As Shelby's 3rd birthday has rolled around of course it has made me think about her even more than I normally do. She has been one of the biggest blessings in my life! I can honestly say I would not be as strong a person if not for her and I would not have the knowledge of the Gospel that I have. I know with all my heart that the Church of Jesus Christ is the only true church on Earth. I know that Joseph Smith restored the Gospel and he died an innocent martyr. I know the Book of Mormon is a true book, that those people lived and that I can learn from their lives. I know there is a Prophet of God on Earth today and his name is President Monson. But most importantly I know the atonement is real, that Jesus Christ died for our sins and it is because of him that I will have my daughter again some day. My family is an eternal family, the blessings of the Temple can't be numbered. I can't look at Riley and not think of the fact that she just left her Heavenly Father to come here and that I'm responsible to teach her all of the things that I know... pressure! I love my family and am so grateful for them!
When Shelby passed I made a scrapbook of her life the next day so we could take it to the services and on the last page Travis and I wrote letters to her. I want to share the letters we wrote because I don't think I can put in better words how we feel about our oldest daughter...
Shelby,
Your mom and I love you very much. We were very blessed to have you and we know that we will hold you again one day. Through the Lord you will receive your body again, this time without the infirmities that troubled you in life. you are a choice daughter of God, who was meant to stay here but a short time. you will be remembered and cherished by all who met you. I want you to know that the Lord loves you and gave His life so you can live with Him in glory. I know we are sealed as a family and your mom and I will live in such a way as to be worthy of you.
Love Daddy
And I wrote...
Shelby,
I love you so much! And I miss you with all my heart but I know you are happy and safe where you are. I feel so so very blessed to be your mother and amazed that our Father in Heaven would entrust you to me. I have all my life to work to deserve you. You made me a better person and have built my testimony of the restoration so much. I can't wait to hold and kiss you again. We love you so much and thank you so much for coming here and enduring all that you did. I know it was more for me than for you, I needed you! Thank you so much!
Love Mommy
