So it's been a while... and this isn't really something that I have viewed from my window, but it is something I wish to share...

I got an email the other day from my younger brother (Mark) who is serving a mission in NY. He wrote about a recent experience he had that I found rather touching and inspirational. I thought you might enjoy it too…

To me, this serves as a testimony of the truth of God’s plan, and that we are not alone in the work the Lord has for us to do. Our loved ones that have passed on can still be with us, and can help us as we live our lives. How lucky we are to have a loving Father who has created a way for us to be together as families forever, no matter what tragedies may occur! How wonderful it is to have the knowledge our Father's plan, a Father who loves all his children and blesses our lives so very much!!!

Mark wrote:

“…for some reason this week Brandon was on my mind more than ever! I talked about him to everyone and I was not sure why I was, I prayed for him on the other side that he might be able to reach to others doing his missionary work. I understand that his birthday was this week and I knew he was standing by my side helping me. In fact helping me so much that we talked to a lady that believed in original sin, I asked her if I could tell her something and she agreed, at that moment something filled me and I testified to her that what she believed in was an abomination and a mockery before God. I know that babies are born perfect into this world and that our God would never thrust a baby to hell, they are perfect and they inherit the Celestial Kingdom, and all that their father in heaven has for them. While doing this, this lady backed up to a chair nearby and sat down, she could not speak nor did she dare. The spirit testified to her that what the lord had me say to her that day was true; she was rebuked and could not deny it. I love that the lord provides a way for families to be together again and that Brandon will always be Alison’s son and Todd’s son as well. He will always be forever and ever in our lives, what a great blessing that we have!”

Just a little background on “Brandon"... (for those that don't know who he is)

Brandon was the first nephew/grandson born into our family… the son of our oldest sister, Alison. Brandon was born April 19, 2005, about 5 or so weeks pre-mature. The week before he was born, Alison gained an unusually large amount of weight in a very short time. This of course alarmed her and the doctors so much that they proceeded to run tests to see what was happening. Although they didn’t know what it was, it was apparent that something was very wrong. They decided to do an emergency c-section to get him out so they could figure out what was happening. When he was brought into this world, he was estimated to weigh around 13 lbs, not a typical weight for a pre-mature baby. He was so swollen and filled with fluids that his eyes (including his eye lashes) were not even visible. Within the first few hours, Brandon’s tiny heart stopped multiple times. The medical team was able to revive him each time as they flew him to Primary Children’s Hospital.

Once there, Brandon was put on life support machines and kept under close 24-hour watch and care. His condition was so severe that doctors didn’t expect him to make it through the night. As hours turned into days, and days turned into weeks, Brandon’s health actually appeared to slowly improve. The swelling began to go down and a few weeks after he was born, Brandon was able to open his eyes for the first time. It remained somewhat unclear as to what had caused all of this, but for a while it appeared he would beat it. It took a few weeks for Brandon to become stable enough for his mother to even be able to hold him in her arms for the very first time. His weight eventually returned to a fairly normal infant weight and there was finally some normal color in his skin.

Unfortunately, these improvements didn’t last long. Brandon’s fragile body had gone through more than it could handle. His organs began to shut down one by one, and the trauma he had suffered had left him severely brain-damaged. In the end, 5 weeks after his birth (on his original due date), Brandon took his last few breathes of life while being held in the loving arms of his mother, surrounded by his family.

Brandon would be 4 years-old now, the oldest of what would now be 5 nephews/grandsons. His memory serves as a wonderful reminder of what blessings the gospel has to offer all of us!

Although his time here with us was short, the positive impact he has had on our lives continues to have an impact, not only for us, but for others as well... as is evident in Mark's experience. I am sure that the lady Mark encountered felt the power and sincerity in his words due, in part, to his experience with Brandon and the testimony derived from it. There is no telling how significant the role of even these "little ones" can be in bringing about the Lord's work. As the Lord has said, "through small and simple things are greater things brought to pass". Brandon was small, but his short life, his brief trial-laden journey continues to bring to pass great things.

May we always acknowledge and be grateful for those precious things in our lives, no matter how long they are with us. May we stand strong in our trails, enduring with the faith and knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father, who only wants what is best for us, His precious children. A Father that loves us so much, that He would not suffer any of his little ones to be lost on account of another's transgressions or sins. May we see the greater picture and continually move forward with faith, love and hope, trusting in the Lord in all His glory and mercy. Let us remember those that have traveled the path before us, and let us lay down a framework of righteousness for those who are to follow.


Happy (belated) Birthday Brandon!!!