Thanksgiving of 2009 turned out to be an exciting event. On Wednesday, John went to Hawaii Kai to pick up his parents and I was at work participating at our school turkey trot. We came home and welcomed the Kloeppels into our home. That night I was fortunate to go to a movie with the ladies, it was really fun going by ourselves. Thursday, was Thanksgiving and I had a list of food dishes to get ready, and a plane to catch in the late afternoon. It came down to the wire but I managed to accomplish the meal and at 12:00pm we had a wonderful luncheon. Good food, good company, good everything. Get to the airport by 4:50pm and catch a plane to Kona, Hawai'i at 6:00pm. I was so excited I couldn't contain my excitment!
Prior to the planning of this trip, which had been a goal of mine since January 2009 as one of my resolutions, I encountered a lot of stumbling blocks along the way. From the La'ie Hawai'i temple being closed to waiting a year to do the work, and then getting it done without any family members present. It was an attempt I had to do for my dad by myself it couldn't wait, he needed to be with an eternal family. His parents needed him. I needed the comfort to know that he had a place and parents ready to greet him with open arms. All was possible with the help of my Heavenly Father, prayer, personal revelation, and friends ready to serve. The spirit was so strong at the temple and I know that everyone was pleased with me. It made me grateful to know that I was able to do this because I was obedient to the Lord's commandments and promptings of the spirit all my life. My grandparents waited 30 years for this blessing. Just comes to show that you should use the talents and gifts you are given to one day bless the lives of others waiting for you. I learned to act upon the promptings of the spirit, and to not give into temptation.
I returned home Friday night and was very grateful and able to now focus on taking care of my immediate family. My children were happy for me. They missed me while I was gone.
On Saturday I went to a funeral. A member of our community passed away. The funeral services and message was very uplifting and the message and music was just what I needed to hear. Basically those that are called early in life have a great work to do beyond the veil, and family members left behind should talk and share experiences about their loved one that left. It's all part of the healing process. So share your memories about your loved one and talk about times you remember when they were here with you on Earth. Also don't be afraid to approach others and tell them what you remembered about their family member.
That evening my husband and I were able to go on a date to see a movie. The movie was inspiring, uplifting, and taught me to that one person can make a huge difference in someones life. Now it's on to Christmas and remembering to LOVE our family, friends, and the world we live in. So that was my crazy, emotional, busy, whirlwind of a Thanksgiving break.
