Trip to Houston and Carrie and David

This last weekend we traveled over to Houston for a little doctors visit for Siena and to visit family.

Siena really liked the popsicle stick and saying "ahhh" with her mouth wide open. on the downside, she didn't like the doctor or nurses though.

 She carried this bear around all over the place.

 She also likes the Reader's Digest apparently. It's just the right compact size.:)

While we were there, we also visited the grave sites of Carrie and David. It was a really special experience. I have been wanting to write about this for a little bit, but I wasn't sure exactly  how or when, and I figured that this was the perfect opportunity.

First off, I want to give a little explanation about it all. On mother's day just over 5 years ago my little brother and sister passed away in a car accident. Carrie was 10 and David was 8. This was obviously a very hard time for my family, but thanks to the power of prayer coupled with the help and support of all our friends around us, we have been able to cope with it.

David was such a curious little guy. He was always getting into trouble, but he had such a sweet face that he was often able to get out of it. My mom told me a story about when they went to a nursing home to sing, one of the ladies held out her hand to David to dance. My mom was worried about what his reaction would be, but he just started dancing right alongside her.

Carrie also had such a tender heart. She was always looking to do good, and sharing her love and testimony with others. I learned so much from her and know that I am a stronger person because of her. On the night before she died I heard her playing in her room at about midnight when I got home. I was flustered that she hadn't gone to sleep yet, when I heard her footsteps coming toward my room.  I decided to not get mad at her but to softly tell her to go to bed. She exclaimed that she had not given me a hug yet that day and wanted to come say goodnight and goodbye because they were leaving early the next morning for vacation. She gave me a hug and quietly headed back into her room. I am so grateful for that tender moment that I was able to have with her that night.

Although it was hard to lose them both, they were meant to go together. They were always together through life, so why would it be any different in death?

We love them dearly and miss them both terribly. However, because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I know that we will see them again one day. I know this because I have a testimony of the atonement and that Jesus Christ died for us so that one day we can return to live with Him and with our Heavenly Father surrounded by our loved ones.

Before she died, Carrie memorized this poem and it describes her disposition perfectly:

If I Knew

If I knew a box where the smiles are kept, 

No matter how large the key 

Or strong the bolt, I would try so hard 

'Twould open I know, for me; 

Then over the land and sea broadcast,

 I'd scatter the smiles to play,

 that the children's faces might hold them fast

 for many and many a day.

If I knew a box that was large enough 

To hold all the frowns I meet, 

I would like to gather them every one,

From nursery, school and street;

Then folding and holding, I'd pack them in,

And turning the master key, 

I'd hire a giant to drop the box

To the depths of the deep, deep sea.

- Maud Wyman

To learn more about what I believe click here: mormon.org

While we were there, Joel was able to teach Siena to say Carrie and David in her own little way.