Solace

1. I'm sitting here with Dekker on my lap. My two year old who is getting so big, but today seems so small. Last night the poor guy got hit with really bad diahrreah and a resulting horrible diaper rash. Since then I've been only feeding him bananas and applesauce, giving him tylenol, and putting every possible cream on his raw bum. This morning he woke up in pain again- so all morning he's been extra needy. I can only do so much to help- and so its nice to know that he seems to find some comfort in my love. We lay on the bed and he wraps his arm around my neck and just pulls me close. I rub his back and give him kisses and it seems to take the edge off.

2. Discussions on mortality. Last night Josh picked a Kids Discovery book to read, and it was one about Egyptians - Well, as we read about mummies and pharoes Josh got real sad and asked why the people had to die, and asked if only big people die. I was trying to be honest and told him that like Charlotte explains in Charlotte's Web we're all born, and live, and eventually die. This made him BURST into tears.... I wasn't doing too great with this whole conversation of death thing... but then the Spirit helped me out: "Josh, do you know that when Mom and Dad were married in the temple we made a special promise with God? We made promises that make it possible for our family- Mom, Dad, You and Dekker- to be together FOREVER! That means that even when we die we'll be together again. I promise you that." That finally brought some peace. Then Jake came in and sang some songs to lighten the mood and help him sleep. FEW!

3. Both of these events have made me very grateful for my understanding of the gospel and for the Atonement. I'm happy to say that I know we can be together again, and so thankful to know that Christ, through the atonement, understands all our pans- spiritual, emotional, and physical- and can bring us comfort even in difficult moments.