I can hardly believe that Christmas is just a couple of days away. It has been a very long, very difficult year. I have really been trying to write a Christmas letter. I just can't seem to put into words all that has happened in 2008.
This has been one of the most difficult, exhausting, trying years of our lives. Tyler was diagnosed on Leap Day this year and it seems like our world has been upside down ever since. Brent has been in and out of the hospital. I fell and broke my ankles and had surgery. Tyler has been in and out of the hospital. We've had to juggle medical issues with trying to have a normal family life. Most days seem to run into one another and there are days that we just get through moment by moment.
And yet this has also been an incredible year. We have been incredibly blessed. We have met people we otherwise would never have known. Yes, it has been difficult. But Heavenly Father has helped us every step of the way. Yes, there are days when we cry and question why. But Heavenly Father always puts someone in our path that helps to lighten our load. Yes, it is heartbreaking to see our perfect little boy suffering and in pain. But Tyler has shown such great strength and power. His example has helped us get through this.
If I have come to realize anything through all this it is that we are strong. Stronger than we ever realized. Stronger than we ever thought we'd have to be. We have a strong marriage. We have amazing children. We have loving parents and family members. We have been loved and cared for by friends and strangers. We have been helped and strengthened by so many. No matter how difficult things have been, there has always been someone there to ease the burden.
We know that Heavenly Father loves us and watches over our little family. We know that He has sent earthy angels to lift us and love us. We know that He will always be there to guide us. We have witnessed firsthand how when God closes a door, He opens a window.
We know that we have been so richly blessed this past year. We have not been blessed in spite of our trials. Rather, we have been blessed because of them. We hope and pray that we can continue to see the blessings in our struggles.
May each of you have a very blessed Christmas. May we all remember the joy and peace that our Heavenly Father and our Savior bring.
3 comments:
You guys really have had your share of trials this year. We are happy to see you have such a positive outlook and you can see the rainbow at the end of the storm. Not that it's over, but you guys are such an inspiration to us and everyone who meets you. We sure miss you guys. Have a Merry Christmas, Kiss the kids for us.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a boring New Year:) No need to try and top 2008. love to you!
What a beautiful letter-full of hope and faith and peace. How appropriate at this season! Thank you for sharing it. I love you guys! Big hugs to all!
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