Hope Floats

I'm not generally one to join in random activities to support causes, but I couldn't resist joining in the balloon launch in support of the Nielson family today. Of course, I have to work tonight and Richard took the kids to the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone with his parents, so we let our balloons go early (at 2pm instead of 6pm). Inside each balloon is a dedication to the Kinneards, Nielsons even tho' we spelled their name wrong), and Clarks with Job 19:25-26 written beneath, and wishes for "Love, Hope, and Healing." Addie, Me and Heidi with our balloons.

"Ready, Set...
...there they go!"

As we let them go, Addie watched hers for a long time, and then said, "Maybe mine will fly to Nana's house, because we want her to get better, too!" I smiled and my heart swelled up a little thinking about (a) what a sweet and thoughtful girl Addie is, and (b) how every family has a heartache, and NONE of us are exempt from the need for The Comforter and The Great Healer. One wonderful thing I am learning through the blogosphere is how far-reaching, how necessary, how touching, how infinite the atonement of Christ really is. Just think how crushing some of these burdens would be without Him, and then think about that night in Gethsemane...all of the heartache, all of the pain of all the world AT THE SAME TIME.

And then give thanks.

I know He lives and loves us. I know the Nielsons and their loved ones will be "encircled about in the arms of His love" through their trials.

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Here is a little slideshow about the Nielsons if you're curious. And if you live in Mesa or Provo, you might still have time to join the launches at Kiwanis Park or at the Arizona Temple.

UPDATE: A video of the Provo Launch