I am not really that big of a fan of all this competition shows on tv such as Biggest Loser, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, etc. However, I love the voice!!!On Friday night Brittney and I went and saw “17 Miracles”. Watching the challenged and miracles of the Martin Willie Handcart company and thinking upon my experiences I had while in Martins Cove last year I have left me in awe. This individuals gave everything for what they believed in, when times got tuff they stuck by on another and kept believing in better days, they never gave up. When it was most needed rescue came to them. There was a place in the film where the main character talked about turning back at times when he felt someone was helping pushing his cart and turned to see know one, he know it was miracles. During this part of the film TC Christensen showed the angels that where helping to push the cart where those of the company who had passed on by that point and those from his own life who had passed away prior to the trek.
This scene and my family discussion at my Grandpa’s grave this past weekend. We got talking about our Grandpa and memories we have of him. I remembered so strongly that day when I got baptized and felt my grandpa in the circle when they were confirming me a member. Why so significant. My baptism and 8th birthday were only weeks after my Grandpa losing his battle with cancer. It was a raw and touching moment for my family. I know I will always be aware of thin the veil is because of this moment and I can guarantee my whole family who is old enough to remember that day will have that testimony to. After I shared this moment my Dad mentioned that this experience plus many others have helped him to know that our family and loved ones who have passed on are the angels buoying us up in life. God allows for them to be there for us, especially when we most need them.
After the movie another thought went through my mind. A line from my patriarticle blessing. The sentence is along the lines of I have been born in to a strong heritage not only of my earthly parents but of ancestors who have gone before. My Grandpa’s memory and lessons I have learned of him give me strength and I am happy and blessed to be of his blood. But I have also been born into strong pioneer heritage. When ever I think and remember that I am a member of the Woodruff family (and that my Great Great Grandpa is Wilford Woodruff) I am given so much strength and courage to continue. As the movie depicted these pioneers gave their all and even their lives to build a safe place for us to worship. They gave everything to build up this church and left for me and you. Being a member of the Woodruff family gives me pride but also leaves in me a sense of responsibility. Wilford Woodruff sacrificed for his future family and children (me) and its up to me to continue to live up the legacy. This gives me strength and makes me so happy.
My family that gave their all for me and have now passed on and are always going to be there for me makes me happy. My Grandpa, Wilford Woodruff, and other family members are going to be my personal guardian angels as I am their family and this makes me happy…but it also leaves in my a sense of responsibility and fortitude to continue to build on their legacy.
"The most important thing about having goals is having one." ~ Geoffrey F. Abert
