Some of those changes include:
Me losing over 50 pounds, and starting on the road to regaining my health after my cancer journey.
My husband deciding to lose weight in order to feel better (he doesn't have much to lose - maybe 10 pounds. But even 10 pounds can make a huge difference in the way you feel).
My oldest son, Grant, looking into graduate schools, which will most likely take him far away from home.
My 3rd son, Alex, taking AP tests, and applying to colleges. Alex graduating from high school.
My youngest son, Matthew, finally finishing Jr. High, and moving on to High School.
Both younger kids working on finishing up requirements for their Eagle Scout awards.
Me starting a business, coaching people to their healthy weight and better health.
Rick and I working on finishing our basement.
Buying a riding mower for our .75 acre lawn (after 11 years of using walking mowers).
Cleaning up the yard.
Our dog, Cocoa, recently starting to show many signs of aging rapidly.
These changes, and others, have apparently had a profound impact on the one person who isn't around to witness them - Michael. And he had some thoughts to share with us about this subject. I thought I'd post a few of those thoughts here:
"This last week and then these letters that I got from all of you have left me with an odd feeling. Things are changing a lot in everyone's lives. BUT! The one thing that won't change, will absolutely never change is the love that our Savior has for us. In all of your changes... in all parts of your lives... don't ever forget that." Of course, because Michael is on a religious mission, the Savior is very much a huge presence in his life right now, and I appreciated the reminder that He should be a presence in mine as well. As I went through my cancer journey, I saw many miracles wrought in my behalf. Christ's presence was felt on a daily basis. I need to feel that in my life again.
Michael then quoted a beautiful scripture from the bible to us: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
And finally... here is the advice Michael gives to each of his brothers (I hope sharing this spiritual stuff doesn't offend anyone. There is one thing that keeps a "missionary mom" going - one thing that makes up for being away from her child for 2 years - and that one thing is letters like this one that Michael wrote. Being able to witness the change in him - from child to man - that makes it all worth it. I was a missionary mom when I went through cancer 3.5 years ago - my oldest son, Grant, was serving in Japan for two years. That was, to say the least... hard.)
"Alex, the most important thing throughout time and all eternity that you have power over right now is your worthiness and preparation for your mission. Let NOTHING come in the way. Let no decision in your life not be shaped by your need to serve the Lord."
"Matthew, do all you can to keep yourself clean in an increasingly filthy world. You're entering into a time into your life in which your faith and testimony will be tested more than it ever has before (that goes for you too Alex). Do all you can to obtain and strengthen that testimony."
"Grant... in all things remain faithful to your temple covenants and attend the temple OFTEN."
The tone of Michael's letter makes me wonder if there have been changes in his life recently, too. What kinds of things are weighing him down? What challenges does he face every day? Whatever the challenges, I know Michael will find it within himself to overcome them... just like I did when challenged with cancer.
Richard Nixon once said: "Only if you've been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain." Michael is finding this out - as he helps change lives for the better. And I found this out - as I literally journeyed through the deepest valley. As we both climb the highest mountain, we are learning how really magnificent the view is, thanks to our willingness to make positive changes, improve ourselves, and help others.
One more sweet thing from our missionary: he ended his letter with this...
"Mom and Dad, I love you. I don't know where I would be or what I would
be doing if I had not had the love and guidance of two righteous and
loving parents. My patriarchal blessing states that, "like Nephi, you
have been born of goodly parents". I would be able to testify of the
reality of a patriarchal blessing were it only for that phrase that is
found in mine."
*Sigh* Life is SO good. :)
-Kara
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