Going Home

My good friend, Tanya (taker of those beautiful pictures of Aliyah), lost her son this past week in a tragic car accident. We met through church and homeschooling. We had started getting together on Fridays to let our kids play. Her son was 8 years old, and my sons had a great time playing with him.

I loved taking my children to Tanya's house. It is one of those homes you walk into and know the spirit of the Lord dwells there. Pictures of family and Jesus Christ are the main decor. Tanya is a great example to me of a mother rearing her children in righteousness. I think her four sweet children are a testimony to her success as a mother.

We attended his viewing and funeral last night. It was beautiful and uplifting. Writing on his casket read, "Going Home..."

Many people attended including boys from Caleb's YMCA soccer and baseball team (with their YMCA shirts on--so precious),cub scouts, and church class. It was special to have children there learning about death, learning support and love, and learning to express sorrow.

We decided to bring our three oldest children with us. Before hand, we talked to the children about why we are on earth, and Heavenly Father's plan for us when we leave this earth. We are so blessed to have this knowledge. One speaker mentioned that the reason we mourn and feel so much sorrow is because of the Love our Heavenly Father gave us for each other. Mourning, he said, is one of the most pure forms of love.

During the funeral, Dallin looked at me and asked if he could keep the program (beautifully done w/ pictures of Caleb and his family on it). I said that was a great idea. Later, when we arrived home, Dallin showed me the program, smiled, and said, "Now I can always remember him!"

We WILL always remember you, Caleb!