Today I watched a new father carry his first born baby's casket into the chapel where we honored Charlotte Joanne Nelson. She was born without a heartbeat on Tuesday. Her Grandpa gave a wonderful heartfelt talk that radiated love for his daughter, son-in-law and their little baby. Her Uncle sang a song that he had written four years earlier - there was not a dry eye in the chapel. Another Uncle read a poem he had written - also indescribable. Finally the Father spoke, I can't believe he was able to - he spoke of her and the experience, their love for her and then he spoke of Heavenly Father's love and mercy for them - it was amazing. One thing that he said that has stuck in my head (I am paraphrasing) ... "we could say 'it isn't fair' and be selfish about not having our baby girl, but really, as perfect as she was, it would be unfair to have her here - to taint her perfection." Later at the Provo cemetery, he dedicated the grave site and then we watched as, first the mom and then all of the cousins released pink balloons. A few minutes after they had been released one of the little cousins who was standing near me, turned to her mom and asked "do you think the baby got our balloons yet?" So sweet.
My heart hurts so much for them, mostly because I know how much I love my little babies and I can't even think about not having them with me, without my body wanting to explode in panic. Also because so much joy that they had anticipated has now turned to sorrow.
I am so grateful for the Savior's love, support and comfort that they are receiving at this time. I am grateful for his sacrifice and that because of that we can all look forward to holding that sweet little baby and their family can be together. I am so grateful for the gospel and today especially, the Plan of Salvation.
Our Family
Our Little Princess
Emma (7) started 1st grade this year! She is quite the student! She is one of the top readers in her class and loves that she can now read chapter books. She also started piano lessons and we love to listen to her practice everyday. Emma played soccer this year and had a ton of fun on her team. Over the summer she finally became an official swimmer! Once she got it, there was no stopping her and she spent hours and hours every week in the pool and jumping off the diving board. She keeps busy playing with her friends, dancing, singing (always) and running after her brothers. She is a very tentative big sister, always ready to help out with the boys and keep them happy. She will be baptized in November 2013 and to prepare as a family we made a goal to read the Book of Mormon all the way through. She keeps us on task and we have enjoyed the blessing this goal has brought us. We are so blessed to have her and are grateful that her brothers have her as an example to look up to.
Our Big Man
Carson (5) continues to be a busy preschooler! He is an awesome student! He enjoys reading, writing, painting, being creative and he LOVES to dance. It is one of our favorite activities to turn on iTunes and shake it! Carson also played soccer this year. He loved playing with his friends and his cousin Logan on his team! Over the summer he took swimming lessons and found his confidence under the water - he is the cutest little fish you will ever see! Carson is growing so quickly and this year started learning to ride his bike without training wheels. He did not master it yet, but he is very close and we are pretty sure once it warms up again that he will be zipping around in no time. He continues to improve with his speech and is quickly becoming an awesome little talker. We love our little guy; he has a great sense of humor and always strives to make everyone smile.
Our Dog
Harrison (3) brings us new adventures everyday! He is a great learner. He is starting to write his ABC’s, he can spell and write his name beautifully and loves “writing letters” with his sister at his side. He loves playing on the computer and iPad, playing pretend and being a train conductor with his Geotrax collection. He is a huge fan of his older brother and sister - he looks forward everyday for their return from school. Harry is very athletic and enjoys any type of ball playing! He loves playing outside in any weather and often times has to be dragged in to avoid hypothermia. This last month Harrison has FINALLY started potty training - it has become a special time for he and Mom - we are proud of him for the progress he has made and proud of her because he is still one piece. :)
Baby Dallin
Dallin (4 mos) is the newest addition to our family. He was born in the early evening of September 7th, at 8lbs 11 oz and 21 inches long - our biggest baby yet! It was a slow labor, but once he wanted to come, he was serious, his doctor even missed the adventure and his Dad nearly missed it also because they both decided to step out at the wrong time. He had a rough start and had to hang out with the NICU team for the first few minutes of his life, but quickly showed everyone he was a tough little guy and nothing was going to stop him! He has grown very quickly - weighing over 15 lbs already! It’s no wonder because his favorite hobby is eating! He is a great smiler and is always loves to brighten Jared’s day with an excited grin when he arrives home from work. We are so blessed to have his sweet little personality in our home. The whole family has wrapped themselves around his little fingers. His brothers and sister are addicted to holding, hugging, kissing and playing with him.
1 comment:
Sister Pratt,
Today is little Charlotte's second birthday and I'm her grandpa. For some reason this morning, I googled Charlotte's name and discovered your blog. My heart was touched by your words of love and concern. Your "second witness" to Charlotte's brief sojourn filled my soul on this special day. I thank the Lord for the prompting that created our connection.
Gene Nelson
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