Trying to Keep Up

It seems that life is going by very fast. So much has happened that I haven't taken the time to blog about... The birth of my nephew's 2nd miracle baby, Brigham, a beautiful boy! My 2nd diagnosis of asthma, accompanied by 2 types of inhalers. Completion of my 9th quilt. Continued attendance at the flint knapping meetings and Cub Scouts. And, last but not least, successful acquisition of gifts for Christmas (almost finished with that project now). Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I have five packages to mail to family members in California, whom I miss dearly. And I'm still working on digitizing the 64 North America LDS Temples for the custom quilt I'm making for my amazing sister (I'm down to the last 15!!!).
All of the above seem like not so much in and of themselves but they are colored by the grief of the imminent loss of by brother, Rick. I have been so blessed to have been exposed to his gracious attitude. His strength of character, his unwavering faith in God, and his gratitude for all the sweet and tender blessings we continue to receive are inspiring. I want to be more like him. What more can be said?
Our practice hymn in Relief Society Sunday was, "How Firm A Foundation". I struggled through the verses shedding tears. This was one of the many songs I remember singing as a family in our regular pew at church in Placerville all of my growing up years. We all sat together every Sunday. When any of us kids got even a little bit rambunctious, Mom would get our attention with a piercing snap of her fingers and give us the sharp look that said, "I expect better than that from you." We would fit all seven of us in the cab of the old white Ford to drive the grade back home. We have always been close, physically and emotionally. Mom saw to it that we stayed that way. It is up to us to make sure that we stay that way even when we are separated. I am so thankful that we have the knowledge that families can be forever.