The Hand of God

My grandparents holding Preslee a week old

These two special people are my Grandma and Grandpa Wightman. They grew up just down the road from each other, fell in love, and were married. What I find interesting is what they both have in common-they were the next child born after their parents lost a child.

As I've heard stories about my two Great Grandmothers I know they were incredible women. My Grandma's mother passed away before I was born, but I have a few memories of my Grandpa's mother, who we called Great Mom. My mom recently told me about a conversation she had with her Grandma before she died. She told my mom after living over 30 years without her husband, who passed away from a heart attack, and also losing a child, there was no trial more difficult than burying her 8 year old son. Though she loved her husband dearly, burying a child was something she often prayed for her posterity to never have to experience. Pat's grandparents also lost their oldest child, the house we now live in belonged to them. Everyone who knew Pat's Grandma Susie speaks so highly of her. These three women have stood where I stand today. To think they overcame many difficult trials and lived productive lives is truly inspiring. I wish so badly they were here to give me advice, to teach me what they learned from their experiences, and how they overcame their trials. I wish I knew the mistakes they made, and what they learned from them. Where they found strength to continue on with life. I asked my mom if either of her grandmothers had written in a journal? She told me not that she knew of.

On Sunday, I was reading a talk by Henry B. Eyring. He speaks about writing down an experience he had and then says, "I understood the message I had heard in my mind. I was supposed to record for my children to read, someday in the future, how I had seen the hand of God blessing our family." Click here to read the full talk.

I've asked family members, the Calls who found Preslee in the canal, an officer who was on the scene, and others to write down their experiences dealing with the accident. As I receive their letters one by one, I'm humbled to see the hand of God throughout the accident. I can see how He was there from the very beginning. I can see where He lifted us up at different times. We have been blessed with so many miracles and tender mercies.

I've began compiling these experiences along with blog posts, comments, facebook messages, and letters we've received explaining how Preslee has changed people's lives. It's a powerful book. It hurts to think any children we have in the future won't know Preslee here on earth. I hope this book will give them an idea of who she really is. A strong little girl who taught her parents more than anyone else could have. I hope the book will influence their lives for the better.

As I was writing in my journal last night, I couldn't help but wonder if somebody will read it in the future. Will I have a great-granddaughter who buries her child? Could my experience help someone else? My journal writing is brutally honest and anyone who reads it can instantly tell how difficult it has been. But, I also write the positive experiences, and what helps me get through each and everyday.

So the entry in my journal tonight will be, "How have I seen the hand of God in my life today?" As I looked back over my hectic day, I realized I'll be writing about talking with Jeff Call tonight. He explained how many people say to him they are sorry that he had to be the one to find Preslee. He looked me straight in the eyes and told me he feels it was a privilege. As he described many experiences he had, I was able to see the hand of God in his life. It was another testimony builder. He really is an amazing person, and I'm so grateful he was in tune with the spirit that day. Without Jeff, there would have been little chance of finding Preslee's body. The water was moving incredibly fast and before long it would have emptied into the Snake River... A true miracle Jeff found her when he did.