Tim and I are always so grateful we live near our family. We love being able to be there whether it's cheering them on at game, or watching a program at school, or giving a talk at church. We don't want to have them look out and not see us there. So as long as we can we will continue to show up.
Colby gave a talk last Sunday, it was inspiring, and I felt his sweet personality. He was confident and shared an experience he had when he was in Alaska with Mark and Cash.
I recorded the talk and transcribed it as best as I could:
"My Dad, Cash and I went on a fishing adventure to Alaska. It was truly a wonderful experience. We went for hike to see where the salmon jump out of the water. So we started hiking and as we got near the top we stopped to take some pictures. We started to go down the trail and it was steep with dirt and thick long grass on either side. As we were walking down I thought I saw a fish and went to look a little closer, but little did I know as I stepped on the grass there was nothing under it and I fell about 15 feet. The last thing I remember was grabbing something and it ripped.
It was weird. It was like teleporting, I was at the top then I was at the bottom. I remember my Mom saying when people get hurt you are not suppose to move because something could be broken, and you could injure yourself further. I started checking myself because I knew something had to be broken. I am not lying when I say I could not find even a single scratch.
This experience reminded me of the Atonement. He does not want us to remain at the bottom burden by mistakes. The Savior wants us to turn to Him, get back up, and continue on our journey.
Becoming like the Savior is about what happens when we fall, not about never falling. It's about remembering His grace and allowing Him to lift us up. We are never alone. The Savior is there to catch us, to protect us, and make us whole again.
As we work to become more like Him, He will be there to catch us when we fall and lift us back up again."
There is not a day goes by that I do not pray that our grandchildren will be protected as they go about their day. I pray that guardian angels will be with them.
Apparently as they were hiking Cash noticed Colby was not on the trail and pointed down and said something like Colby fall. They all had a good laugh about that. From what I understand Mark was able to grab a branch and help Colby climb back up to the trail.
There is a fast moving stream below where Colby fell, and we all can image what might have happened to him. Tears filled my eyes when I heard about this experience and will always be so grateful Colby was protected that day. I'm sure he will never forget he was not alone.
We all lose our footing emotionally and spiritually. Trials, temptations, and unexpected challenges can feel like a steep slope. But I love this promise in Isaiah 41:10:
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
We love you Colby and are so proud of you!
