Monday, December 19, 2011

A New Tradition


Kim and Spencer have invited the extended family to join them in a new Christmas tradition in honor of their daughter, Lily:

Dear Family:


We have been trying to think of something we can do to keep Lily in our Christmas. Everywhere we've been, we've wanted to get her a gift, which seems pointless. So we finally decided what we wanted to do as a family last night.

We decided that we would give her a gift. After thinking about it we thought that the best gift we could give Lily is what she would want from us right now. So each of us thought about what we thought Lily would most want from us.

As an example, I determined that what Lily would want most from me is to go to the temple more often. That is where I will be doing the Lords work and can feel closest to her. Which is what I think she would want most from me. 

Each of us wrote Lily a letter with our gift on it and put it in her stocking. I told the kids that it was important that they followed through with this gift because she will know.

We decided to let Lily spread her wings and do the work she is meant to do for us all still on the earth. We decided to open it up to her extended family who she also loves and wants to be with forever.

If you would like to join us. You can do the same, by thinking of the gift you think Lily would want most from you. Write her a note and either come put it in her stocking, or mail it and I will put it in for you. I will be putting these in a book for each year, so if you don't want it read just seal it up and that is how it will go in the book.

Will you tell your kids and let them decide if they want to do it also.

Thank you, and we love you all,
The Mordue's

I am really excited to think of something special that I can do as my gift for Lily.  I know that a lot of people have already been touched and have had their lives changed in the name of doing something for Lily.  A friend of Kim's put up a pink Christmas Tree on Lily's grave.  Aunts and Uncles went in on a beautiful Christmas tree from Kneaders for Spencer's family.  They all met and set it up while Spencer and Kim and their boys were in Arizona for Thanksgiving.  Other friends helped decorate the house for Christmas, so that the family could come home to a house all ready for the Christmas season.  The manager from Kneaders was so moved by this outpouring of love for this family that she wanted to do something special also, and she joined in the decorating and donated a lot of beautiful Christmas decorations for the banisters and fireplace mantel.  I love that Lily will always be a part of our Christmas celebrations through our yearly gift that we give her.