Some thoughts on life

Life throws you curve balls.  In the last year, we have had two large ones.  1) The birth and passing of our 2nd daughter, Miah Rachel Wilde.  2) Karren being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.  Both have made us reflect on our lives and what is really important.  The first consisted of a lot of crying and grieving but also a lot of learning and blessings.  The second caused us to reflect on what is really important and the need to relieve stress in our lives.

Throughout these trials, I have been very grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for the strength it gives our family, and especially for the atonement and the doctrine of Eternal Families.  I know that we will see Miah again and that she will always be a part of my family.  I know that my wife will also be together with me for the eternities thanks to the sealing that was performed 4.5 years ago in the Portland Temple.  Trials like we have (and continue to) endured could easily tear a family apart.  I feel closer to my family every day and NEVER want that to change.

I am also very grateful for the talents of Karren.  The greater Portland area has experienced her art through cakes these last four years.  It is sad to have to terminate Karren's Specialty Cakes, but it was necessary to allow us less stress in our lives.  Knowing Karren, she will be baking for the community in one way or another down the road. 

Karren is an excellent mother!  You can tell by the joy in her children's eyes.  I believe Miah stuck around as long as she did because she felt so comfortable and loved in her mother's arms.  Miah knew her mother loved her and didn't want to leave but knew she had work to accomplish in heaven.  Sonya also feels her mother's love and is one of the happiest kids I have ever seen.

Karren is an excellent wife!  I feel her love for me also and know that she will be a devoted and loyal companion forever.  I never want to lose this and thus I want to be the best husband and father I can be.  Karren's love for me makes me a better man.

Despite our trials this past year, we are a very blessed family.  I know my Heavenly Father and his son love me and I hope they are proud of us as we struggle to do what is right here on earth.