Br. Llewelyn

This is a picture of Carter in 2007 on his baptism day.  Br. Llewellyn and his wife adore him!  When we lived in California, Carter was instrumental in reactivating Br. Llewellyn into our church.  Jared was his home teacher and Carter had gone with him a couple of times.  The primary presidency gave each child a Christmas DVD of Mr. Krueger's Christmas and asked them to think of someone that they would like to give it to.  Carter immediately thought of Br. Llewellyn.  When they dropped it off to him Carter said to Jared, "Do you think he will come to church now?"  Jared said, well, maybe, but it usually takes a lot more than that.  Well, thanks to a little boys faith and prayers the very next Sunday, in walked Br. Llewellyn.  Over the next few months before we moved, Carter developed a special relationship with this couple.  They enjoyed many visits together.  Br. Llewellyn gave Carter some model trains and two "Bolo" ties that he has continued to wear to church every other week (rotating with silk ties per my request).  Br. Llewellyn eventually was able to get the priesthood and bless the sacrament.  And then recently he went through the temple and enjoy those blessings in his life.   I have always been proud of Carter and his involvement in his activation.  And I have thought several times how special it is that Heavenly Father trusted Carter with the task of bringing one of his children back to the fold and to help Br. Llewellyn reconnect with his Savior.   
        Br. Llewellyn passed away yesterday after many months of suffering from health problems.  There were quite a few tears shed in our house last night.....especially because Carter is flying to Vacaville tomorrow night and barely missed saying one last goodbye.  In honor of Br. Llewellyn, Carter wore a bolo tie to school today.  Jared and I are so blessed to have such a special boy in our family.
      As I contimplated all of these things this morning....the thought kept coming to me that maybe life isn't as much about what we do as it is about what we become.  I know I've heard this before....but its making a lot of sense to me today.  We all are imperfect and make mistakes along the way.  Some bigger than others.  But at the end of our life....... Can we look back and be proud of who we are and who we have become?  Have we learned from our trials the things our Heavenly Father wants us to learn?  Have we chosen to fill our time with worthwhile pursuits?  Have we learned what we needed to learn from the examples around us? Has our ability to love, accept, and understand others increased?  Have we become sufficiently humble to have our hearts become  like our Saviors?  More willing to serve others,  more unselfish, and less quick to anger?  Thinking about my own life in this way has definitely made me want to re-evaluate a few things.... but isn't that the first step to change.... recognizing the need?  Through the example and love of our Savior we can all BECOME who we ultimately want to be.  Afterall, there is hope for us all.