Forever Families...THAT's what it's ALL about!

This week has been an emotional roller coaster for me. My eyes have frequently had the flood-gates lifted and allowed the tears to flow freely. I think part of it is hormones, and the other part, memories of my family, cousins, and grandparents getting together.

This week we were informed that my husband's grandfather passed away. He was close to 90 years old. He lived a good, productive life. My husband had the blessing of being able to fly across the country to be with his family as they honored their Patriarch. I can't say that I have many memories of Grandpa Price. The only one that really stands out to me is this...

We were all gathered in the kitchen, and he was wanting some watermelon. He raised his knife and in one swipe cut through the watermelon...AND the plate. He wasn't too happy about shattering the plate, and the word that came out of his mouth was quite surprising to those of us gathered around the table. In fact, I think a couple of us turned BRIGHT RED because of it! It was a great laugh, and nobody dared repeat the word they heard said!

I really didn't expect to be overcome with emotion as I have been.
You see, my grandparents passed away YEARS ago. My grandfather died when I was about 8 years old. Because of distance, I didn't get to know him too well. I do have memories of him, but not many. I don't remember his personality much. I felt a very strong bond with my grandma. She never made a visit boring. She always had some craft or project for us to do. She spent quality time with us. I remember the HUGE reunions we'd have in her back yard. Families came and set up tents, and crowded into her tiny house. I remember playing in the "junk-room." The junk room had a bed with about 5 mattresses on it. Old dressers, and treasures just waiting to be discovered. When you think of a Grandma's Attic...this room WAS her attic! I could get lost exploring in there for HOURS! Every Easter, we'd have a reunion. We'd all gather together and do an Egg hunt in the orchard, and around her house. Lots of fun!
Every night of the many reunions we had whether it was Memorial Day, Easter, or whenever, we would have a weenie roast in the back yard over the fire. Squeeze onto the trampoline rim/springs and eat our food trying to get the majority of it in our mouths rather than letting it spill off our plates. After all the eating was done the kids (and there were a LOT of us) would run around the yard/farm/orchard where ever until around sunset. Once the guitar started we all gathered around for some good old fashioned campfire singing...My favorite was Grandma's Feather bed. That WAS heaven on earth. I loved every minute of it! I loved packing every body's sleeping bags onto the trampoline trying to figure out how to get everybody on with room... Listening to the owls whoot, and watching the bats fly overhead.
If I could go back to being 7-9 years old again, I'd be ecstatic! I loved that time in my life!

Today, I am putting thoughts together for a lesson in Relief Society. The topic is Eternal Families. Thinking about all of these things, and reliving the pain I felt at each of my grandparent's funerals and knowing my husband is experiencing it first hand right now just overwhelms my shallow floodgates.

I am so grateful for the Atonement, and for the Plan of Salvation. Christ died for our sins that we may return to live with Him again. There is life after death. We don't just cease to exist. Our families can be together for eternity! Such a WONDERFUL blessing!!!