What is today like?

Arlene here:
Today is Thursday.
Is it really only Thursday.
Is it already Thursday.
Tomorrow is the Memorial service for Jordan.
Tomorrow.

Many decisions have been made.
Gary - Shelleys father is busy going about taking care of the financial worries.
Did you know there are a lot of financial worries when someone dies?
A financial paperwork maze, of sorts.
(Those of you that are concerned about using that 'donate' button, don't worry..it works and
OH.
MY.
THANK you...when you contribute there - you will immediately receive an email confirming your gift.)

And this...Rons Mother - Jed and Jordans Grandma has fallen and broken her hip.
A prayer that she will be able to attend her son and grandsons funeral (in a wheelchair, of course) could sure be offered.
Can we just keep asking for you prayers?
Well...yes, we can.
You can kneel and offer just a big long prayer for the Mingos...every thought that comes your way - all your faith - all your care and concern.
Yes.
Pray for that.

Mason will sing as his Daddys service.
Little Mason will sing as his Daddys Memorial service.
How precious is that?

Perhaps this would be a good time to remind you to bring a nice big clean handkerchief.
I have attended many funerals.
I used to try and cry discreetly.
You know, dab at my tears, sit by the wall so I could turn to the wall and not show obvious sorrow.
But then I attended my Dads funeral...and an amazing thing happened.
All those people that were crying with me - gave me comfort.
They loved my Dad, too.
Those tears said.
"I love you."
Tears are a way to show you love...it is just really okay.

"Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost.
Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. It is a natural response in complete accord with divine commandment: “Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die.” (D&C 42:45.)"


Shelley will speak...she wants Jordan to know - she is strong and can stand on her own two feet.
(YOUR PRAYERS are giving her strength, did you know that?)
I don't know exactly how that happens.
But it happens.
In a way we can't understand - God hears our prayer and then takes our faith and turns it into strength and gives it to Shelley.

Thank you.

Shelley is 'doing' the flowers for Jordans casket.
(I have a hard time typing those words 'Jordans casket'...Oh, no...can this really be true?..oh please let me take a nap and when I wake up....don't let this be true!)

Did you know Shelley does hair...she does flowers..she does hair doodads.
But more than that - she does people.
She is such a good friend.
She is so loved, as is evidenced by the sweet things you are doing.
Food - baskets of toys for her children - yummy treats from Costco.
All all all that.
(Please also write your memories and send them for our book.)

Well, the girls (Shel and her four sisters) are off to find a white dress for Chantel to wear.
She wants a white dress...she wants to look like an angel.
That, my dear little friend, will not be hard.

Did you hear about the men from Jordans work?
Jordan worked at M&R construction.
They are going to set up a rotation shift to do Shelleys' yard work for her..and any 'honey-dos' around the house.
Hey, M&R..that is AWESOME.
Hugs to you for that!

Nights are hard.
Lots of tears at night..when the sun goes down.
Those four sisters of Shelleys made special pillows for the littles and Shelley with pictures of Jordan on them - so they can take their Daddy to bed with them.
It helps.
But do you know what really helps?

Jesus.
That is right...Jesus.

He has told us ... 'Verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it ovetaketh the world as a thief in the night." (D&C 106:4)

Oh, I know that has reference to when Jesus comes to earth again...but I also know...He comes to us individually - as a thief in the night..and do you know what he takes as a thief.
Darkness.
That is right.
He steals away the darkness from our lives...especially at night, when we have that feeling deep in our heart, the one that makes us feel like we are in a dark and frightening cave, you know that feeling.
When it is just too quiet and too lonely and too overwhelming?

When President Hinckley spoke of the terrible loneliness that comes to those who lose the ones they love, he also promised that in the quiet of the night a still, unheard voice whispers peace to our soul: “All is well.”