Sunday, October 26, 2008

Dancing In The Rain






We have appreciated so much all of the love and concern we have had from so many different people. We are really being blessed with angels all around us. " Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind. " Elder Jeffery R. Holland. We have had so many people help with our children, bring in food, offer up relief during the times that we need a break, and lend a shoulder to cry on. We can't say thank you enough times for the wonderful support system we have around us. We have gained much strength from reading the comments on this blog (so thank you for your love and words of wisdom). We have been given lots of quotes that have boosted us, but there is one in particular that stands out to me and I just can't stop thinking about it. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." There have been so many times in my life where a trial has been thrown at me and I always seem to think "why me, why now, when is this going to be over!" I think I could have benefited from this quote long ago. I have a tendency to wish my life away (things will be better when, I will be happier if , etc. etc.) I think about the road we have ahead of us and realize that I can't ever fully say,"when things are back to normal, back to the way they were". Things will never be back to how they were and we now have a new normal to our life, but if I keep waiting for things to be different or things to be better, I am going to miss out on a whole lot of things happening now that I can never get back! This quote gives me a drive to find that good in now, and also look for hope in the future. This past week we truly have been dancing in the rain. It is funny how life changes when you are thrown into something like this. What used to be important is not important anymore. Our focus is our family. Enjoying our time together, creating happy and fun memories for all of our kids. It is on each other (my husband and I) there isn't time to get upset over things not important, it is about forgetting what I want right now and working together to accomplish what we want. Now that doesn't mean that I don't get a break when I need it, or that my husband doesn't get a break when he needs it, but it means that we are on the same track. We ultimately want to do what is best for each other and our kids. I guess we are taking a look at things in a more selfless way. We are enjoying the kids laughter and confusion more than before. We are finding excitement in the progress our children are making at school and in their extra curricular activities and for the younger two their developmental strides they are making. I am putting this quote at the top of my blog in the hope that I will always remember it, even during the times that I feel so consumed by the storm of our trials that we are facing. By the way this is a two for one day. We posted two blogs today (one that I started yesterday and one today), so don't miss the one below this all about Blood Count (sounds exciting I know)!

19 comments:

Doug and Carol Ann said...

LOVE THAT PHOTO!! You are right on track about "Dancing in the Rain". Every single smile, giggle, fun story from school, work, etc. will bring you joy. We continue to pray that you will have lots of these moments to fill your home. We are most greatful for each and every the kind act which is extended in your behalf. Love you All, Dad and Mom

Jamie said...

Hi,
My name is Jamie Dickson, I am in your ward but have never met you. I am in YW so I only know 14 year old girls. I just found out about your sweet little girl today. Please know that our prayers are with you always. My husband works from home so if you find that you need a priesthood holder in the middle of the day on a short notice, please call us. We are in the ward directory. Again, we are praying for you!

Melanie said...

I have been thinking of you and your family a lot and praying for you as well. I am your visiting teacher and want to help you in any way I can. I signed up today on both the freezer food list and on the ride list. Please let me know whatever I can do. I am also a nurse, in Labor and Delivery, but a nurse none the less. I wondered if you needed anything in that regard. Just let me know. I Have a blog too if you want to put a face with a name. www.sandinthecracks.blogspot.com

Julie said...

I have to agree with Mom and Dad that the photo is just darling!! Didn't you tell me that she was playing "Peek-A-Boo"? Just too cute! I can't wait to see the rest of the pics! Thanks for sharing your insight about celebrating the "now" in life. It is inspiring and very applicable to everyone. Love you all, Julie

Kristen said...

Mike and Sarah, I just want you know that your sweet little family are in our prayer's. I have learned so much from reading your blog. Your little baby is so adorable, we will continue to pray for her.

okerlund family said...

So TRUE!!!I need to learn to dance in the rain. I do love the rain for reals, and there's no reason why I can't dance through our little trials as well. Just wanted you all to know how special it was for our family to visit with you in the hospital. Not that a hospital is where you want to meet with your loved ones, but Kambree especially was touched by our visit with you and your little one. She was so upset that we had to leave you behind. She just did not want to leave A's side one bit. She cried and cried outside near the waterfalls, begging us to take her back inside so she could just be with A. As I walked down to the hall where you all three were standing, I just thought, "Wow, how blessed she is that she has two stalwart, neat, loving faithful parents who will make whatever sacrifices they must to help her get through this". She is one of the more blessed children these days to have such awesome parents to stand by each other and her through this unfamiliar path. I do want to help in whatever way I can. I would love to help tend kids or whatever. I would make arrangements for my own children if there was a time when you needed me to come up. My little amount of time spent hugging little A is priceless, and I wish I could transfer those hugs directly to a special grandma in Nigeria!! What a sweetie. You are all very much in our throughts and prayers. Stay healthy. Love, mary

Emily said...

