Charlie, Angel Baby

When you go to a funeral, especially a child’s funeral, you are filled with emotion. It was more difficult because of what Jared and I have been through the last three years. The reality of coming so close to losing a child, several times. As close as I came to losing a child, I still can’t even imagine the loss. The empty arms. I am so grateful for the gospel, and our beliefs. I pray I can help others, while we’re on this mission to become closer to our Heavenly Father. As I said earlier I had never met the family. However, as I watched this little family, it felt like family. There is something different about a Branch in a different country all being military, and LDS. There is a bond that makes them family. It so amazing that no matter where they are sent in the world they have an amazing connection, that most military living far from home don’t have. No matter where they are sent they are not alone. The have brothers and sisters. They have leaders. In homes, churches, and temples; their heavenly family is praying for them. At the MTC when we were being prepared for a Military mission we were told our families in the military were always being prayed for by the Brethren in the temple. Charlie is in a loving heavenly home, where his time will pass quickly before he can again feel his mother’s arms around him.

All my life I heard about the children my Grandmother Brown lost, she would weep as she talked about them. 

I know this family will receive heavenly comfort, but even with that, it is so difficult. 

I don’t know how someone that doesn’t believe there is a God, or after life, can make it through something like this. Charlie’s brother and sister sang, “I Will Follow Gods Plan." As they finished his four-year-old brother leaned toward the mic and said, “I love Charlie." With childlike faith, he said I love Charlie, not "I loved Charlie."   

I am so grateful for my children. This is one of those times, you miss being able to put your arms around them. It was Lisa’s Birthday today.

I was so grateful Jared and Kristina took her out to dinner.

About a month ago Katie sent me this picture. She said as she was taking it Jared said, “what are you doing?” When she told him she was taking a picture for me, he put his hand to his mouth and blew me a kiss. I love this picture. I love my children!      

I just got a call from the Sister Capener. They met a woman the works with Charlie’s dad, she was at the funeral. She is interested in coming to church. Angel Charlie and his amazing family are touching hearts.