It's Been a Year

One year ago today, my older brother, Travis, passed away. It's hard to believe that it's been a year. Sometimes it seems like an eternity ago, sometimes like last week. We think about him often and we laugh and we cry. My sister Sarah started a blog for us to share our thoughts feelings and memories of him. That's really been a good outlet for us.

His kids are doing well. We've worried about them the most and we've prayed, fasted and done all that we've been able to do for them. They are with their mom, and she has been miraculously blessed with an internship at a dentist's office. After working there for a year, she will be able to take the exam to get a dental hygiene certificate. She gets paid, she gets benefits and the kids are able to stay home with a babysitter. I think she found an older woman that comes to watch the kids and even cleans the house for her. That's such a blessing because the kids are able to sleep in their own beds, not have to go to a germy daycare, and can play with their own toys and have a schedule. The schedule is the most needed and most important thing they need. Knowing that they are doing well is important to us.

This is in Ecuador, on his mission. My favorite picture.

Love that face!

Senior year.

I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that tells me that I will see Travis again. I know that families can be forever and that the atonement is real. I'm thankful for my testimony of the Savior. Although we miss Travis, we know that the Savior is aware of us and continues to bless us, and that brings us comfort.

This is my other favorite picture of him.