Your strength is very inspiring. We love your family and are praying for you guys daily. Keep up the great attitude because I think that helps us get through more trials than almost anything.

The picture is so cute.

You will be able to breeze through nursing school or transcription courses after you are finished!

Love,
Emily

Tara said...

It's a blessing for us to follow this with you. I am amazed at how much we all can learn from others trials. We need to hear it to keep us all on track. To keep the real goal in mind. What is really important! We love you guys so much and pray that things continue to look up and some of that dancing can be done in the sunshine. Let us know what we can do to help!!!!

bestemor and the president said...

The picture is darling! We love the quote and are putting it in our office. That's so we can read it and apply it each day. We love you!

Liz said...

Mike and Sarah. Thanks so much for sharing that picture. She is adorable. If there is anything we can do down here let us know. Even if it means that we take your kids for a weekend let us know
Liz

Grandma Karen said...

Dear Sarah, I just heard about your sweet baby girl and I am sooo sorry. Having grandchildren the same age brings this very close to home. Things like this always helps us put things into perspective (usually really fast) of what is most important in this life. I am so inspired by your testimony of our Savior and know that He has shed as many tears as you and your husband have. I know that you CAN do this. You are a great lady and have strengths that you are not even aware of. We will keep you and your family in our prayers, I wish there was more that we could do. We will keep track of you and your daughter's progress through your blog. There is a quote by Elder Orson F. Whitney from Faith Precedes the Miracle that has helped me from time to time. I hope it will help you. He said," No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts,expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God....and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven"
We love you and cherish our friendship with you and your family.
Karen Murray

Rachel said...

Sarah and Mike,
I was just informed of all that is happening in your family. I'm so sorry. We will be praying for you and your little doll. She is beautiful. I'm amazed how you've sanitized everything and your plan to keep the kids clean. What great acts of love by your little ones and you.
Love, Rachel (Penrod) Erickson

michelle said...

Sara, I feel awful! I haven't seen you for years! My mom just told me about your baby. I am so sorry! I look at my 21 month old daughter and I can't imagine what you are going through .Like you said you always want life to be perfect with no trivial. But I can be certian of this, that you are such a strong woman , and have such a strong support group. I know you can do this! The Lord knows you and he hears your prayers He will be there for you in this crazy time. I am sure you have already felt that warm blanket from heaven. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. If you need anything , please let me know. Your little one is so darling!!! Keep those smiles coming . Just think each day you are that much closer to being finished with this craziness!
I am going to check up on you. Please remember that you will be in our prayers!
Michelle (Murray) Jensen

Heidi said...

You don't know us, and somehow I just stumbled across your blog... but I just wanted you to know how grateful I am for your sweet faith and testimony. Our little boy was diagnosed with ALL in April of this year. It is good to know that there are people out there that are going through the same things you are and have some of the same feelings. Good luck with everything...it sounds like you have a wonderful support group!
Heidi

havelld said...

We just found out about Alyssa and our hearts are breaking. Please know that you are in our thoughts, prayers, and fasts this Sunday. Remember you have so many friends that love you..call us if you need anything!
Love,
The Havells

Jen said...

I'm Jen Middleton, we recently moved in just around the corner from you. We are in your ward but have never officially met. Thank you for being willing to share this very personal journey with others. Your beautiful daughter and your family are so inspiring. I know you don't know us but we are here to help in any way we can. We've signed up to bring in frozen meals and will be VERY conscientious about the germs. We will keep you in our prayers.

tiffy girl said...

Oh Sarah, I am at a loss for words. My mom gave me the address to your blog yesterday. So today, while the house is quiet and my little one is sleeping, I have sat here and bawled, and bawled as I read through your thoughts and feelings. Sarah, you and Mike are unbelievably strong. I am grateful that you are keeping a journal of this experience. I am also grateful to read your testimony, and feel of the spirit you hold. We have spent a lot of time together growing up, and I am really lucky to be a friend of yours. You really are an amazing woman. Your past month hasn't been an easy thing, and times will be tough, but girl you are steadfast and unmoving! You can do this! Please remember that your family, and your beautiful little girl are in our prayers.
Tiffany (Murray) Newton

The Lancaster's said...

What a cute cute baby... sometimes i wish we were all bald and could put on fun wigs everyday...then we would never have to waist so much time doing our hair!!! that lucky alisa... well i have a few questions for you... so call me when you get this!!! i miss you!

love your most fav sister inlaw

david and kinsley harper said...

that comment was from me kins i was signed into someone elses computer... my blog is kinsleybeau.blogspot.com