It's been a bit rough...but there's light at the end of this tunnel...

I came home from work Friday morning to bad news. Xander, the miracle I posted about last Saturday, died on Wednesday morning. Needless to say, I cried for an hour and couldn't go to sleep. My mind could not figure out how this sweet boy who was fine last Saturday could die so very few days later. My heart broke for his parents, who have now lost 2 sons to this genetic condition (Xander had an older brother, Kaison, who was born 4 days after my Talia, and died 2 months later).

From February 2010

I ran into Katy (Xander's Mom) at JoAnn's on Friday night. She, her Mom, and her sister were getting things ready for the viewing and graveside service on Saturday. Katy told me that they were somewhat prepared to lose Xander, since he had already lived well past his life expectancy. However, he'd been doing so well that they had hoped to have a little more time with him. Katy's spirit and testimony moved me so much...in the scheme of things, losing her sons in this life is just the blink of an eye, she will have the opportunity to raise her 2 boys in the next life. It makes me so, so grateful for an eternal family. The blessing of having this life and the next. The viewing and graveside service was emotional and grief stricken, of course, but there was also the promise of the next life, which keeps things from being overwhelmingly devestating. I am so priviledged to have been a part of Xander's short but inspiring life.

Cole and I took the opportunity to go out on a date on Friday night. We haven't been out of the house, just the 2 of us, in FOREVER (Christmas shopping doesn't count :)). We went to the craft store so I could pick up some material for a project I'm working on for Talia's birthday, went to the Junction to see Sherlock Holmes, and then hit the Olive Garden for a late dinner. Cole and I always enjoy each other...we had a great time just being together.

This weekend I was also reminded of the blessing of having a worthy Priesthood holder presiding over our home. Someone in our circle needed a blessing, and Cole was asked. He called me (I was at work) for counsel, and I was reminded again that a worthy Priesthood holder still needs his "rock" to ground him...I was very grateful that my husband was able to answer the call and use his Priesthood authority to bring comfort and clarity to someone we love. (And thanks to my Mom for coming and watching the kids so Cole could go without worry).

Tomorrow is reserved to catch up on paperwork, taxes, and chores. Maybe I'll be able to sneak in some time to work on my project for Talia's birthday....