Charlotte...

Last Saturday, my darling, beloved niece Charlotte Larsen (my sister Molly's daughter) passed away after she fell ill at our family reunion in Utah. These last few weeks have been so emotional and hard and I cannot even begin to imagine what my sister and her family have been feeling. It was very unexpected and they are pretty certain she passed away from the effect of a viral infection combined with an underlying metabolic disease (probably a Mitochondrial disease) . It is a disease that is more common than Cystic Fibrosis yet very few people have heard of it.

I was able to say goodbye to her at the hospital which was very special to me. And I was able to be there this Tuesday at the beautiful memorial to her life. One of the things that was said was that Charlotte's purpose on this earth may have been to be an example so that the rest of us will strive to live our lives as pure as hers so that we can be with her again one day. I am thankful that I have a strong knowledge of what happens to us after we die and know that the knowledge of the resurrection and that we will be with our loved ones again can help us get through such sorrowful times as these. I cannot wait to see you and hug you and kiss you again Charlotte! You are loved by so many and have touched the lives of so many!