I have been keeping up on some of the comments made in news articles about us, and I wanted to try to respond with how I feel. Some have written, "How can God make such terrible things happen to such precious little boys?" I don't have a perfect knowledge of why Heavenly Father does the things he does, or how it all works, but I want to try and share what Richard and I believe.
Heavenly Father does not take pleasure in watching his children suffer. Sometimes he has to allow bad things to happen so that we can learn and grow. He does not abandon us during these times. He provided a savior, Jesus Christ, to not only atone for our sins, but to atone for our sicknesses and afflictions. I have literally felt the burden of this trial be lifted from us. Through repentance, Jesus Christ can take away our sins, as He can also soften our burdens.
Heavenly Father does not take pleasure in watching his children suffer. Sometimes he has to allow bad things to happen so that we can learn and grow. He does not abandon us during these times. He provided a savior, Jesus Christ, to not only atone for our sins, but to atone for our sicknesses and afflictions. I have literally felt the burden of this trial be lifted from us. Through repentance, Jesus Christ can take away our sins, as He can also soften our burdens.
When we go through trials, we have a choice. We can either abandon God, or we can turn to Him and accept the atonement. If we choose to abandon him, God cannot help us overcome the pain and sorrow. He isn't abandoning us or leaving us alone. However, if we turn to him, He can help us overcome anything. I'm not saying He makes our trials disappear or become easy, but He will soften them and make them possible to endure.
Heavenly Father loves and cares about each one of us. The trials we are given are not an indication that He loves others more than us. Life isn't fair. But through the atonement, it can become fair. Jesus Christ suffered for every single one of us, and both He and Heavenly Father want us to return to heaven to live with them.
There is room in heaven for all of us, because He loves all of us equally.
Beautifully said and so true. Love Grandma F.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are an inspiration. The boys are adorable and wishing you all the best for the future. Lisa from london England
ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing them and your testimony. Heavenly Father is very much aware of your little ones. I feel it every time I kneel and pray for them and for you and Richard. You are not alone, please know that. We cannot walk where you walk, this is your journey alone, but we can cheer you on and pray for you and we do. You are loved, your boys are loved (all of them).
ReplyDeleteReally bautiful photos :)
ReplyDeleteI leave here the link of a blog about Gracie, a little girl who also had retinoblastoma. She also removed one eye. Currently, she's Cancer Free! I hope it helps you to continue with hope because your three treasures will overcome!
Link: http://welovegracie.blogspot.com
The night before my daughter's enucleation surgery, I received the following email from my mom: "As tragic as Erin's cancer feels to all of us, and especially you two, right now, I believe this experience will change Erin's life forever. She'll be just as beautiful on the outside but even more beautiful on the inside. Sure, she'll see the world differently than the rest of us - she'll have more compassion for others, more understanding of people who are different, and she'll be strong in ways we can only imagine. It may cause her to choose a different career path than she otherwise would have and maybe she'll be a better parent. Hard as it is to believe now, someday she may be grateful for having had this experience." Erin is almost five now and I can tell you without hesitancy that my mom was right. We will never know why Erin was born with this cancer and ultimately, I don't feel that it really matters. What I do know is that this experience has brought us closer together as a family, that Erin is the most amazing, brave and resilient little girl you will ever meet, and that older brother Nathan (6 years old now) is a wonderful, caring little guy who surprises me all the time with all the ways he finds to look out for his little sister. Your family will get through this trial and you will be stronger for it when you come out the other side.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely, and it is so commendable you are strong in that belief at a time like this! We share a belief in the LDS faith, and believe me when I say that faith in Christ is what will get you through this.
ReplyDeleteI also had one (ONLY one, I don't know how any human can do this x3) child with a different eye condition that required surgery out of state as an infant, prolonged displacement and many pre&post operation office visits, and an older sibling caught in the middle of it all. It is so incredibly difficult that years later I still am awed we made it through. Certainly not on my own strength.
Try to get out sometimes, do something to keep your sanity intact as parents is what I advise for now. Engage in something fun, uplifting and separate from the medical&baby care giving even if it is brief is my advice for now .
Please do email me or have a family member do so. julietchristensen@gmail.com. I want to help, and I am not the only one who does. I heard about the Deseret News article from several sources the last couple days because of your similar situation.
Beautiful! I miss these boys. :) Oh, and in the Ensign of this month there is a great article on page 64. My favorite quote was this..."We will face things for which there is no earthly explanation. In those moments we need to erect sign that reads, 'Quiet, God at Work.' Meanwhile, hold on, child of God. Keep believing. Don't quit. Don't give up. Let God do His work in you. The greatest tragedy is to miss what God wants to teach us through our troubles."
ReplyDeleteYou guys are doing just that. Doesn't make it easy, but you amaze me with your testimony, strength, and fortitude. LOVE YOU!
Beautifully said Leslie. You guys are amazing examples to us. Still praying for you everyday!!
ReplyDeleteLeslie, I just love your gorgeous self! My family prays for you every day, we are so proud of your strength and faith! Every time I read your blog, I sit here and cry and feel so much strength from your example! Love you and your beautiful family!
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