my august journey...

we planned to stay with our families for a week the first of august when we went out to our family reunion. we got there thursday and about two hours after arriving at my mom's house, we were informed that dusty's grandma passed away. she was ready to go. we went on to our family reunion that weekend and after, went to see dusty's family and get ready for grandma's funeral (scheduled for tuesday).

the next monday morning about 6:30 i get a call from my mom saying jordan (shelley's husband) didn't get home from his fishing trip that he was to go on that weekend... i panicked... why wouldn't he call... my next thought was... there is no way he could have died. only thought about it for a second and brushed it aside. i got up and went to the computer. mom said they were trying to find the airplane they were in when flying to the coast. i saw that my aunt had made a blog for everyone to go to stay informed. i immediately posted what i knew and then went to my facebook page to let others know...

the day went on.

slowly.

so many questions.

why.

where.

when.

how.

is there any hope?

what are the chances?

jordan's sister, J, had a "dream" which we thrived on and hung to for hope.

hope.

there is hope.

we constantly prayed ALL day.

we held on to this HOPE.. hope they would be found. safe. alive.

my brother-in-law has a friend who has an airplane.

he willingly offered to go help search and rescue...

my AWESOME sister around 2pm posted on the blog...

I am a believer!!!! thanks for the prayers we can feel them!!! I am so grateful for our Heavenly Father I know he will give them the strength to make it home.... WE are praying to find them before dark!!!!!! thanks so much thanks for everything......love shell

what strength she gave to each of us.

that night was dusty's grandma's viewing. at this point they had found the airplane, but had sent the ground crew to see if they could identify that this was indeed their airplane.

An hour later.

A police officer showed up at Shelley's door to give her the news.

What a sad day.

Sad. Tragic. Unexpected. and Sad. Day.

Along the way, the Lord was there... Looking back, tender mercies were present, a few:
A cell phone charger.
A dream.
Shelley's bishop.
Family.
Friends.
Neighbors.
Scouts.
Family.
The gospel.
Family.
Knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.
What comfort this gives.
Many more.

I am AMAZED (To affect with great wonder; astonish) at the strength Shelley has been. Amazed at how strong she has been.

Do you know ANYONE? who has spoke at their husband's funeral? Shelley did.
Do you know ANYONE? who has gone back to "work" just two weeks after their spouse died? Shelley did.
These are just a couple examples of Shelley's strengths...

She continues to amaze me.

I decided to help my dear sister after this life changing event happened to her. I stayed for a few weeks after. It is HARD to watch someone go through something like this, especially when it is your sister... and. only 26 years old.