January 17, 2017

We took the youth group to Cedar City to go ice skating.  I actually like ice skating, but there just weren't enough skates so I stood on the side of the outdoor rink.  It was dark and really cold.  I brought my new ski coat, the one with the zip-out inner lining.  I learned from the ski trip that it is actually the warmest coat on the planet.  In fact, I was sweating the entire trip.  I think I will include this coat in my packing should any natural disaster strike St. George.  One of my young women forgot to bring a coat, so I zipped out the lining and gave it to her.  It was really like a coat of its own.  She was really thankful as she skated around.  I was really cold as I stood on the side.  I didn't have warm shoes since I thought I would be wearing skates most of the night.  My toes weren't happy.

It reminded me of the time Greg and I went to a BYU football game with J.B. and Laura when it was around ten degrees outside.  The stadium was pretty much empty by the time they honored Lavell Edwards by renaming the stadium after him.  I remember thinking that he must be freezing too.  The four of us were sharing a blanket, huddled together on the icy bench.  And my strongest memory is of my aching toes.  Apparently my shoes weren't warm then, either.  We were the epitome of die-hard Cougar fans.

Kissing Greg while wearing the warmest coat on the planet.

I love J.B. and Laura.  I love the memories we share of living together in our little Starcrest apartment.  We were cold then too.  But it was like we hit the jackpot with Laura.  J.B., Greg and I would come home after a long day on campus, and Laura would have a delicious home-cooked meal ready on the table.  She did the cleaning and the grocery shopping, and we went on walks around the neighborhood when the evenings turned warmer.  She has never been anything but extremely good to me.  And J.B. ... I remember him standing at the edge of the kitchen, concern etched on his face as he watched me vomit into the kitchen sink.  Those early days of pregnancy were so hard for me.  So, even though Laura was pregnant herself, they slept on the floor and Greg and I slept in the bed.  I feel bad about that when I think back upon it.  It never felt crowded in that little apartment.  It felt full of love and friendship.

And so, my heart has been so heavy today after learning the devastating news that Laura's dad died suddenly on Monday.  I've cried for them.  But mixed up in the sadness and the shock is this rush of intense love.  Love for Laura and all that she has meant to me through the years.  Love for J.B. and the kids.  Even love for the Faveros.  Love for my Savior.  Love for my Heavenly Father and His beautiful plan that assures me that Families can be Together Forever.  And if heaven is anything like coming home to that little apartment, sitting down with some of my favorite people, and eating Laura's good cooking, then count me in.  They are family.  And I love them.