The past month has been one of uncertainty and chaos due to the Covid-19 pandemic. People are fearful of losing jobs and businesses. Others are fearful of contracting the virus. Some are dealing with the virus or the death of a loved one.
During this tumultuous time, my cousin's sweet baby passed away unexpectedly. Keira and her husband, David, have already dealt with trials that no parent should endure. The arrival of a new baby is a time of joy and celebration. David and Keira have had little time to enjoy the milestones of life with their children. David and Keira were blessed with a baby boy and then soon after they were blessed with a baby girl.
Keira with Baby Payson
David holding his baby Payson
When their precious baby boy was only three months old, Keira noticed that something was wrong with him. She rushed to the emergency room to find out that he had a seizure. He continued having seizures daily for very long periods of time. They tested baby Payson and found that he has Dravet Syndrome which is a catastrophic type of epilepsy. Those with Dravet Syndrome have an average life expectancy of 8 years old. David and Keira went through the emotional turmoil that any loving parent would go through finding out that their seemingly healthy baby will endure so many struggles. Those with Dravet Syndrome have to have a constant caretaker. Kiera has been the most loving caretaker and mother to her sweet baby boy. I read her testimony about how she came to some kind of peace with everything. I don't think anyone would be at peace with the circumstances, but she placed her faith in Heavenly Father. "Stellar spirits are often housed in imperfect bodies." (Russell M. Nelson, Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
He is sooo cute!
David and Keira found out baby Payson's results when Keira was 36 weeks pregnant with a baby girl. Baby Kalea was born and David and Keira were able to celebrate her arrival to their family. She was always happy and content. She had dark hair and the sweetest smile.
Baby Kalea in her blessing dress
Baby Kalea with her Grandma Xandra (my 1st cousin)
David and Keira were visiting Keira's mom, my 1st cousin. It was a special occasion because three out of Keira's four siblings were able to be together. Keira laid baby Kalea down to take a nap and checked on her multiple times. When she went to check on Kalea she found that baby Kalea had passed away. The details of what happened afterwards added to the tragic circumstances. The police were only doing their job, but they interrogated everyone there. I know that David and Keira had to have been out of their minds.
When I found out about baby Kalea, I was in complete shock. Then I was upset. It is not fair. I do not feel this should happen to anyone. To lose a child is the most horrific trial I feel anyone could go through. To have to come to grips with finding out about her son and then to lose her baby girl is just too much. It's too much for the heart to endure. My mind can't grasp it. I get angry thinking about it. Keira has always been a good person. She has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel. She and her husband, David, served missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They got married in the temple and have desired to start a family. They have chosen the right throughout their lives. It just seems so unfair.
The passing of baby Kalea happened right before our semi-annual church general conference when we are able to listen and watch the Prophet and Apostles. They talk to those listening about why we are here on this earth, the trials we will face, and the hope and salvation of Jesus Christ. That is a generic and probably awful definition of everything that is talked about in general conference.
As I listened to the words being spoken I was uplifted. Every message was one of hope. Without hope we will despair. Without hope there will be fear. With hope we can endure. Each message gave me an assurance that this life is temporary. In this life we will have trials - which I honestly hate! When we are in the middle of trials or hardships it is easy to get angry, depressed, and lose faith. I struggle with all of those feelings when I am going through very difficult times. What I got out of conference is that trials are temporary and only in this lifetime. Does that make all of my negative feelings go away when I am going through difficult times? No. But it does help.
The Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson
Every inspired talk and every musical number had the spirit of hope. There were 8 new temples announced, including ones being built in Shanghai, China and the Arab Emirates. Joseph's Smith's prophecy of the church spreading forth throughout every continent and being preached in every ear is being fulfilled. We had the beautiful experience of participating in the Hosanna Shout which reminds us of Palm Sunday.
Although there were so many profound announcements and even a proclamation to the world, the greatest feeling I gained from listening to the men and women leaders of my church was one of hope. I thought of my cousin the entire time. Here are just a few of the inspired words that were spoken by the Prophet and Apostles this past weekend:
The last quote was from a general conference in 2018. President Nelson has a daughter and wife that passed away years ago. He knows what it feels to mourn and grieve.
Every person on this earth influences those around them. Each of us can help those that are grieving. President Spencer W. Kimball (a past Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) said, “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.”
David and Keira have had an overwhelming outpouring of love and service from others, even in the midst of Covid-19. Gifts and meals have been dropped off at their doorstep. People have stood outside and sung uplifting songs. People are praying and fasting for them to feel peace. Others have donated towards funeral expenses. As one can imagine, they already have bills because of Payson's condition. No one plans to bury a child. Each form of service is needed and appreciated. I hope the outpouring of love continues as the months go by. "When we follow Jesus Christ we act as he would act and love as he would love" (Russell M. Nelson, Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) Every time I think of those in difficult circumstances, I stop and say a prayer. It may be a short prayer that I just say in my head depending on where I am at the time or what I am doing, but I always say a prayer. We may never know until the hereafter how praying and listening to the promptings we receive have influenced others. I know that we are not meant to deal with life's trials on our own. "Our Heavenly Father never intended we would deal with the maze of personal problems on our own." (Russell M. Nelson, Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
I am still upset about the passing of Kalea and the trials that some have to endure in this lifetime, but through the atonement of Jesus Christ their is hope and healing. I know the Lord is aware of David and Keira. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalms 34:18)
Every person on this earth influences those around them. Each of us can help those that are grieving. President Spencer W. Kimball (a past Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) said, “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.”
David and Keira have had an overwhelming outpouring of love and service from others, even in the midst of Covid-19. Gifts and meals have been dropped off at their doorstep. People have stood outside and sung uplifting songs. People are praying and fasting for them to feel peace. Others have donated towards funeral expenses. As one can imagine, they already have bills because of Payson's condition. No one plans to bury a child. Each form of service is needed and appreciated. I hope the outpouring of love continues as the months go by. "When we follow Jesus Christ we act as he would act and love as he would love" (Russell M. Nelson, Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) Every time I think of those in difficult circumstances, I stop and say a prayer. It may be a short prayer that I just say in my head depending on where I am at the time or what I am doing, but I always say a prayer. We may never know until the hereafter how praying and listening to the promptings we receive have influenced others. I know that we are not meant to deal with life's trials on our own. "Our Heavenly Father never intended we would deal with the maze of personal problems on our own." (Russell M. Nelson, Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
I am still upset about the passing of Kalea and the trials that some have to endure in this lifetime, but through the atonement of Jesus Christ their is hope and healing. I know the Lord is aware of David and Keira. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalms 34:18)
I know Keira will see her precious daughter again. They will come face-to-face and embrace. They will be together forever because the Savior has shown us that we will conquer death and live forever. I am blessed knowing that there is hope through Jesus Christ. He understands every pain, sorrow, and trial we will ever face. He has made it possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ for each of God's children to heal. "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain." (Revelation 21:4)
