'Tis not the end but genesis.

Well...I have been MIA for QUITE some time. That's not to say that life has not had plenty of things to blog about. There have been a surplus of lovely bloggable days, but non felt justifiable at the moment. I apologize ahead of time for how intense my posts have been lately. Apparently, I feel things with intensity.

Anyways, some of you are aware of what has been happening with my nephew, Morgan. I believe it was the Monday of September 19th that he fell into the pool and was life-flighted to the hospital. Since then, this very precious 3 year old boy has been the focus of my prayers and the back of all my thoughts. It is true that empathy for this situation can only truly be achieved once you have held your very own child in your hands. But I had wished some times that I didn't have to imagine it.

We visited for a week. The whole family came together and waited. He received some beautiful priesthood blessings, all of which included him being healed. My husband's blessing especially stands out in my mind. I have seen him grow from that responsibility. The whole day of travel to Arizona he fasted, prayed, and prepared. By the time we saw Morgan for the first time and Jace gave him the blessing he was weak to the core. It was a reminder to me that a blessing comes from Heavenly Father, and we must be willing to submit to his will.

We asked for His will often. And all felt that his will was for us to see a miracle; for a nearly dead boy to raise. The out pour of support has been overwhelming. Garage sales, bake sales, auctions, and direct donations were all given to aid Jenedy and Victor with the hospital bills. These random acts of great kindness have taught me that the world is full of really good people, and I often don't give them enough credit.

Jenedy and Victor lived in the hospital. The entire span of months he was there, he was never alone in the room for a second. His body suffered some very grueling pain, but throughout the process, there were tender mercies. He would be able to sleep for a full 36 hours, get a shower, take a nap with his little brother. They were able to remove enough equipment so that his parents could hold him.  Not to mention, the tender mercies distributed throughout the family. In short, we have all grown closer to our faith in God and learned to be a little better and love a little deeper.

On November 12th, two days ago, Victory Morgan finally passed away. I still believe he had been given the power to be healed, but I also believe that Heavenly Father gives us to the right to choose. He chose to be an angel to his family.

We all have our struggles, but it is what we choose to do with them that matters. I choose to allow this to make me believe in a life after death, a life where families can be together forever. I am so grateful I had a concept of where we go after this life from a very early age. I choose to hold those that I love a little closer than usual and appreciate beautiful memories. 

For those of you that had prayed for this special little boy, thank you. It meant something.

At my grandfather's funeral, I sang this song with my sister and cousins. It is based on a poem written by Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. It too was sung at his funeral. It has always given me great comfort.

What is this thing that men call death?
This quiet passing in the night?
‘Tis not the end but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light

O God, touch Thou my aching heart
And calm my troubled, haunting fears
Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure
Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change
With recompense for vict’ry won
The gift of Him who loved all men
The Son of God, the Holy One.

 

 'Tis not the end, but genesis. We'll be seeing you again Mr. Morgan!