A Resource

  Just about 4 years ago, our friend Amber died.  She became very sick after the birth of Nivelli [who I photoed above at her mother's funeral]. She took her own life one tragic Sunday afternoon.  It was a really sad day for lots of us in our neighborhood - and a day that changed all of us forever.  Her children are the same age as Jacob and Scotty.  She was Michael's primary teacher at church.  Everyone rallied around Trevor - helping with the funeral, and all life's other details for months after.  Michael sang "A Child's Prayer" with other children at the funeral - singing his heart out - as I helped lead all the children in the song. Peter spent hours in the evening at Trevor's house. 

Trevor just finished his medical residency, is getting married to wonderful Amy next week, and they are moving to Maui for a new job to start fresh.  He spoke in church yesterday - it felt like an end to a big chapter in life.

He described the spiritual path he has been on these past 4 years and what he has learned about faith, and God.  He said that he used to think that if you followed God's commandments and tried your best to make right choices, and live life the best you could that you would live a blessed, charmed life.  He was living that life.  He learned that this isn't true.  He said that he has since learned: 

Living the Gospel and having faith in Christ is not an insurance against trials and tragedy, it is a resource to draw upon during the greatest heartbreaks life will present us with.

 He has learned how to draw upon that resource these past years - while on a spiritual and emotional rollercoaster.  He was very honest about how hard it was to get to that place.  He is now in an incredible place in his life - he has peace.  His family is OK - which was impossible for anyone to see 4 years ago. 

Life is pretty amazing.  We are all here to help each other through this incredible experience.  Bye Jacobsens!!