Well, it has been a long while since I have shared my words, and I have had many come and go. I apologize if I ramble a bit.To start with, a few weeks ago I had a pretty good scan that I don't want to get into but it was a huge blessing in my family and myself! I cant thank enough people for their prayers and fasting and thought and love. Its been too much to handle! we all love you.
We also had a passing of a close friend. It was sudden and heartbreaking, she was young and left behind an amazing husband and 3 beautiful girls. the service was so special and it confirmed to me that this life is just the beginning, families are forever and you cant take that away from this sweet family. we love this family and our hearts will always go out to them.
"The most important cause of our lifetime is our families. If we will devote ourselves to this cause, we will improve every other aspect of our lives and will become, as a people and as a church, an example and a beacon for all the people of the earth!" -M. Russell Ballard
It was a little humbling and emotional for me to be at the viewing and the funeral because a flood of emotions takes over me and it starts too look very real to me, especially when my clock is ticking. but I was comforted, I also believe in the doctrine of eternal families, and its not just a happy though, its part of my eternal testimony of this and many other truths that I am so thankful for.
The past few months, a few things have made a huge imprint on me and I have decided that there are 3 things that get me through this and give me strength to go on.
#1 service from others, this can be so many things, I will give a few small examples. Two young men who are brothers, who NEVER miss mowing my lawn once a week. They don't think its a huge deal but it is, I cant do it now, and I like a mowed lawn. Next, the company that I work for has an annual company golf tourney. This year, because they truly love me, they turned it into a Team Tommy fundraiser, and I was blown away at the support and donations. My elders quorum pres. out serving, doing visits decided to make an extra stop at the Henrys, not knowing I had a really tough week and lifted me. if someone feels bad, serve them, if you feel bad serve someone, if your feeling blessed, serve. If you feel like everything is going wrong, serve!!!
#2 Family. What in the world would I do without them? from wife and kids to parents and all of my siblings and everything in between. I have been lifted in more ways than I can count. I calls, texts, emails and cards every week. wanting to take out kids so my wife and I could just sleep. They want to bring food, or messages or just come see how there brother is doing. I have a big family, and I'm lucky to have each and every one of them. I love them so much. My sweet Mother, and this is personal, but she came to me one day, emotional and said to me that if she could, she would take my place in a heart beat. It was so tender, and she meant it. However, with what I've seen, heard, read, witnessed, I wouldn't give this up! That might sound strange. Cancer stinks! But my journey with my Father in Heaven and my family has been amazing!!
# Is my Eternal Brother. Now, I write this with the most respect I can. He has carried me through this!! I love him, and I know without a doubt he died for me so that my burdens, right now, could be lighter. I have a picture, by my bed of Him, and the artist did such an amazing job with the eyes. I cant tell you how many times I look at that picture for comfort, peace, reassurance, hope, help, and just to say thanks.
I'm fighting........like we all are with something. Something hard no doubt. Let us keep these three things close to the heart. You have NO idea who is waiting for your, love, service or comfort. Thank you all, you make my days so much better. "Til we meet again"
