Monday, December 12, 2011

Youth Pioneer Trek

Our church youth participated in a 3 day Pioneer Trek reenactment this summer to get an idea what the pioneers had to endure as they walked across the continent with their families; many of them pulling/pushing handcarts.  It was my privilege and a blessing that I could join them as a photographer to help chronicle their journey.  Due to our grandson's funeral/burial, I only accompanied the youth the first day.

During that one day I gained such an appreciation for some of the trials the pioneers experienced.  Just one day compared to months for them.  I am grateful for the day and time in which I live.  I am so very blessed and I hope to always be aware of and express gratitude to Heavenly Father for my blessings.



 Listening to instructions and council for the trek they are embarking upon.
 Yes, we all dressed in pioneer garb.

 Heading to the trek trail.

 They were split up into families.  If I remember correctly, there were about 11-12 people per family per handcart and about 18 handcarts.

 I gained an appreciation for the bonnets worn by the pioneer women.  It offered much protection from the sun . . . and came in handy for taking photographs.

Waiting their turn to depart





 If we could see through the heat and humidity, beauty surrounded us.


 Almost every time I photographed this group, this young man looked at me and smiled.  So much for staying low profile and getting candid shots.



 I gained an understanding of knee deep in mud.  This wasn't quite that bad, but kids kept losing their footwear.


 Much learning took place

 Obstacles were tree limbs, uphills, downhills, poison ivy; and the relentless heat/humidity.

 A jewel in the foliage.








 We took an extended break to allow our bodies to cool down somewhat.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

A time to mourn . . .

To let you know, for those sensitive souls out there, included are photos here of Aaron in his tiny casket.  


On Tuesday, December 14th 2010, Brandon called to tell us that he and Lisa were having a boy and his name is Aaron Micheal.  He then proceeded to inform us he has a heart defect.  Immediately, I received a sharp, almost overwhelming feeling of loss and emotional anguish.

As time went on, prayers were offered to Heavenly Father that Aaron's heart would be healed; nevertheless His will be done.  That was the hard part of the prayers.  So, we knew there was a very real possibility of  anguish to come.  Aaron went through his 1st (and only) heart surgery at age 1 week.  Progress was made and set backs came.  After several weeks which entailed hospital stays, home trials, being sent back to the hospital, Aaron was finally home (we thought maybe for good), and things seemed to be going great.  

We got caught up in trying to help and comfort good friends who found out their own newborn would not be long on this earth.  Then WHAM!  Our carpet of "all is well in Zion" was yanked right out from under our feet, and our fall was mighty.  The anguish that greeted me due to the heartache Brandon and Lisa were going through, surely rivaled my own sorrow from Aaron's earthly departure. Being a mortal human, at times I still have moments where sorrow visits me.  However through prayer, faith, and the encircling arms and comfort of my Savior, I am and will continue to be ok.  I know that families can be together forever and we will get to see and be with Aaron again.  

It was a blessing to be able to travel to Utah so we could be there with Brandon, Lisa, and Ashlynn . . . and Mike, Gail and (Great)Grandma Smith.

Following are photos taken at Aaron's memorial service and luncheon which followed.  The service was beautiful, and the Spirit attended us.










Precious tiny baby
Spirit brave and true

Came to gain his body
and return to You







Knew about the heartache 
He would surely cause
Passing through mortality
His required earthly pause










So
many
friends
came
to
offer 
their
love 
and 
support
and 
bid
Aaron
adieu . . .
to
share
memories
and
hugs . . .
to
mourn
with
those
that
mourn
comfort
those
standing 
in 
need 
of comfort.