"ENDURE IT WELL"

The Lord urged his suffering servant Joseph Smith to “endure it well” (D&C 121:8)
What does that mean? When the sobering gift of growth comes our way, how can we receive it with grace and integrity?

May came…I’m not sure if I was ready for it-but it’s here!!
Today is Garrett’s 2nd birthday. I’ve found myself really struggling.
I knew this day was coming…last year was so different.
I was pregnant with the twins and on bed rest. I was pretty distracted
And still pretty numb.
I can’t believe it’s been 2 years. I am so thankful for the gospel & for
The comfort that it brings. Ian & I had the most special experiences that
We will treasure forever and ever.
What a journey this has been.

Sorrow seems to move in slow motion. But when the moment has
Passed,we will move back into eternity with ease. Time will lose it’s hold on our
Minds, and we will behold the Eternal One. D&C 88:49-50

I know others who have made blogs for their children who have passed
..I haven’t gotten that strong yet. This has been a hard thing for me because
he really was such a beautiful baby.
I thought maybe this would help me to just tell a little about him…baby steps
Right??
We did'nt have a name picked out. But after prayer Ian & I both
Looked at each other and new exactly what he was to be named.
Garrett Lynn Smith-after my Grandpa Stratton, who has passed also. I
cant help but think that grandpa loves this boy dearly and was by his side every
step of the way. He weighed 4 lbs and 3oz. and was 19” Long and at 33
weeks…he was a pretty big boy. His eyes were crystal blue & his hair was so so blond-almost white. His skin color was beautiful and he was so soft!! He Looked a lot like our oldest son Brenner.
After 2 days I begged my nurse to unhook me from my machines and tell the Dr. I was leaving. I believe I even asked her to lie for me if my blood count hadn’t come
Up yetShe was so sweet and definitely meant to be my nurse on that
Day at that time. Needless to say she did'nt have to lie and had
Me discharged in a worlds record time!!

Garrett was almost 2 days old before I got to touch and smell him. I was
Able to have 2 of the most precious hours with him before he returned
To Heavenly Father. It was the happiest Sad moment of my life.
Time seems to glide along when life makes sense-my time with him passed so quickly. I am so thankful and ever grateful to be his mother.

We all went to dinner to celebrate Garrett’s birthday. As the twins were
Both screaming and throwing food, Lacey was teasing Bryant and Brenner
Kept crawling under the table. Ian & I just looked at eachother and smiled
…we are SO blessed and have SO much to be grateful for.
This will be a good day.
“ENDURE IT WELL”