Today is Stephen's Birthday...

I just finished visiting with my dear friend whose son would
have been 33 years old today.  Stephen passed away 14 years
ago this past November.

He and a group of his friends left after high school graduation
for a boating trip to Lake Powell.  The last day of their trip
they decided to take one last dive in to Lake Powell.  When
Stephen didn't resurface his friends searched for him and
found he was seriously injured.  Help was called for and a
boat sailing nearby came to their rescue.  On board was a
doctor and a nurse who recognized the distress he was in.

Stephen was life flighted to Provo, then Ogden and finally
ended up in Salt Lake.  He was paralyzed from the neck
down.  Stephen touched many lives during his six months
of  hospitalization.  His courage, determination, faith and
testimony was amazing.  No one came away from visiting
with him without feeling uplifted.  He never complained and
was always positive through all the procedures he endured.

His last words to me were "take care of my mother" a
promise that has been easy to keep because of the bond
we share. 

I can't begin to imagine what it is like to lose a child.
It is something we all hope we will never have to face.
Yet, my dear friend has weathered this loss with a
strength that is amazing.  Her faith and testimony carry her
through the difficult days.  She has been and is an
inspiration to me and to all those around her. 

Today I express my love and admiration for all who
have lost a child.  Although I can never completely
understand your pain and loss, I do feel and try to
understand the depth of your loss.

As I told my friend, Heavenly Father understands your
loss and He is always there to comfort you.  Thank you
for your strength, courage and determination to go
forward in faith.

Nola