As we move into this time of year to celebrate the birth of
our Savior, my heart is full and heavy.
There are so many things that are different this year, but one thing
that never changes is the reason we celebrate this time of the year; to
celebrate the life of our older brother and Savior Jesus Christ. As we celebrate His life this year, we are
also celebrating the life of our husband, dad, and grandpa, Thad, who is
celebrating Christmas in Heaven this year.
I can picture him with my dad and his mom singing in praise and
celebration of Christ not only this time of the year but every day! I can picture them being able to talk to Him
and hear His council and teachings. I
often think of what “normal” day would be in Heaven. I can imagine a lot of work being done there
and lots of love and prayers being answered daily on our behalf. As I read
through our Christmas newsletter last year, I remember being so grateful that
Thad’s life had been spared with his accident last November. At that time I didn’t realize just how much
of a gift that event would be to us. We
were given 6 months of TIME with him that we are all so grateful for! In those 6 months, we enjoyed movies,
snowmobile trips, Christmas, birthday, anniversary, and nights of long
conversation, spiritual experiences, weekend getaways, snuggling, kisses and
most of all the quality time we were granted with him before he was called
“home”. Thad and I often talked about
how bad it sucked he had to be in pain a lot of the time, and the
discouragement of wondering just when he would feel “normal” again. But in the same conversation we talked about
how wonderful it was to have him home and talked about how wonderful of a year
it would be that he would be here for events that he often missed because of
his line of work. He loved spending time
with the kids and grandkids. We all
loved having him here to spend time with too…even if it was to snuggle up on
the couch nightly to watch an episode or 2 of “Smallville”. When a car accident took his life in May, I
felt like mine had been taken as well.
The first 2 weeks are a blur to me, but as most of you have read in my
posts on Facebook, I have had so many tender mercies through this journey in my
life. Even though Thad is no longer on
the Earth, I know he continues to be with us on so many occasions and his
memory will carry me through this life.
I’m so grateful for the knowledge that Families are forever! He taught me so much that I really didn’t
even realize until I have had time to sit and realize just what an iatrical
part he played in our lives! He is the
hardest working man I know. I’m grateful
for his hard work to support and provide for our family. I’m grateful for the daily acts of service
that he gave to so many people. He was
and is a huge example in our lives!
Although this is NOT the outcome I would have ever planned, hoped or wished
for, I’m grateful for the many tender mercies or our Heavenly Father and for
the knowledge of the plan of Salvation.
Because of Christ’s gift, Thad will live again! This is just a temporary separation. The following quote is one of my
favorites. “In God’s plan there are no
true endings, only everlasting beginnings.”
This life on earth is just a split second compared to what our eternal lives
will be! Here is to eternity Thad! We love you!!!!!
Despite the tragedy we have experienced this year, we also
celebrate so much good and happiness. I
will try to update you on our wonderful posterity!!!
Tyler and Jen found out they are expecting their 2nd
child next April! Their cute little guy
Ethan who is 2 is excited to welcome a baby sister! We are all thrilled to welcome this little
spirit to our family and just love her so much already! I can imagine Thad loving her and telling her
all about us before she gets to make her earthly journey. I am proud to announce that Tyler was
accepted into nursing school! His hard
work and perseverance has paid off! He
is working full time while attending school full time. They are great parents, and Ethan is an
absolute doll!!!!
Michael and Bunny welcomed their 3rd child into
their cute little family in April!
Emmett Thadeus…named after his grandpa Thad. I’m so glad Thad was able to enjoy him for a
month…He was such a proud papa! Eli (4)
started preschool this year and can say the pledge of Allegiance J Lily (2) gives her mommy a workout getting
into mischief daily….but she has a smile that can melt anyone’s heart! Their cute family moved in with us while
their house is being built. It has been
so much fun having them here and having adult conversation and grandma time
more often!
Valerie is still pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Utah
Valley University. She also continues to
do beautiful photography work. Her big
news this year is that she got a scholarship!
She is working as the photographer for the school’s newspaper. I’m so proud of her! She and I also got to take a long awaited
trip to New York City with my aunt Joan and Cousin Carla. It was an amazing trip, and I had so much fun
seeing that amazing city with her! My
aunt and cousin are awesome tour guides!!
Catherine is dating someone I think she will end up with…at
least that is what I observed in the short time I got to see her this
year. I will keep you posted on
that! I feel bad we don’t get to see her
as much as we would like, but am grateful for her and pray for her daily.
Holland (10) decided Gymnastics wasn’t for her so joined
dance again, but I think she has found her favorite passion and that is
basketball! She just joined and has had
so much fun! She also showed a natural
talent in Softball when Thad bought her a bat and ball and would pitch to her
in the back yard. I think she will try
that next spring as well. She takes
after her daddy when it comes to being athletic J
Jackson (7) graduated from Kindergarten this year! I can’t believe our youngest is in first
grade! He has also started basketball
recently. I’m really loving watching
the kids play sports again! I have
missed that so much!! He loves video games…too
much! J He is such a tender hearted child. We have had some really neat experiences with
him feeling his dad’s presence. It
really is testament that the veil is very thin.
We adopted a beautiful Golden Retriever Sophie in July. She is the sweetest dog ever and fit right
into our family. I’m amazed at how
therapeutic dogs are!
My brother David was in a terrible accident in March. He fell off a 40 foot overpass while
jogging. His story is miraculous. He was in the hospital until Memorial Day
weekend. I’m happy to say that he is
doing wonderfully and is back to work and continues to gain more and more
strength every day. I am grateful that
his life was spared and for his example of faith and positivity through pain
and suffering.
Yes, 2014 was a year of trial, heartache, and pain, but it
was also a year of new life, miracles, tender mercies, and hope. I have learned that through our trials and
pain come faith and an understanding of just how strong our spirits are. I have observed so much good come from so
many people…some I have known my whole life, some I haven’t ever even met. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your
love and support! We all have one thing
in common…We are all spirit brothers and sisters who come from a Heavenly Father
who loves us and knows each one of us by name.
He wants us all to return to Him.
I love Him and am grateful for Him carrying me when I didn’t think I
could go on. Even though I felt like my
life was over when Thad’s earthly life ended, I realize that I need to continue
to live and pray that I can do what I was sent here to do.
You are all an amazing part of our lives. We are grateful for the outpouring of love
and support from each one of you! Have a
blessed Christmas and a wonderful 2015!
Love, The Thad Cheatham family J
