Families!

Families are such a great thing! I used to make fun of that church commercial that truly does play over and over if you ever go to the MTC to drop a missionary of that says "Family, isn't it about time!" Lately I have been really seconding that very thought! I am so very grateful for mine, and the constant source of love, strength and support they are to me! Recently I have been thinking a lot of families and the importance of them. These times are so scary and turbulent and are only going to get more so and how smart was our Heavenly Father to bless us with a source such as the family to cleave to. The fact that our families can be Eternal is another precious gift from our loving Heavenly Father and how grateful I am for that as well. This fact has really been weighing on me as a dear family I am friends with recently lost their precious baby boy! It really made me realize how probationary and temporal this mortal state is. The strength that my friends have is amazing by the way, and I cannot tell you how moved and touched I was to see the love this family has for each other. They are a true example to and for me! On Saturday I attended a funeral service for a friend's brother who had been diagnosed with MELAS when he was 12 and made it to the age of 27. This is another amazing family who's love for each other is above and beyond! This family was not LDS and in my ignorance I was suprised but also comforted to find that the main message given at this service was on the importance of family. One of my favorite and biggest examples from high school, BB Andrews spoke about families and the fact that we need to be there for each other and how important the family is.
I also then got to thinking about my friends and how really when I was living away from my "home" in Safford they became my family in a sense! I have truly been blessed in every move that I have made and(yes, they have been many) that I have gained a second family of friends to strengthen and support me when I needed it! I have a second Mom in Utah, Leanne who played Mom and friend for me more times then I can count. My roommates have been sisters and listening ears that helped me out many of times. Most recently the "Clique" as I like to refer to us as has been the biggest strength, example and support group yet! They and their husbands are examples to me of what I want when and if the day should come for me to find a man! The men in the clique could not me better examples of what true Priesthood holders should be and on more than one occassion have provided the Priesthood Power to Alene and I when it was needed. They are great husbands, dads, and friends! The lovely ladies of the clique are equally if not more amazing! I mean there aren't too many ladies out there who willingly donate their husbands to two single "very attractive" :)females when a man is needed at their house! They give their time, service, listening ear, support and love without thought! If that isn't family I don't know what is! I am grateful for my friend family as much as my own! You all rock!!!