Collecting Memories of Sarah

In honor of Sarah's third birthday, our family is compiling memories of her. Do you have a memory of Sarah? Just leave a comment below. Thank you!

Sarah was laid to rest on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 in the Provo, Utah Pioneer Cemetery. The previous night brought a blanket of white snow which covered the ground. The snow continued to fall throughout the morning. However, as we traveled to the cemetery following the Memorial service the clouds opened to blue skies and warm rays of sunshine.

Sarah's Passing

Brian and I held our dear little Sarah in our arms as she passed away this morning. We are so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who blessed Sarah with a peaceful passing. As we mourn the loss of a valiant child, our family feels comfort and love from family and friends.

Update on Sarah

Sarah is rapidly declining. She can no longer walk, her vision is impaired, her voice is weak and she prefers lying down to sitting. The doctor believes that she has developed the condition of Hydrocephalus ("Water on the Brain").

Sarah still finds joy and comfort in baby Caroline, warm cookies and milk, her favorite stuffed toys and soft blanket. Our family is experiencing sadness as we watch our little girl and sister weaken and decline. The nurse and doctor have provided her with medications so that she is not in pain. We continue to feel strength, love, and increased faith from the many prayers offered daily in our behalf.

An Answered Prayer

This morning Brian offered a tender prayer that our burdens and heavy hearts would be lifted this day. He asked if ministering angels would help bring us relief and love. My heart is full of thanks and gratitude, for this prayer has been answered...

1. A dear friend and her daughter called to send love and hugs long distance.
2. A kind friend volunteered to watch Caroline so that I could have a lunch date with Nathan.
3. Another friend phoned while at the grocery store offering to bring groceries to our family. She showed up on the doorstep minutes later with Sarah's favorite yogurt covered raisins and a loaf of warm homemade bread.
4. Another friend called to ask if she could bring our family dinner tonight.
5. A caring Relief Society sister called and left an encouraging message.
6. Diligent visiting teachers came by for a visit, bringing with them a delightful wooden birthday cake for Sarah and an inspired message to lift me.
7. A teacher at the elementary school asked me if she could drop by Nathan and Maren's favorite meal sometime soon, Mac and Cheese!
8. One more time the phone rang with yet another offer to bring a meal in for dinner tomorrow, chicken noodle soup.

I am learning so much from my dear friends and neighbors who willingly and lovingly serve our family. How blessed we are to have ministering angels on the earth to aide and bring comfort to our hearts.

Today I have been reminded of a recent address from Elder Jeffery R. Holland. He testified, "My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. Nor will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man (or one woman or child) upon the face thereof to be saved."