The past few weeks have been rough with the things going on in my life. Sometimes, life can be so disappointing. I guess I should say that the choices I see others make can be so disappointing. As I have watched the people in my life struggle through things that they cannot control, that were not of their choosing, I cannot help but marvel at the strength and goodness of our Heavenly Father. At the love and tenderness He shows for us.

While some of the people I see are in a fight for their lives, others are fighting disabilities and disappointments. They are strong people who face each day with a smile on their face and the determination to beat whatever they are fighting. It strengthens me. It makes me want to be better. It makes me think that the struggles I face can be conquered, too. With Heavenly Father’s help, they can be.

~CTR

I have a habit of reading obituaries. I stopped doing it for a long time after we lost Laney. But the other day, I read about a girl that lives here in Utah. She was the same age as Laney and had struggled with cancer. At the end of her obituary, there was a link to a blog about her journey. I went to the blog after reading her amazing obituary.

I was speechless and extremely emotional to read on Mary’s blog a reference from the story about Laney in the Church News. It blew me away. I know that Laney’s story is out there, and that it has been seen by thousands of people. But seeing it used firsthand to help strengthen someone else going through such a difficult struggle made me so incredibly grateful that Laney had made such an impact.

I often think that when I grow up, I want to be like Laney. I want to look back at my life and know I made a difference. What a legacy she left behind for not only our family, but for countless people who are using her as an example of strength. Yup. When I grow up, I definitely want to be like Laney.

~CTR

It is amazing to me how much a simple smile can make someones day. Everyone we see each day is going through different challenges. Sometimes, a smile is all it takes to make them feel better for even a few minutes. I love how the simple things truly are the best way to show someone that you care. That for that particular moment, your actions can make such a difference.

Like taking the time to pull over on your way home from an outing to say hi. Or sending me a message on Facebook about something that you remembered about Laney. Or coming to watch a softball game in a place that has so many memories that it is sometimes hard NOT to think about Laney not being there. Every single one of these things helps us make it through each day. They may be simple things to you, but to us, they mean the world. But then again, so do you.

~CTR