And Here Comes the 18th

So it's April 18.

Now for some people that may not be a big deal. For some people it may be a birthday or wedding anniversary. What is it for me? Well it tells me that it has been seven months since Virginia died. 

Now I know that I'm not the only one who stops and thinks about her more than usual on the 18th of every month.  It always seems to be the hardest for me emotionally on the 18th and 19th.  One thing I've started doing ever since she died is this: instead of counting the exact number of days and saying, "It's been this many days since I saw her last" I say "I'm one day closer to seeing not only heaven and my Savior, but also Virginia. I'm one day closer."  And it may seem strange to you that I do that.  But it helps me remember that this isn't the end. Life continues on after death and it's far better than life now. Not only do we get to spend the rest of eternity with our Creator, but our bodies are perfected and there is no more pain, sorrow, and suffering.  So yeah, I tell myself I'm a day closer because it brings me joy and hope to know that there is something better waiting for me.

So even though I always get really sad on the 18th, it also reminds me that it can only get better from this point.

Everyday we are one day closer, and for all we know, everyday could be our last day. So let's make it count. Life is a vapor. Don't waste it.