I felt a bit isolated this week. It didn’t help that I was sick so I had to self-quarantine and previous to this week I had other sick kids, so I didn’t get out much, plus the fun weather we got that we enjoyed, but also kept us home. Tuesday (before I got sick), my friend hosted a gospel study discussion at her house. We had delicious crepes and a very uplifting conversation. I was super grateful to her for setting that up and it came on a day when I really needed it. Then the sister I minister to dropped off a plant with a very loving note. I texted her to tell her thank you and that I felt like she was ministering to me more than I was to her. I was very touched by her reaching out and again, it came on a day when I needed it most. It’s funny how Heavenly Father, during those really tough days, can send us a little glimmer of light to remind us that he is there, even if we have to go through the trenches. I don’t believe in coincidences. So when that note sat on my table waiting for me after I had a bit of a pity party in my car, I burst into tears, touched by the timing. She could’ve brought that by any time previous to that day and it would’ve been sweet and touching, but not as comforting as it was when I did receive it.

I’m beginning to feel better. I took Mav on his mommy/me date last night and we had a good time. He even opened doors for me, which he told me his dad taught him to do. Beverly had a great time at the daddy/daughter dance with Jay and Afton. Once again, we feel so blessed to have this bonus family right next door. Sometimes I wonder if Jay and I’d great great grandfather and wife are smiling, excited that their descendants have become friends. Jay and I are cousins on my Grandma Rasband’s Casper side. Bev and Afton take care delight in sharing with others that they are cousins.

Since I was sick, I had some fever dreams Tuesday night. They were terrifying. End of the world stuff, snakes, etc. But one dream really stood out to me, that seemed freaky at first, but was a weird reminder of all the angels looking out for us. I had a dream that I felt one of my ancestors near by. I asked them to give me a blessing because I wasn’t feeling well. I felt a pressure on my head like they’d laid their hands on my head, but then other grandfathers joined him and pretty soon I felt an intense weight. It didn’t hurt, but rather reminded me of how many of our ancestors are with us, and serving on the other side of the veil. I think they have a more eternal perspective than we do and probably spend a large majority of their ministering that’ll lead to our salvation, but I also feel their love and comfort in times where I feel overwhelmed or totally alone. I am so grateful to them and the legacy they’ve led. My sister Crista and I are going to work on some children’s books about our ancestor Phineas W Cook. I’m really excited to begin this endeavor.