Shayla

My friend Shayla died this morning.  My heart is breaking for her kids (especially), her family, and her friends who will miss her sweet smile, her spunk, and enthusiasm.  Her daughter is one of McKinley's favorite Camp Kesem friends, her camp name is Rosie. I was just showing McK pictures from Shaylas FB page, she is trying to process what it means that her Mom died.  Kids shouldn't have to worry about what it means to have a parent with a disease, or have to figure out how to process death.  Makes me sad and angry!  I'll get over the "sad and angry" part, but I don't like it.

With that said, I know it's a reality we all face.  My Mom and her sib's knew what it was like to live most of their lives without parents.  My Mom was 18 when her Mom died (24 when their Dad died), her youngest brother was just 2.  The good that came from that was that she and her siblings had to rely on each other.  They worked together and helped each other.  They've maintained a strong bond all through their lives.  They are one of the greatest examples I've seen of the family I want.

I know everyone has heavy burdens to bear.  We certainly have ours.  And I suppose we are given those opportunities for our growth, no matter what side of the trial you're on.

Mosiah 24:14 - 15

• And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

• And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon [you and me] were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

I really believe that if we trust God, He can and will make our burdens lighter. A great friend shared the following quote with me, I have it on my fridge where I see it everyday:

"Let me remind you that there will come to you no trial, no tribulation that you have not been measured beforehand and found adequate to pass through.  I say that to you, because you will feel pressure and feel overwhelmed and wonder how you will do it, but you will.  And the Lord, who knows you better than you know yourself, will help you.  He will tutor you and strengthen you, because He loves you.        - Elder Neal A Maxwell

Sometimes these things are hard to remember when life is throwing trials at us.  I fall into darkness and despair sometimes.  I think those are the times when I think I can control the outcome, when I want to tell Heavenly Father how it should turn out.  If we ask for perspective, for peace, He'll help us through the hard times.