1.04.2009

The Plan isn't easy sometimes


Yesterday was a bittersweet day. We went to Tiff Norton's wedding at Mt. Timpanogos temple. It was beautiful and very obvious that Tiff and her new husband, David, were definitely meant for each other. It was a perfect wedding. I love going to temple weddings. They make me want to rededicate myself to my husband and my family. It was so wonderful to be reminded that the Lord has a perfect plan and we really can experience immeasureable joy when we make and keep our covenants.

However, when we got home from the luncheon my sister-in-law, Elli called me and let me know that our little nephew, Keegan Jay Watson, passed away around 1 pm. Keegan was born on Monday, Dec. 29th via C-section and was immediately sent to the the NICU at UVRMC in Provo. He was diagnosed with hydrops, which is basically fluid build-up in the sacs around his organs. Because he so much fluid, his organs weren't functioning properly. He was life flighted to Primary Children's Hospital that night and they've kept him heavily sedated and medicated since then. He was on a ventilator and they've been draining fluid from his severly swollen abdomen since he was flown in. Because they didn't know the cause of the hydrops, the doctors have been running tests on Keegan and his mom, Katy, all week. Saturday morning, Keegan's doctors found two newly-formed blood clots in his brain. They unhooked him from the ventilator and all his medications, gave him some morphine, and for the first and last time, Jason and Katy got to hold their son. He died in their arms. He was only five days old.

As we sat with our combined families at the Petersen home last night, I thought about what I'm supposed to learn from this experience. First, I was grateful for the plan of salvation that ensures that Keegan will get to grow up and have all the blessings of a full life. Second, I am grateful for my busy but healthy family. Third, I am grateful that the Atonement covers our sorrows and heartaches, as well as our sins. It helps me to know that no one has to suffer alone. As this new year begins, I've thought about what I need to do to have the Spirit more present in our home and in our lives. I've decided that I need to live my life with no regrets, especially when it comes to living the gospel and raising our family. I think my scripture motto for this year is appropriate. "...Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" Joshua 24:15.
(my SIL, Elli, took the above pictures. Thanks for sharing, Elli!)

8 comments:

Stacy said...

Oh, that is just heart wrenching. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
You can tell that Keegan IS an amazing spirit. How special that Heavenly Father chose your family to send him to, I'm sure you must have felt honored that he blessed your lives with his presence even if it was for such a short precious time.
Even though it may not make sense now, it will one day when you are ALL together again.
In times like this it's when we truly understand the gift the Savior gave to each and every one of us.

Courtney said...

We are so sorry for your family's loss. Thank you for your strength and testimony though. What a wonderful family you have!

Keegan said...

I'm so glad that we have eachother to get through these difficult times. The feelings we shared at the Petersen home the day keegan passed will always be in my heart.

Hugh Family said...

oops! The above coment was from me.

Being An Allred said...

I am so sorry fr you families lost. Your thoughts and prayers are with you all. If you need anything let me know.

This Just In... said...

Briawna, thank you for sharing this difficult news. I wish I would have known sooner (i haven't checked blogs since... well, probably right before new year's. The pictures are beautiful and his blog site is so sweet. I, too, am so grateful for Heavenly Father's plan. We will keep Jason and Katy and the family in our prayers. Thanks, again, Briawna.

denabobena said...

Hey Bri! it is me Dena and how funny when I read this blog it was talking about the atonement and how it is not just for atoning sins and how I have experienced this first hand this year! We are connected my sweet little Briawna. I sure wish we lived closer I have sure been missing all my old family friends lately. I know we always say this but I mean it, we all need to see eachother more often. Our kids should know eachother. Talk with ya soon.

Nate and Kelly said...

I wanted to catch up on your family so I stopped by your blog today and am so sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for your sweet words about the gospel and how Keegan has had such a positive effect on so many. My thoughts are with your family... hugs from me.