Hope's Story - Her memory

Here are a couple things (nothing too fancy) that we have done to guarantee that Hope’s presence will be felt in our home:

• We took lots of pictures! (At her funeral, my cousin commented that for every minute of Hope’s life there must be several pictures.) We had a few display tables at her funeral and currently display pictures prominently in our home.
• During my pregnancy, I kept a journal. I wrote the entries directed to Hope. I look forward to periodically reminding myself of these experiences and, at times, sharing them with others as appropriate.
• Kind friends offered to create molds of Hope’s hands and feet. We were given many darling bracelets that she wore in her casket and they will be put on the mold of her hands.

Other traditions, I am sure will develop as time passes. Holidays and birthdays will be important days of remembrance.

OUR TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST

I have tried to do everything possible to maintain Hope’s memory although her time with us was so painfully short. The best thing I know how to do is talk to others about her, about her condition and, perhaps most importantly, about the spirit and the testimony that she strengthened in our lives. Hope’s legacy is the testimony of Jesus Christ that has grown in my heart, in the heart of her sweet dad and in the lives of so many others. Mike and I were both raised by parents who taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have both sought to live according to His teachings. We have both been active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout our lives. Nothing, however, has drawn us closer to the Lord and testified more of His reality and love of His children than the tragedy we experienced with our sweet daughter. We testify that through the atonement of Jesus Christ we will be sustained and supported through our trials and difficulties. I know that the Lord will not ask us to bear more than we are able to handle. And He will give us the tools we need to endure and even grow from these experiences.