My heart has been aching all weekend. My dear friend lost her beautiful 13 month old niece suddenly this last weekend to meningitis. I never had a chance to meet Jane but I had seen many pictures and videos as I am friends with her mom and dad, Christy and Bryan, via facebook and instagram. I always felt like I could connect with Christy as she has 2 boys and Jane about the same ages as my 2 boys and little girl. Her boys love super heros and remind me a lot of my boys. Jane was only about a week younger than my Alexis. When I heard that Jane didn't make it, I just burst into tears. I'm not completely sure why, but this has hit me like a freight train. My heart just aches for them, I feel sick to my stomach. I can only imagine the heartache that Bryan and Christy are feeling at this time.
Through all of this, I've come to realize how precious time is. I have been holding my kids a little closer and tighter. We never know how quickly our lives can change and how much can be taken away just like that. I am so grateful that I have the knowledge of the Gosple and know that families are forever. I know that Bryan and Christy will get to see Jane again. What a comforting knowledge this is. Jane was too perfect to be on this Earth any longer. Heavenly Father needs her on the other side now. I hope that Bryan and Christy can find peace in this knowledge.
"In my leisure moments I have meditated upon the subject, and asked the question, why it is that infants, innocent children, are taken away from us, especially those that seem to be the most intelligent and interesting...The Lord takes many away even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again...All children are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and the moment that children leave this world, they are taken to the bosom of Abraham." -Joseph Smith 
