This Valentines Day was my 23rd one with Brent, and since his heart attack last year, I have been especially grateful for all the holidays. I realize that Valentines Day may just be a good way for retailers to boost their bottom line, but I choose to think of it as a day to be so thankful for a wonderful man and beautiful kids. Last year I wrote about our Valentines Day tradition of decorating the table and fixing a big breakfast, complete with pink waffles and strawberries, for the kids. I was a little melancholy this year thinking that Dalin wouldn't be here for the next two, and who knows how many after that, years, but we had a terrific day. The night before the big morning, Brent and I had a very gourmet dinner with some old and very dear friends. The prime rib and company could not have been better. Thanks Nelson's, Hall's, Tanner's, Tolman's, Legg's, and Hill's for sore cheeks from laughing, an extended stomach, and lasting memories.
And then, after 23 years of thoughtful and sweet Valentines Day gifts from my husband, this year, for the first time, he gave me a gift that made me cry. The painting of Joseph and Emma Smith cuddling their new babies is exquisite. I have spent many hours studying the lives of the Smith family, and I have always loved the story behind this painting and how it depicts the wondrous love of three fathers--Heavenly Father, John Murdock, and Joseph Smith. I can only imagine Emma's joy when she was given these two beautiful babies to raise as her own having just lost her twins.
There are so few paintings out there with both Emma and Joseph, and I am passionate about the role Emma played in the beginnings of the church. I have always wanted a picture of both of them. Thank you, my sweet husband. I love you. Happy Valentines Day.
8 comments:
Alright, so that made me teary. It really is a beautiful painting. What a great gift to receive.
What a perfect and personal gift. Looking at the picture reminds me of more than the earthly joy in parent/child relationships, it seems to foreshadow the joyful reunions that Emma and Joseph will have with all their babies in a glorious time to come. And it reminds me that Dalin will come home again, too, and how great will be our joy! Tell that boy how much Uncle Jay and I love him. We can't wait to see what the Lord makes of him. We send our love and support over the many miles and hope that you will feel it and that it will strengthen you as you send your son to serve the Lord.
Valentine's Day means so many things to different people. I am grateful that you are blessed the way you are. What a thoughtful gift. I can't wait to see it hanging in the living room.
Great blog honey. I too am going to miss that handsome boy of yours which happens to be my grandson. He is going to be a great missionary as he is molded by the hands of the Lord. I love the picture! Thanks also for the wonderful valentine breakfast. Love, Mom
That painting is one of our favorites as well (you know how Joel feels about Joseph). I'm the same way about Emma - LOVE HER!!
I'm glad you guys had such an amazing Valentine's Day!
What a wonderful gift. What a blessing it is to all of us, having Brent here with us.
We had a great time at dinner. We love you guys.
Love, Cork
Wow. It's perfect. I love all that it says about you and you and Brent as a couple.
We had a great time friday. Thanks again!
What a lovely, thoughtful post. I have actually never seen that painting before, how beautiful. Now having my own child I cannot imagine what Emma had to bare. Can I ask how long did it take you to recover from your brain tumor? Did you hear about my mom's? She just had hers removed Tuesday. I didn't realize how long the road would be. Our thoughts as with you guys as you get ready to send Dallin off!
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