Salt and Pepper

Sparky Mama, Binky, and Sparky

We got three chicks yesterday. We are getting 8 more soon to make 11. If you were one of my siblings the day we got them, you would see how protective I am of them. I still am that way a day later because I don't like it when someone picks up a chick by their wing or drops one from too high up.

This is because I've had chicks before.

The first chick that died in one of our homes was named Salt and Pepper. He was a gray ball of fluff with little black and white specks covering his body. He never did anything wrong and was the smallest out of all the chicks we had. Guess how he died? Pasty butt.

Pasty butt is when the chick's rear is covered in waste, preventing it from going to the bathroom. The waste builds up until the chick passes away. To prevent this, someone must wipe the baby chicken's rump clean of the waste with a warm, wet, paper towel.

Salt and Pepper never did anything wrong. But his owners didn't know there was a problem so, sadly, he had to go. It brings me comfort to know that Salt and Pepper is smiling down from the clouds, watching to see how carefully I take care of his kind.

He wasn't just a piece of meat and neither are any chicks. They are all creations of God that He loves very much. Abigail is one of his loved creations as well. She never did anything wrong, but she had to return to her Heavenly Father, just like Salt and Pepper.

And I think they are great friends.

Dedicated to all of the chicks who have passed away in our home.

Abigail's First Easter

 Spring has sprung in Abigail's Garden.

Today as part of our Easter celebration, we listened to Andrea Bocelli and then to The Tabernacle Choir.

Then, per five-year-old Daniel's idea, we took plates of candy to neighbors.

Later we had home church. Bill spoke about the Savior's last week, ending with the resurrection on Easter Sunday. We took the sacrament in remembrance of Jesus' body and his blood, which was shed for us.

Then it was time for a walk, noticing the early signs of spring as we went. It was beautiful but cold.

Then we drove to the cemetery to visit Abigail's grave. We are still waiting on one more stone and a marble vase before it can be properly marked.

It was still cold, so we stayed close to keep warm.

 We sat around her grave and we told her what we would do with her after the resurrection when we see her again. Daddy almost made me cry when he said he would dance with her. 🌷❤️🦉

When we got home, Corbin promptly zonked out.

I'm grateful for family and for the promise of eternity and eternal connection. I thank my Savior for descending below all men so that He could succor me in all my suffering. I am truly comforted that He knows and has felt what I'm feeling now. And that His effectual aid extends beyond the grave to our ultimate resurrection.

Happy Easter, my friends!

Nature and Abigail

Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/chicks-easter-chick-easter-yellow-5014152/

Today my family and I went on a little walk around the block and were trying to notice nature all around us. What helped me focus on that was taking out my camera and recording animals, plants, and trees. I was grateful for the nature that God has given to everyone on earth and it made me wonder how heaven looks. 

Every living thing will be in heaven, including the plants and trees. Nature will be everywhere. The only difference between heaven and earth will be that heaven will look like Spring all of the time. The scriptures clearly tell us "...not a hair on your head will be lost" (Luke 21:18) and so will it be with the plants, trees, and animals. Not a leaf, branch, hair, feather, nor piece of fur be lost.

But how does this relate to Abigail?

Abigail's body was like all of ours. Imperfect. Jesus Christ's body was imperfect as well, but his spirit was completely perfect. So is Abigail's. I know Abigail is beautiful because all of the love she brought me.

We visited Abigail's grave after the walk and my mom told everyone to tell Abigail what we would give her when she is resurrected. Of course my mom stole the best one: "I will give you a hug and cry" so when it was my turn I responded, "What she said". 

I'm not just going to give her a hug, I'm going to give her a really big, brotherly, bear hug. When I cry, I'm going to cry a lot. And they won't be sad tears.

They will be joyful ones.