Wednesday, November 19, 2008

National Family Week

National Family week begins Nov. 23. Today our local paper had a special insert to highlight and celebrate Family Week. Those local to Vegas should check it out in the RJ. The section is filled with articles about family traditions and legacies of excellence. By word of mouth, my name got submitted to write an article for the section. See page 6 of the insert if you get the RJ. I thought those not local might be interested to read what I wrote. So here is my article with the picture that was printed with it.

Editors note: On June 13, 2008, Camille Kathleen Waite was found in the backyard spa, unconscious and not breathing. She died two days later in the hospital.

 

On Sunday June 15, 2008, my three oldest little girls children, little girls ages 7, 5 and 2 filed into a hospital room where their youngest sister, aged 14 months, laid in a deep coma. Their sister’s body had begun shutting down and she would not live much longer. It was my duty as their mother to help them understand and accept that their baby sister would not be coming home to play anymore.

 

Never in my life had I been so grateful that I had taught my children so much about their ancestors. They knew my grandparents by name and had been told countless bedtime stories about their magical and loving Grandma Lucile, after whom my oldest was named.

 

They knew the strength and sacrifice of great-great grandma Ann Marie, my second child’s namesake, who lost everything she had emigrating to this country and following her beliefs. They had acted out her life at family reunions and read children’s books about her.

 

They knew the faith of courage of great-great aunt Elizabeth who sought out the truth about God and followed her heart. My third child bears her name. And they personally knew their grandmother Kathleen’s charitable heart and warmth, which her namesake laying on the hospital bed inherited.

 

So when I told my children where their little sister was going, they knew she was in good company with family who loved her and would take care of her. 

 

In my family, it is our tradition to know our ancestors. We carry their blood in our veins. We have inherited their strengths and their faith. We tell their stories at bedtime, we visit the places where they lived, we remember their sacrifices for us. We know those from whence we came, and in knowing them we better know ourselves. 

23 comments:

kastelicfam said...

That is so beautiful! It is a true lesson to us all how important family is and how much children really understand. That is why it is so important to teach children lessons at a young age. Thanks so much for sharing.

kara jayne said...

Beautiful.

Kelli said...

Stephanie, thank you so much once again for your faith inspiring posts. I wish so bad that I had been as good a mother as you are when my children were little. You constantly amaze me. I'm so grateful I found your blog. - Kelli

Amanda said...

That is a very beautiful and uplifting story. It's so great that you know so much about your ancestry.

The Stells! said...

thank you for your blog, i found it through one of my friends and went through and read it while i was at work, you are such a strong women! Thank you for your example, you have made me reflect back on my little family and how much they mean to me. I will in no doubt give my daughter a few extra hugs when i get home from work

Anonymous said...

Beautifully written, Steph. I actually read it in the paper before on I saw it on your blog. I think it is wonderful that you are in our local paper- congratulations!

my stay-at-home-momma drama said...

Another beautiful post. Thank you!

Heather & Greg said...

Stephanie, I don't even know you but after reading your blog everyday I feel like I do. You inspire me in so many ways. You are a true pioneer woman in our time. Thank you for your strength, example and faith. I know your daughter is so proud of the difference you have made in so many peoples' lives!

Becky said...

That is very lovely. It is a slightly different take on traditions and I love it.

Kathryn_m said...

Your womenfolk are such wonderful examples for your children. They must aim high and walk tall in His Word on a path that leads them "home".

A very nice article, Stephanie.

Kate said...

Your strength is amazing. Thank you for telling your story and reminding us readers that family is so important.

Davis' said...

What a beautiful piece! Thank You for sharing it with us.

Anonymous said...

What a touching article. It makes me wish I knew more about my ancestors.

Jen Lee said...

You have such a beautiful way with words. What a wonderful gift you have~ thank you for your willingness to share it to strengthen and uplift those around you.

Chelsa said...

This is beautiful!

EvaMarieva said...

That is so beautiful and thank you for posting. My heart has been deeply troubled and struggling with a trial I have had a hard time overcoming these last few years. Every bit of peace has helped-including this one.

Vicki said...

You wrote a beautiful article, Stephanie! Each of our seven children has either a first or middle name that belonged to one of their ancestors. We felt it was important to give them each an honorable person to look to as a personal standard. You and Jon have done the same, and it was a blessing for you.

Marleen said...

Thank you for posting this. We only get the newspaper on the weekend.

Fresh tears and laughter accompanied me after reading this. Tears for a sweet babe missed and laughter at how good I felt after reading the article. I love your writing Stephanie. I look forward to reading your book oneday.

Brenda said...

This is a beautiful lesson to all of us.

I just happened to come upon your blog and your entry really touched my heart. My mother lost two children and I don't think she ever got over it. She didn't have the comfort that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings; none of my family did. I lost my brother and sister and then my parents. They are now tasting the sweetness that only the gospel can bring. Just remember that families truly are forever; and your little girl now knows each relative by name. May God bless you and bring you comfort.

Unknown said...

I love how much history you know about your ancestors and how you share that history with your children. What a great comfort to know that Camille is surrounded by family members who have gone on before her.

mutze handknit by ashley said...

Congrats on the baby. We cannot wait to find out what you are having. We love you so much and I love reading your blog. It is so beautiful. Lots of love.
Ashley Gunson

Kathryn said...

you are such an amazing woman! I don't know why but I found your blog a few months ago and have been reading about it a lot! On sunday I have to give the relief society lesson and it is on "my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord" and she talks about the Lords mercies and miralces. I know you think I might be crazy but this thought keeps coming to my mind that you might write and tell me something that I could use in my relief society about the Lords mercies and miracles. If you don't want to I totally understand but I just couldn't ignore the thought any longer! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Steph, the Lord only knows how many people were touched by you sharing in this article. Well done, you shared your heart.