Memory Monday - Heaven is Cheering You On!

An early bonding moment at Zion National Park!

Memory Monday

I miss my sweet Joshua boy and my wonderful Dad every day.  In thinking about a recent talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, I love to think of these two buddies, Joshua and my Dad together again in heaven, cheering us on every day!  

Keep trying. Keep trusting. 

Keep believing. Keep growing. 

Heaven is cheering you on today, 

tomorrow, and forever.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/tomorrow-the-lord-will-do-wonders-among-you?lang=eng

Joshua loved his Papa!

Papa loved his Joshua!

River buddies at Zion National Park!

Wheelchair buddies!

Pure love and joy!

Piggy Back Rides - Even as an Adult!

Piggy Back Rides

Even as an Adult!

Uncle Doug or Shrub!

Many sweet and fun memories throughout Joshua's life was when he would ride on my back, relatives' backs, friends' backs and dare I say, probably a few strangers' backs.  He had no clue that he was 6' 1" with very long, lanky legs!!  And if he wanted a ride, well then he definitely would find the closest willing person.

On a more serious note, I did have to carry him on my back for a variety of other reasons.  If he was just too tired, he would flop down on the ground, and hew as just done walking.  Period!  

If he had a difficult seizure, he needed time to recover, so many times I was able to hoist him on my back to get him from the seizure location to a safer place.

And of course, if he had a difficult tantrum, or other behavior, sometimes that was the only way to divert his attention, or get him somewhere safer.  If you have ever seen one of these, you might remember some pretty serious hits from Joshua, but those did not bother me.  I knew it was his frustration at life, and not at me.  I called them "love taps."

One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is Mosiah 24:14-15.  When the Nephites were feel burdened, they were told, “Lift up your heads and be of good comfort for I know of the covenant which you have made unto me, and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.  And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders that even you cannot  feel them upon your backs.”  That’s why I could hold him on my back.  He was not heavy.  He was not a burden.  And I loved doing it.
http://joshuasheartfullofhugs.blogspot.com/2013/01/funeral-talk-excerpts-by-joshuas-mom.html

I loved carrying Joshua on my back!

Uncle Mark - a front piggy back - A Classic  Moment!

This is how to get Joshua to get him to take his t-ball picture!

Even on Doug's wedding day!

And cute Aunt Debbie was about one foot shorter than Joshua!

My wonderful family was always there to give a back to Joshua.  This was an incredible, sweet blessing to me, and to Joshua.  Here are some of my favorite piggyback photos.