would we have more patience, love, understanding, and forgiveness with our spouse and children. Would we delete the unnecessary chaos of things that fill up our calendars and thoughts that run through our brains of things that just "have" to get done-do they really? I know that Chad and Cherisse will never take for granted the time that they have with Lucy. That they will cherish the late nights with no sleep, the constant care, work, and time of trying to make Lucy comfortable. Lucy is so sweet. About every time I have talked to Cherisse on the phone since she was born she has commented on what a sweet, happy, nice, good baby. She is too good for this world. SO YOUNG, SO NEEDED HERE AWHILE, BUT HEAVEN COULD NOT WAIT, FOR THE SUNSHINE OF HER SMILE. Chad, Cherisse, Dallin, Jocey, and Lucy- WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!
