Would I do it again?

During this hospital stay, I have had a lot of time to reflect and hopefully, gain a greater insight to what the future holds. I have at times been criticized for putting my health at risk to have my beautiful daughter. Anyone that has met my daughter soon stops the criticism. It is mostly those that do not share my beliefs. I know that she is the greatest blessing from God that I have received and although it was difficult to get her here, she literally saved my life. A couple years ago I read an article in the Ensign that I really connected with. It explains my feelings very well. It comes from the Feb. 2006 Ensign from President James E. Faust. It reads:

"A teacher, conducting a class, said it was unwise ever to attempt, even to permit them [the Martin handcart company] to come across the plains under such conditions.”
Then President McKay quoted an observer who was present in that class: “Some sharp criticism of the Church and its leaders was being indulged in for permitting any company of converts to venture across the plains with no more supplies or protection than a handcart caravan afforded.
“An old man in the corner … sat silent and listened as long as he could stand it, then he arose and said things that no person who heard him will ever forget. His face was white with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliberately, but with great earnestness and sincerity.
“In substance [he] said, ‘I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here, for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. Mistake to send the Handcart Company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie Unthank whom you have cited was there, too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? …
“ ‘I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it.’ ”
He continues: “ ‘I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.
“ ‘Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company.’ ” 1

This is how I feel to all those who question what I have done to bring my daughter here. I would do it all again if I knew that was the Lords will. I know that He lets us know what and when things need to happen and I only pray that I can be in tune enough to here the call. I would like to change this part of the quote "Was I sorry that I chose to have Cambree? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to "bring Cambree into the world."


I guess I have been thinking about this more and more because Cambree is nearing her 4th birthday. I look at her and wonder where has the time gone? She is such an amazingly beautiful, spirited little girl and I am so blessed to call her mine. She makes the sun shine.