Striving to Walk Forward with Joy

I miss my dear beloved husband who passed away peacefully in 2024. We had just celebrated 45 years of marriage and 54 years of friendship. Stepping into this new season of being alone has made me search deeply for purpose. It hasn’t changed, and yet it has. 

Some days, the quiet feels heavy. I’m aware of the empty spaces that used to be filled with movement, conversation, and shared life. But even in those tender moments, Heavenly Father reminds me that I am never truly alone. Through small, unexpected gifts, an email, a phone call, a message online, a song, or a scripture that speaks straight to my heart, He whispers, “I’m here. I hear you.” My prayers are known. My needs are seen. And often, His love reaches me through the people who love me most.

I think back to the day Zach and Connor came to visit. I wasn’t sure how we’d keep everyone happy, but it turned into pure joy. We built a fort, played with the microphone and electric piano, and eventually gave in to the irresistible urge to run and jump. I became the announcer while my little daredevils performed their stunts, laughing and tumbling with delight. It was simple, happy, and healing.

I miss the days when my own children were small, but grandchildren fill that space in the sweetest way. When I think of Kathryn, Hannah, Sadie, Elijah, Riley, Asher, Zach, Connor, Wesley, Elijah, Alie, Gavin, Tanner, Jackson, Alex, William, Kyler, Maggie, Ellie, Addie, and Oakley, my heart feels full. Each one is a gift from Heavenly Father, a reminder of His goodness and the legacy of love He allows us to build.

There is a joy that fills the soul, not just in celebrations, but in the everyday moments of family life: shared laughter, running hugs, stories around the table, whispered prayers, and love that deepens through time.

Family is where we learn to love, forgive, serve, and grow. It is the sacred classroom of eternity. And what makes this joy even more profound is knowing it doesn’t end here.

Because of the Plan of Happiness, we know that family is not just a mortal blessing, but an eternal promise. Through Jesus Christ, we can return home together. That knowledge brings hope to grief, meaning to sacrifice, and light to our darkest days.

This is what life is about, loving deeply, living faithfully, and walking forward with joy, hand in hand with those we cherish, and with the Savior who makes it all possible.

 Need to update these pics!