Gratitude

Yesterday I went to the service for Cody Geisler, my third cousin on the Rogers side. His death is such a sad tragedy but his service was quite nice and was well-attended. I lost it and wept when the police escort left the auditorium parking lot with Chuck (Cody's dad) following them in his big truck and Cody's casket on the low boy. Hearing his air horn and knowing how hard this must be for a daddy to have to do, I just cried. My heart breaks for Dustie and for Chuck. I am so sad for Chelsea and for baby Cache. They have some long hard days ahead of them and the sad fact that his baby who isn't quite a year old won't remember his daddy. When we got to the Rogers Family Cemetary in Nutrioso, there were a lot of people there, too and the snow started coming in and it was cold and yet there was a good feeling around. I stood there looking at my dear family members who have lost loved ones that are buried there. My cousin Charlene had a still-born baby that is there. Sherry's son Shawn McCall is there. My baby, Damara is there. Homer's boys Kaelsy and Steven are there and now Cody. Sherry said, there are too many young ones here and I agreed. Don is there next to Damara; my Grandpa Rogers' brother Albert is there; my Grandma and Grandpa Rogers and Uncle Jimmy are there. My two Aunts, Lela and Marie are there. And time will bring other loved ones there and it made me sad. Of the blessings of the day, I was able to express my gratitude for the Gospel in my life and the hope that it gives me. I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation - the plan of happiness. I gained my testimony of it when I lost Damara. It became so real to me. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we will see our loved ones again. We will be with them again. I am grateful for dear friends and family. To see my cousins yesterday (most of the uncles weren't at the graveside) made me realize just how much I love each one of them. To see good people I have known many years made me grateful to live in a small town. The Geislers are good people. Hank said that it is an honor to have a Geisler in the Rogers Family Cemetary. I agree. They are now family. I am grateful that many people have been so kind to Dustie and Chuck and their families.

I am blessed to live in this land of freedom and choice. I am blessed to have the restored Gospel in my life. I am blessed to be a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a neice, a granddaughter and hopefully a friend. To all of you - I am grateful for the piece of my heart you hold.