NieNie

It's been a little less than a month since I met Stephanie Nielson and her hubby, Christian. From what I can tell, they are incredible people who cherish the more important things in life--mainly family. And God. I have been deeply impacted by this woman and I have only met her electronically--through her blog. I have hesitated to share her story and my ensuing feelings on the subject. It's sad, heart wrenching really, why I know her, why I'm changed because I know her. Of course I guess I wish I didn't know her because if I didn't, then maybe none of it would have happened. She would still be in her world and me in mine. Going about life. Washing dishes, driving around, reading, blogging. I have pondered before about this blogging world I am a tiny part of. Just a small blip in the whole blogging experience, really. Stephanie was a bigger blip. Read regularly by many around the world. I had never heard about her until after her accident. I originally read about her on my friend's blog. And now, I have spent some time reading back through her blog. Reading about her life, who this woman was--no, who she is.

Beautiful.
Dark hair, freckles, an infectious smile. A sparkle in her eye. She takes care of herself. She is secure in herself. I am inspired to find more of me. To be proud of me. To be accepting of me.

Happy.
I want to be even happier than I am. I let go of my happiness sometimes. There are days that I wake up and a dark cloud is just hanging over me, not wanting to leave me alone. Blocking out the light. Blocking out some of my happiness. But I need to remember that clouds are above us only. And so many of my blessings, so much of my happiness is always looking up at me, through the beautiful eyes of my children. And the direct source of all happiness and light, my Savior, is best found by getting down on my knees, bowing my head, closing my eyes, in humble prayer.

Spiritual.
A link almost daily, if not daily, to general Conference reports can be found on her posts. I didn't get far enough to find an explanation. Perhaps the one she had read that day. I'm not sure. But it has inspired me to read those talks more.

In love.
Absolutely, irrevocably, head-over-heels in love with Mr. Nielson. Don't get me wrong. I am in love with my husband. I am. But sometimes, life takes over. We are busy. And I let that love slip and slide around at times. I worry too. I worry about sounding cheesy or something. And I shouldn't worry. She has inspired me to love him more. To express my love for him more. To be grateful for each day I have with him.

A mother.
Just like me. And so many, many, many of us. We are co-creators with God. Given the special blessing to create, grow, teach, and love these children of God. Is all peaches and cream? Is life always rosy and pink? No. Life can suck some of the time. There's so many things that can distract us and fill our lives with stress and worry. But when it's all said and done, we are mothers. In it for the long haul. And because of Stephanie, I want to be a better mother. No basket on my head, thank you very much!!

Healthy.
She is a vegetarian (not I-though I do try to work in 1-2 meatless meals each week.)She runs. And runs, and runs, and runs. I run. Sort of, kind of, maybe. Working on it. Need to some more. Like it when I'm doing it. It's just the anticipation of the pain that inhibits me most times. But you can tell she values her body, the amazing creation it is.

A sister and a daughter.
She loves her family so much. And they love her. I'm grateful to have seen a glimpse of their love. I love their big family.

Anyhow, that is some of my thoughts on Stephanie. She and Christian are in my prayers as often as I remember. I hope the constant prayer in my heart helps too. And I hope by sharing this here, that perhaps at least one more person will be touched by their story and find it in their hearts to offer up one more prayer in their behalf. According to NieNie's sister, they are all feeling the prayers of others being offered in their behalf. Let's keep that up.