Exactly eleven years ago, my mom passed away. I honestly can't believe it. I will forever remember this day, February 27. My brothers and I were so young. But it only made our family stronger. My dad and brother, Ollie, took care of Owen, Olson and me. And they couldn't have done better. I am thankful for my dad and brother and the many sacrafices they made for us. I will always feel indebt to them. They still continue to sacrafice for me. I realized and appreciated Ollie's sacrafices for me even more this last year. He has continued to sacrafice and help me, he took care of me while I was out at BYU for my first couple semesters. He is the best older brother anyone could ever have. And my dad is one of the hardest workers I know. He is far from lazy, I am thankful he could do so well and provide for us. He has worked so hard to provide a comfortable life and succeeded, I am thankful.
I have lived longer without my mom than I did with her. I was only 8 years old, and now I am 19! It is sad that I didn't get to know her better, but if she hadn't passed away I wouldn't have certain people in my life right now. And those people have blessed my life tremendously. I know that because of this trial and loss, I have been and will continue to be able to relate to others as they have similar trials. I have become more thankful for the trials that I have had throughout my live, which may sound weird but I know that they have strengthened me in no way anything else can. I also am thankful for the strong testimony I have of eternal families, I know that I have gained that testimony from the experiences I have had. I know that I will be able to see her, and the rest of my family that has passed on in the next life. I have a strong testimony of temples and how much they bless our lives. I love the temple. It is a refuge from the rest of the world, it's the only place I truly feel at peace.
But really, what I am saying is that though this is a sad anniversery, I still wouldn't want anything different in my life. I will have eternity with my mom. I just hope when everything is all done and over with I could have made her proud, and not only her but my entire family.
