Families are Blessings

I know how most people feel about posts with no pictures, so I will try to keep this short. This week we lost a member of Brent's family--his mom's (Cherie) husband Kent. It was a tragic accident in which he was killed while riding his bike by a drunk driver. I don't think death is ever easy, but this has been extremely hard because it was so sudden. I just want to say that my heart goes out to Cherie and to all of Kent's family as well.
I can't say that I knew Kent extremely well, but I do know that he and Cherie had a great marriage, and he always welcomed us into his home. And, with us, all of her grandchildren for sometimes weekends at a time. Their house is what a grandparent's home should be--toy room, extra beds, tv's, cookies, trampoline, pool. No wonder all the kids always want to be there! But, even if they lived in a cardboard box the kids would want to be there. Cherie and Kent are the epitome of what grandparents should be, and my kids are lucky to have them.
There is always something to be learned from any trial in life and, if I have learned anything this week, it is to cherish your family. None of us knows how much time we have on this earth, and we should make the most of it. I want my family to know that they are the most important thing in my life, and I would trade anything for them. Family rallied around Cherie this past week, and we will continue to do so because we love her. Heavenly Father put us in families for that very reason. He also gave us the gospel, which is a huge blessing in our lives. We can be with our families forever. I am so grateful to have married into such a wonderful family, and to be surrounded by such wonderful members of my ward family. Each of you makes me want to be a better person. You all have touched my life so much.