Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Thoughts

I wasn't going to write about a tragedy that occurred in the life of someone that I don't even know personally, but then I changed my mind because I wanted to write something about it. Blame it on my exhaustion, or the fact that my husband is in the mountains of California and I've had no contact with him since Sunday, but I'm in a serious mood and I guess I just want to help any way I can.

Two of my most favorite people on the planet are Chris and Lisa. Last Saturday night, Chris's sister, Stephanie, and her husband, Christian, were in a plane crash. They are both in a burn unit in Arizona, with months of recovery ahead of them. They have four small children.

They also have an amazing family. Because of the events of a few seconds, that family has changed forever. But they have unshakable faith and hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that has made all the difference. After hearing and reading bits and pieces of how they're all coping with life in the aftermath of this event, I've found myself reaffirming my own beliefs.

I don't usually talk about religion on here, but the simple fact is, it is a huge part of who I am. I have a testimony of the gospel of Christ and I believe families can be together forever and that our Father in Heaven wants us to be happy in this life. As crazy as life can be, and as imperfect as I am, I have always believed these principles to be true and I know I always will.

I've often wondered if my faith would hold up when put to the ultimate test. Would it really be possible to feel hope and peace in the event of unthinkable tragedy? As I've observed the small miracles and blessings taking place in my friends' family, the answer is a resounding yes. They are buoyed up by their beliefs and they really do know that everything will be alright somehow, and that is perhaps the greatest miracle of all.

So I guess I'm mostly feeling grateful. Grateful for children and families. Grateful for the beauty in others that inspires me. Grateful for a faith that has never once let me down. Grateful for life and love.

To donate to the Nielson family, you can click on the button on the right side of my blog. To find out other ways to help as well as updates on the family, please visit sister Courtney's blog.

11 comments:

Mandee said...

I am so emotional over this. I just wish there were more I could do.

Mandee said...

you should do some stand up and sell tickets and I will host a bake sale in the lobby and we could donate all our proceeds? still thinking... now I am wishing I had more talents. and a bank account of extra money.

Blake and Meg said...

I was so touched by this story that I had to buy one of her bracelets on etsy. I hope it helps with her medical bills. The bracelet will serve as a reminder to me that life is precious. Even now I have tears in my eyes thinking about her family. Let me know if there's anything else I can do... I can work the Texas market!

Mandee said...

I am so excited about The Thrillionaires! Such a great idea! I will make treats and recruit all the best treat making people I know! Let me know how else I can help!

Beeswax said...

I was just talking to Melanie about this out in the car after book club.They have been on my mind a lot, too.

It sounds like they both have big, strong families who will help them through this. I know a couple of his sisters (one is in my ward, and another was Jen's freshman roommate at DT) and they are both great ladies.

The McKay's said...

Wow. We will keep them in our prayers. I wish there was more we could do.

Shawn said...

Thanks for sharing this side of you, Hailey. I feel very blessed to have you as my child, and know that you were sent to me to help me be a better mother and person.

You are an amazing woman. The Clark family should feel so lucky to have you by their side...

I love you sooooo.

Rachel said...

Thanks for your post today....it really touched me. You are wonderful.

Lisa said...

The Clarks ARE SO lucky to have Hailey, that is true! And that is why Hailey will never leave me. (for long periods of time, at least. . .)

Thank you for this wonderful post, and for your real, caring support. It is amazing how such an awful tragedy can strengthen faith and bring out the best in people. You're the best!

Jenni said...

I found this story on a friend's blog before reading about it on yours and I just had a pit in my stomach...the whole thing is just so sad. It makes you really put things into perspective and want to hold your family tight.

CHRISTA BACKSTROM said...

Hailey! Your little light shines all the time, but it's nice to hear you express it in words. Thank you. Also, I read all of Courtney's blog and I never saw the bracelets that blake and meg mentioned. Where are they?