I have never been so thankful to be the daughter of pioneer stock. My ancestors and my husbands were all faithful pioneers. All of our grandparents were faith filled righteous people. Many loved children and were fun loving. I am so thankful to know those who are with my daughter now and to know that she is as loved there as she was here.I took this photo about 2 weeks ago. I will note that I do luckily keep my toilets clean. She was having a jolly time in her own personal bird bath. I love this photo. It just reminds me how happy she was. At the same time I just want to jump back into the photo and be with her in that moment again.
Is it the second coming yet?
25 comments:
You do not know me, but I found your blog through the Presley family's site. You and your family are such an inspiration. I started a blog for LDS moms a while ago, and I wrote about your story so that they could receive the strength and inspiration that I have from reading your blog. It seems to have put things into perspective for me. I have a daughter that turned 1 in May, and I have had a hard time connecting with her. Seeing your beautiful Camille, and gaining strength from your testimony, I am able to look at her in a different light. You may never know how much you have done for me by sharing your tenderest moments, and I could never express how much it means to me. I just read your post about letting Christ bear your burdens, and it was so neat, because I said the same thing in my post about your story. I cannot say I know what you are going through, but I think you know by now that there are so many people praying for your comfort. Thank you so much for being such a sweet inspiration. Tell your husband that everyone is praying for him, also. It seems as the dads must be "strong" for everyone else around, so we pray for him to have the strength to stand strong, but to also know that even Christ cried in pain. It is ok to hurt, and it is ok to cry. I pray that your family endures this trial, and becomes closer to each other and closer to the Lord.
you can't help but smile when looking at this photo! So sweet! So innocent!
I caught my breath as the page loaded and I saw Camille's smiling face-peeking out of the potty! What a precious picture. You are so right-she is, indeed, in some amazing company. Thanks for sharing this snapshot in time-her smile speaks volumes to the joy in her heart. God bless.
Stephanie-
You have taught me to cherish every moment. I am praying for both you and Jon, I know how close Daddies are to their little Princesses. Your sweet tender Camille just captures my heart. Thank you so much for sharing her with all of us. It is amazing what one little 1 year can do for hundreds of people. I continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
Debbie
Steph, the great part about this picture is that you took it. You took the time at that moment to grab the camera and capture Camille enjoying life. Many other Moms would be grabing her and running straight to the shower!
What a priceless picture! A great memory to cherish forever.
You two have been such a shinning example for me and my family. I am eternally grateful for the love and support you have given Shanan, and the example you were and continue to be in her life and in ours. 'Hard' totally takes on a new meaning when faced with unbearable challenges. Thank you for sharing your feelings and your life's journey at this time. May the Lord continue to strengthen you backs and lighten your burdens.
Much love, Artie & DeEtte
How dang cute is that! Such a fun memory to have and to cherish. I am so glad you stopped to capture the moment, rather then rush on to clean it up as I so often do! I need to be better at that so that I will have the memories forever. What a great mom you are! Another little thing Camille taught someone with her short time on earth.
Hey Steph, I can not believe your faith and strength. Eric just passed me the news on Friday when I was traveling in CA. and my heart aches for you. This is the first time I have gotten on your blog (I got it from the e-mail John sent Eric) I have spent an hour back reading and catching up on your life. You truly are an amazing woman and an inspiration in my life. We are praying for you and your family and love you very much.
Carrie Baugh
Oh, my word! That is a delightful photo!
Camille is having a wonderful time with all her family, awaiting your arrival.
HUGS.
The way Camille is looking makes you almost want to jump in with her, almost. I love that smile of hers. By the look of how the world is going I'm sure the Second Coming is right around the corner.
that photo is priceless.
That is such an adorable photo! What a beautiful memory.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Stephanie.
Stephanie: What an amazing gift that your grabbed the opportunity to snap this picture.
A true treasure and a testiment to powerful parenting!
that is so sweet! that is definitely the first time i've laughed out loud when thinking of camille since the accident. i love her little smile in the picture. she's obviously so proud of herself for climbing all the way into the potty and making such a big mess.
thanks for sharing it.
cat
Such a great photo of such a wonderful girl! It is nice to know that you have so many pictures to treasure and remember her by. I know they will bring you tremendous solace in your journey until you are back together with her. I am also happy to hear you are "lifting the ban." If I were in town I'd be coming over all the time! :) I was also thinking, a lot of your and Jonathan's pioneer ancestors probably lost children of their own while they were crossing the plains so they know first hand how hard this separation is for you. I'm sure they know how much love you want them to give Camille and they are making sure she receives it. Just another reason that eternal families are such a blessing!
With prayers and love,
Kathryn
Stephanie and Jon
I just want to send my love to both of you. I have been reading each day to see what you have to say and how you are surviving. Thank you for sharing yourself and your family with all of us. You have been in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers. I have just wanted to give you a big hug. It is challenges like this that show our true strength and character. You have far surpassed any strength I could even imagine.
Lots of love,
Tanya
What a cute picture of your Angel! XOXO
You don't know me, but I wanted to express my deepest sympathy for this cross that you have been called to bear. My name is Nichole, and I am actually a member of one of the other wards within your stake. I heard about your tragedy from one of the young women that you teach who is a friend of my little sister. I have followed your blog entries for the last few days, and you will never know what an inspiration your words and feelings have been as you endure such a difficult trial. I stand in awe at the strength of your testimony. I am impressed by your grace and your wisdom, and the softness of your heart during such trying times. I am grateful for your example of what it means to endure it well. May God be with your precious family at this very difficult time.
Nichole
Stephanie,
I haven't read your blog in a couple of days but everyone is asleep now and most of our company is gone and I'm reading....I think of you and the girls and jon more often than not. I thought of you guys Saturday morning and before I got out of bed to start preparing for our busy day I said a prayer for you and your family. I wish I could have been at the funeral. I'm sure it was beautiful. I've always thought you were an amazing woman. Little did I know how amazing. You have always inspired me....I only wish we didn't live so far apart now. I miss it all. I love the what you are doing and what you aren't doing post because it helps a concerned friend know how to love a friend going through the hardest experience of her life. Your honest and open comments make you and your family that much more consolable. I know that I have certain people in my life so that I can learn from them. And you're one of those people. The gospel of Jesus Christ is real. I too know that Camille is with people who love her very much and she is waiting for her amazing family to meet her.
Steph, I have spent a lot of time on my knees praying for you and your family, along with my husband. It's been a tough one down here with keeping up church duties, but reading your blog has reminded me of the importance of always building my testimony and leaning on Christ in times of pain. You and John are an unbelievable inspiration for me! Your faith and strength is reason enough for me to get my butt in gear and get my spiritual life in order. And work on my patience with Aiden. You just never know anybody's time here on earth and we have to cherish every moment. Thank you so much for your testimony and awe inspiring love! I miss you and will continue praying down here south of the border!!
I laughed when I first saw that picture...So precious. I'm glad Anna has not thought of the bird bath like Cami did. My toilets are NOT clean!
thank goodness for clean toilets :>) What a funny picture...kids do such strange things sometimes, but those random moments make the best memories!
What a darling little cherub, such a combination of innocence and mischief in those eyes.
Stephanie,
I keep wondering the same thing. Is the 2nd Coming here yet? My family and I look forward to that day so much, as I'm sure you do. We lost my 3 year old son 3 years ago to brain cancer.
Your words are amazing. Your strength is a buoy for many. What a testimony you have to share with so many! Thank you for the beauty and inspiration in your words.
You don't know me, by the way :)
I LOVE that photo. How cute is her smile! Beautiful!!
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