Tragedy, Heartbreak, and Mercy.

This is Emily and her daughter, Kaitlyn.  Emily and I became fast friends almost 30 years ago when my oldest brother, David, married her oldest sister, Andrea, way back in 1988.  Andrea's siblings were all right around the same ages as all the Mortenson kids, and we all became fast and life-long friends with them.  Emily and I were both about the same age and both a little rebellious and even more unconventional, and I loved that I could always be myself with her.  She was always someone I could very easily and comfortably talk to.  She's always been vibrant and really fun to be around.

Today I got word that Em's only daughter was killed in a car accident last night.  I've cried much of the day and my heart is broken for my dear childhood friend.  Our family has always thought of my brother David's in-law family as our own, even though we weren't technically related.  Who cares, they ARE family!  And my heart is breaking for my nieces and nephews, because Kaitlyn is their cousin.  Those kids have lost two uncles on the Mortenson side and now a cousin on the Clayson side.  How much more can these kids take?  My heart goes out to them as well.  Today I am reminded how merciful the plan of salvation is and that families can be together forever.  I have a family here on earth, but I also have family in heaven!