Happy Easter

Wow, my heart is sad tonight over the deaths in our small communities. It seems like things just keep moving on whether we like it or not. I just talked to my dear friend on the phone who lost his wife this past week & it breaks my heart to see people have to suffer through the death of your loved ones. You know the deep hurt his family is going through & you'd love to help ease their pain but there's not much we can do. My life long neighbor also was killed in an accident last week & that too makes my heart sad. I guess all I can do is pray for both families & I know our Heavenly Father can & will  help them through the difficult days ahead.  Also 16 years ago last night I was with my father as he left this life for a better one & I remember so well my feelings as that was taking place. I do know that life keeps moving on & there will be more hard lessons that we all will have to go through so just keep praying, being kind to one another,  living the best we can & someday we'll be together again & be able to see the whole picture clearer. I've had a bad cold the last week so I've stayed pretty close to home since all the people we work with are up in their 80's & 90's & I certainly don't want to give them this mess. I am feeling better tonight & went to the chapel to listen to conference today & how uplifting were all the messages.  Our dear Prophet Monson looked so very tired to me I can't even begin to understand the stress, worry & heavy load he carries on his shoulders. Being as though it's the Easter season & the time when we really can reflect upon our Savior's resurrection & what that really means to each one of us in our lives. I am so grateful to Him & his sacrifice  in my behalf & to know that we will all be resurrected some day brings peace to me & makes me want to live my life better. The atonement makes me so thankful that I can be forgiven for all my screw ups, shortcomings, weaknesses & it brings peace to my soul. I got to call & wish one of my dear friends a happy birthday today & that always brings a smile to my face. I love my classmates & the fun memories I have of each one of them during our school years. I'm tired & ready for bed so my thought will be "Draw strength from the past but don't get stuck there." --author unknown. My scripture is D&C: 135. I just finished reading the Doctrine & Covenants & loved every minute of reading, studying & pondering it. Thanks to the Prophet Joseph Smith for all he's done to restore the gospel back on the earth. Happy Easter & have a great night. Love Sister Putnam