“In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities. Families lie at the center of our Heavenly Father’s plan.” L. Tom Perry

It started with my son, his wife, and his 2-year-old little boy coming for a visit in October, since holidays are way too messy a time to travel and everyone always ends up sick.  They live the farthest, and we don’t get to see them as often as we’d like, but we do our best. Three of my children live here, and since two others live less than six hours away, they decided to come, as well.  My oldest daughter, and her family of 6, who live the farthest, hadn’t met their new nephew/cousin yet, so they wanted to come and join the fun, too.  The last time we had all been together was at my daughter’s wedding in October of 2017. There were two grands and two on the way, at that time.  Now there are five!

I knew with everything going on in all their lives, and the craziness of life, in general, during a pandemic and an election year, the chances of everyone making it here, with fairly short notice, was slim, but I didn’t let thoughts of failure intrude on my plans.  I jumped in and rented a big house with fun activities inside, like a foosball table and a pool table, and a big heated pool in the backyard.  Then I prayed.  I prayed everyone would stay well.  I prayed the travel plans would work out and everyone would be safe.  I prayed we could be together and celebrate our love for each other.  I’m truly thankful to say my prayers were answered!

We staggered comings and goings, making sure we had a couple of days where everyone would be here at the same time.  The only family member who wasn’t able to join us was my middle daughter’s husband, who was out of the country on an assignment with the military.  He was supposed to be home by then, but was delayed, much to our disappointment.  My sisters were able to see the kids, as well, and get lots of hugs.

Though family gatherings can be chaotic, everything doesn’t go as planned, and feelings can be sensitive around those we love the most and who, therefore, may hurt us the easiest, I felt this was our most successful gathering to date.  There was much joy and laughter, conversations and cuddles, and Jackbox game-playing hilarity. The grandchildren had a great time with their little cousin and with all the aunts and uncles who doted on them and taught them new games, which may have involved running around a pool table.  I joined in on one of these rounds, as my grandson said he wanted me to go after him so he could beat me.  Then when both he and his dad were out before me (yes!), he laughingly asked his dad how he “let an old granny beat you.”  I love that kid.

All the females in the group wanted to hold the baby—the most smiley 4-month-old in the world. She brought joy to anyone who needed a little. The two almost-3-year-olds became sweet buddies, and the big boys enjoyed hanging out with my big “kids,” mostly in the pool with a giant unicorn.

One evening we all gathered at my home to celebrate the lives of my mom and dad.  We had a slideshow presentation that I’d worked on forever, “Alan and Jackie, A Love Story.”  I sat between my dear sister and my youngest daughter. I held tightly to my sister’s hand and felt the gentle comfort of my daughter’s hand on my other arm as tears ran down my cheeks.  I loved hearing the laughter and the sniffles of my loved ones, as they watched and were reminded of the wonderful grandparents with which they’d been blessed. During the slow country music of the “Dad and Dearie Face” section, my little granddaughter got up with her small lamb snuggle toy, held it out at arm’s length with both hands, and began twirling around to the music.  So, so sweet. My son then played his beautiful piano arrangement of “If We Hold on Together,” which he dedicated to his Gramma.

Afterwards, family members gave lots of hugs to the tearful ones and then goofed off taking lots of fun photos (even though the lighting wasn’t perfect, and mascara had run). Trying to get a photo of the grands, when the little guy had fallen asleep and the baby was tired from all the commotion, was a bit sad, but mostly funny.  Throw a Gran in, and it’s even funnier. It was such a happy time, all together.

When it was time to say good-bye, and one-by-one they all returned home, I was more thankful than ever for the two people who live here with me every day. It’s sad for me to be far away from some of my children. I wish we all lived on a giant cul-de-sac and shared babysitting, meal prep, jam sessions, and game-playing often. These are the people I adore with all my heart.

When we’re all together, I’m reminded how precious a gift it is to know that families can be together forever. Everything of true value, I’ve learned through the experiences in my family, good or bad, sweet or sad, joyful or painful.  Every single part of being in this wonderful, fun, crazy family has made me a better person.  I’m awed by the wisdom and loving-kindness of our Heavenly Father’s plan.  Homes are the perfect place, and families are the best people, to teach us how to become like our Savior. 

“This is part of the miracle of Heavenly Father’s plan. He wants His children to come to earth, following the eternal pattern of families that exists in heaven. Families are the basic organizational unit of the eternal realms, and so He intends for them also to be the basic unit on earth. Though earthly families are far from perfect, they give God’s children the best chance to be welcomed to the world with the only love on earth that comes close to what we felt in heaven—parental love.

“…I testify that God the Father wants His children home again, in families and in glory.” Henry B. Eyring