My brother Larry

I got a call from my mom on Sunday that I've been somewhat expecting for some time now. My older brother Larry has cerebal palsy and has been having more and more health problems. Because of the advanced level of care he now requires, he was moved into a nursing home in recent years and my mom visits and cares for him several times a week. The results of a recent blood test weren't good at all and as a family we decided that we would do no more to prolong Larry's life unneccessarily - basically, it's completely in God's hands now on when He wants to call Larry home. I flew out with Grant on Monday morning to visit Larry and spend a little time with my family.


After a first brief visit with Larry, we and the rest of the family got together Monday night at my brother Sam's house for a yummy BBQ. I've been having so much fun with my new camera, and they eventually got used to me snapping away like crazy. My nephews (and niece!) are just so cute and I'm glad I could be there to capture some of their funny personalities. We tried an all grandchildren picture with my mom (the grandma) with interesting results!
Briggs & GavinBriggs, Gavin, & Brooks
Is that not the cutest picture?

Gavin is just an exact replica of my brother Sam...

sweet Jalyn

Gage, Grandma, & Grant

my beautiful sister Sundae

my other beautiful sister Shelsi

funny brother Sam and beautiful wife Julie

Grandma, the grandkids...and Sam

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On Tuesday, Mom and I went back to visit Larry and I was excited for us to take him outside in his wheelchair. He doesn't get outside enough and it was nice to walk around with him, take even more pictures, and listen to him laugh at me when I stepped in deep puddle of dirty water. Larry has never been able to talk (or walk), but he sure likes to laugh, especially when something silly happened to one of us.

I'm so glad to have come out to spend some time with Larry while he was still alert and happy. Other than missing him, the only other sad feeling I have now is regret - I wish I could have visited more often and spent more time with him the past few years. I'm happy that he'll soon be free from this body that has kept him prisoner for so long - I know he's going to a place where he'll be happy, whole, and with God & our family again. I have many happy memories with him and being his sister has taught me a lot of compassion and service. I'd like to think I'm a better person for knowing him, hopefully I am. What I do know is that times like this cement my testimony in the eternal nature of our souls and the Savior's atonement for each of us. I find a great deal of peace in knowing I'll see Larry again and that God has a plan for each one us, His children. Thanks to a quick plane ride (and my lovely new camera!) I have these pictures I can cherish.