A Forever Family

With all of the events happening recently I just couldn't be more excited to go home tomorrow and get to hug my loved ones! I am grateful for the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and my membership in a religion that believes in eternal families and has the authority to seal families together both here on earth and in the eternities to come(want to learn more? visit lds.org or mormon.org). How could that knowledge not make you shout for joy???!!!

I remember back in 1999 when my Grandpa Eckman passed away. It was the first time anyone really close to me was taken away. It's not easy as a 7 yr old to really comprehend all of that. At his funeral service, all of the grandkids sang "Families Can Be Together Forever". Even as I young child, the words in this song were no doubt pure truths. Today I sing it and the words are sweeter than they've ever been before.

I'll be the first to admit that my family has their struggles. Sometimes we don't get along and quite often we make some different choices. We have varying personalities and ways of doing things. We're different and many times those differences clashed. I didn't always do my best in creating such a happy atmosphere in the home but the good thing is that people can change. I regret not trying to be better friends with my parents and siblings as a teenager and now as a young adult have much to make up for but isn't it wonderful that I at least have time.

Family is precious. It's as simple as that. Don't take those precious relationships for granted...EVER! That's one thing I've realized most recently. We were placed in families for a reason. Though I don't show it enough, I love my family dearly. They are the most important to me.