hands that hang down

Dearest Friends,

How could I have ever known that after being so moved by the tragedy suffered by my friends, at the loss of their sweet little man last week, that we would so soon suffer our own loss in the birth and death of our first grandchild.

We have received so many words of support and comfort through out the weekend that I am beyond full. I am beyond saturated.  I am overflowing.  This is what a lifetime of building relationships does.  It allows you to be held up when you need it.  It allows you to let your knees completely buckle, to throw your arms into the air, and while falling backwards to know that there are many there to catch you.  We have felt it to the end of the numbers and back.  Thank you kindly.

My son is an amazing man that has been a rock for his sweet and gentle wife.  He has held her hand and smiled in her face, knowing that through the blessings of the gospel they will have their little Olive again someday.  And if you could have seen the way he held that baby and protected her little lifeless body for the few hours she was in the room with us, you would have fallen madly in love with him, like I did.

We will heal together as a family.  We have each other and we have the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

All will be well.

23 comments

Bonnie | March 26, 2012 at 8:53 AM

Our thoughts and hearts are truly with you. It is so vital to receive as well as to give in lives bound together by our willingness to breathe love both in and out. We knelt and sorrowed once like this too, and I sympathize with the flow of a thousand feelings and the love of God and family and friends. Thanks for sharing your faith.

Kristina P. | March 26, 2012 at 8:57 AM

The gospel really does provide love and comfort.

I read a blog of a man who lost a niece. He is not religious. And the tone of his blog is so different than of those who know of forever families.

Lots of hugs and prayers!

Erin | March 26, 2012 at 10:00 AM

What a trying time for your family. I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Marianne | March 26, 2012 at 10:29 AM

Oh Karen!! I'm so, so sad and sorry!! My heart is very broken for your family.

What a wonderful blessing to have the knowledge of a forever family, and to have all those wonderful and supportive friends to hold you when your knees buckle.

Hugs and prayers for all of you!!!

Amy Lopez | March 26, 2012 at 11:09 AM

Karen, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jen told me about the loss of Olive and my heart just breaks each and every one of you. Take care.

Becca | March 26, 2012 at 11:44 AM

Bless you all. Love to you and your whole family.

MaggieJo | March 26, 2012 at 11:57 AM

Oh Karen. I'm so sorry. What else can I say? You're family will be in my prayers. May General Conference bring reassurance and peace to you guys.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | March 26, 2012 at 1:12 PM

Karen, my heart has been with you so much!
It is astonishing at how quickly things can change and twist. Our plans were on one track and then suddenly we are walking a different path.
Hugs and love to your son and sweet daughter-in-love. Such a sacred time.
My prayers are with you.

wendy | March 26, 2012 at 1:33 PM

This certainly has been a month of LOSS for so many people. My heart has been heavy. The strength of those who are able to "lift us up"...and "carry us for awhile"...is a blessing beyond measure.
A priceless survival tool.

Please know I add my love and caring and support, all these many miles away...to you and your son and his wife.
He is strong, I believe, because he had YOU as a mom to help him become the man he is.

Anonymous | March 26, 2012 at 2:39 PM

You and your family live in my thoughts ceaselessly. I'm praying for you, hurting with you, rejoicing in the knowledge of the "more" we have yet to see, and most of all, I am here for you. You are a beacon, even during this storm. God bless and much love to you.

Barbaloot | March 26, 2012 at 3:48 PM

I'm so sorry for your family---and so grateful for the testimony of the gospel in this post. Thank you!

Momza | March 26, 2012 at 4:48 PM

These are sacred times for you and your family and all those that love you. May each of you feel serenity and have peace that is abiding and hopeful.

gigi | March 26, 2012 at 7:53 PM

Loves and prayers go out for your son and DIL and the rest of the family. Thank you also for so eloquently sharing your personal thoughts on such a great and sad loss. I am so sorry. Much love.

Unknown | March 27, 2012 at 1:03 AM

It really is remarkable to feel the Holy Ghost working in His role as Comforter. I'm so, so sorry about all of this, but if there is anything positive to come from such an experience, it is the reminder that you are loved beyond measure on both sides of the veil. Our prayers are with you and your family, Kaz.

Michelle | March 27, 2012 at 3:30 AM

This made me weep. I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

LisAway | March 27, 2012 at 6:52 AM

I have been feeling for you and yours since I heard about this. I am so, so greatful that you have the foundation that you do, that your son chose the life that he did and has the understanding that he does. There is peace in the gospel that cannot be found anywhere else. Love to you all.

heather | March 27, 2012 at 7:57 AM

Prayers and thought heading your way.

Joanie | March 27, 2012 at 8:49 AM

Karen, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandchild. My heart goes out to you and your sweet family.
I am glad that you can find the strength for your family.

lesa | March 27, 2012 at 9:01 AM

Thinking of you since I read about this on facebook. Lots of hugs to you and your family.

Kazzy | March 27, 2012 at 9:10 AM

Thanks, everyone. It's a fresh start today.

All Our Fun | March 27, 2012 at 10:54 AM

I feel that pain! May Olive watch over your family just as our guardian angel, Rose, has for our family.
( ( ( Big Hugs! ) ) )

Brianne | March 27, 2012 at 11:48 AM

I can't imagine. It hurts too much to go there. After I miscarried i found this site http://www.glowinthewoods.com/
And to know there are others who understand helped immeasurably.

Connie | March 28, 2012 at 6:30 AM

Love you, my friend.