An Inspiration

A few days ago Luke, Thomas, and I went for a walk with April and her little son, Michael. We just walked around the Tree Streets (a collection of streets here in Provo are all named after trees) which is close to our apartment complex. As we were walking along I noticed a family cycling by down a street perpendicular to us. I only noticed them because they were going down the hill so fast. I noticed that the mom had a scarred face. April told me that she is Stephanie Nielsen, who is kind of a Mormon "celebrity" around here. She is a blogger and has been blogging for a number of years: NieNie Dialogues. Her blog posts were about her journey as a mother and she had quite a following. In August 2008 she and her husband were involved in an airplane crash, which left him with burns over 30% of his body and her with burns over 80% of her body and in a coma for three months. After many surgeries and skin grafts she continues to blog about her experiences and is a significant influence and inspiration in the lives of many. Her story was also made into a Mormon Message (inspirational  videos made by the Church every fortnight): My New Life. I watched this video for the first time last night and read bits of her blog today. Wow! She is really incredible. I was left feeling grateful for my life, my healthy body, my trials, and all the tremendous blessings Heavenly Father gives me.

I continued to reflect on my new role as a mother and what a significant one it is. I have been given these two little boys and I now have the responsibility to raise them to become the men that Heavenly Father needs in order to build the Kingdom. It is privilege and a blessing. I take this role very seriously and will try to do my very best. I've always wanted to something really amazing and influence many, many people. I know I can through the life I live, but I have come to realize recently that the most important work I can be involved in is within my own home. How exciting and awesome at the same time!