"It's a crazy life, but it's our life"

When I think of what has happened over the last 2 months since I last wrote a line from the opening credits of "Jon and Kate Plus 8" comes to mind: It's a crazy life, but it's our life. No, my parents are not getting a divorce and there aren't sextuplets in my family; but, it has been crazy in other ways. On April 27th my mom fell down half a flight and broke both her ankles. She had a bumpy ride to the hospital in the ambulance, followed by her first hospital stay in almost 19 years. The last time she stayed overnight in the hospital was when I was born. She has a metal plate and 4 titanium screws in her right ankle. Earlier this week (7 weeks since her accident) she seemed to be healing quite well, but she was having crazy bad abdominal and back pain followed by a full night of puking. She is back in the hospital with gall stones that inflamed her pancreas (pancreatitus). While the past 8 weeks has been difficult on my family (especially mom), I am grateful for all that it has taught me. I have seen more selfless service, Christ- like sacrifice, and familial strength than I have in long time. It's been eye opening to see my mom in a state where she is vulnerable, weak, and dependant on others. She is the most independent and strongest person I know. But, I'm grateful for Heavenly Father teaching me through her that we all need each other and him in order to be our best selves. It's been nice to see an other's weaknesses turned into strengths right before my very eyes and the miracles that happen when we serve and accept service.

Some other things I've learned recently are the blessings that come from following the promptings of the spirit and the importance of being anxiously engaged in good. I have so much to be grateful for. My family is stronger than ever, I have a new calling that I'm completely excited about, I am looking forward to being on the institute council this semester, and I am looking forward to what is to come in the future. I finally feel like my life is going somewhere and I love it! I did better in school this semester, than I've done in years. I have a plan and a direction for my life and I've never been happier.