I am not sure how I got so amazingly lucky in my sister-in-law Susan, but wow, my little brother, Matthew, sure won the jackpot when he convinced her to marry him 22 years ago. And over the past few days, we were so incredibly blessed to have her come to visit and serve our family.

Susan flew in on Sunday night, and from the moment she arrived, I was so happy to have her here. She is so much fun and so amazing, and we had the best time together. And of course, she fabulously went on my morning walks with me while she was here.

Not only did she help me with so many things around the house (including making a bunch of freezer meals), but we had the best time going on morning walks, watching musicals and 90’s Romcoms, talking, laughing, and all the things. Seriously, these moments make all the hard worth it . And since I was feeling a little bit better, we were even able to do things like go shopping, including to Trader Joes, where I bought the most beautiful flowers to make an arrangement.

The whole family was so sad to have her leave on Wednesday night, but I guess my brother and her kids need their mom too, so we couldn’t keep her with us.

We definitely took advantage of the amazing time we did have together though. What an amazing gift to have her with us!!

Another fun adventure that happened recently, was how Kevin got free tickets to take the kids to the Broadway tour of the musical “Kimberly Akimbo” while I was off playing in Pennsylvania. They had no idea what it was even about going into it, but they had a great time.

Another random thing, was how Lily and I found a praying mantis on the sidewalk during our walk. I wanted to take it home to my garden, so we set it to the side to protect it from getting stepped on, and then when it was time to leave, we got it on a leaf and brought it with us back home. Good times! Especially when it wandered off the leaf on the back seat, and we were a touch worried it would get lost in the van 😂.

One really sad thing that happened this week, was the death of our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. At 101, he had definitely given so much of himself and deserved the release from this mortal life, but oh, how we will miss him. He was such an amazing man, and truly an inspired prophet of God. One of my friends sent this picture to me after we learned of his passing, and it seemed perfect. That Jesus Christ was there to meet him and give him peace and comfort as he arrived on the other side.

And speaking of peace, I am so grateful for the peace and joy that can be found in the midst of trials and hardships. There is so much sadness in the world, and so many loved ones are fighting their own hard battles, but there is peace and hope in Jesus Christ.