This Thanksgiving was much different than those of the past. I felt much more thankful in my heart than I ever have been. I am thankful for so many things that I am sure I would forget many things if I tried to name them all.
My parents and two of my sisters came down to have Thanksgiving with our little family. It was really wonderful to have them here. I especially enjoyed chatting with my sisters. I have always been close to them, but I have felt it much more lately. They were incredible during this whole journey losing Declan.
I was looking through the funeral pictures the other day and my friend had been the photographer. She was positioned just right to capture my family during the funeral (i.e. my sisters and parents). I have a priceless of each of my sisters weeping; one especially tender of my sister Karrey putting roses on the tiny casket of my infant son.
The words, "...willing to mourn with those who mourn...and comfort those who stand in need of comfort," (Mosiah 18:9) came to my mind. I am grateful for those that have been there for us. It is difficult to be a support to those that suffer, having no power to remove that pain. But we can soothe each other's wounds temporarily. The only one that has the power to remove the agony of loss is our Savior. However, we can uplift each other and feel empathy for those that suffer.
I know that most people I know have never felt the sting of losing a child, but they have had their own heartbreaking pain and understand how that feels and can empathize. I see it many people's eyes, even if they don't utter a word to me. Not knowing it, they have impacted my life and helped carry my burden just knowing they feel sorrow for my heartache.