Thankful - day twenty three

Last night CJ and I had the opportunity to go to a fireside put on for the youth of our ward. The theme that the speaker talked about was "What's in a name". He talked a little about our personal given names but more specifically about our family names and heritage, about honoring our parents and ancestors and he finally concluded by talking about what it means to take upon ourselves the name of Christ. His entire message was spot on and I enjoyed thoroughly enjoyed it.

As I've been continuing to give lots of thought each day to the things which I am thankful for, I couldn't help but to think about his message and my own family heritage today.

Today I am humbled and incredibly thankful for my name and family heritage.

As I think about my ancestors and my family, both those that I knew personally and those that I didn't have a chance to meet on this earth... I am thankful for what their examples mean to me and I hope that I can always honor their name and my own. I am thankful for my pioneer heritage and for all that was sacrificed for all that I enjoy today.

I am very thankful for my grandparents and particularly for my grandmothers and the examples that they've set for me. These two women were amazing women of faith, love and service. They both faced tremendous adversity and challenges in their lives and I think about them both a lot as I go through my own challenges in life. They have both left an incredible legacy for me, one that I'm so thankful for.

My Grandma Leah -
One of the most cherished and beloved people in my life. You can read more about her here and here. Her influence on my life is something I am eternally thankful for.

My beautiful Grandma Mary -
She passed away after a long battle with Lou Gehrig's disease when my dad was only 18 years old. I'm so sad that I never got to know her in this life although I know she was an amazing woman and I am very proud to be her granddaughter and thankful for the legacy and example that she left for me.

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I can't think about my name and family heritage and not think about my amazing parents who are the perfect examples of what I hope to be in life. They lead by example and love unconditionally. thankful somehow seems inadequate this time.

I'm also pretty thankful for the rest of my family that I get to share my name and heritage with. I love them so much...

Eight was Enough...

...until we started adding two more generations in there:

Now, we're now thirty nine and counting.

I hope that the next generation is as proud of and thankful for their name and heritage as I am of mine.

I also hope that I can contribute to the "counting"...