Gratitude in times of trial

I just need to express

how grateful I am for my friends and my family who have been there

by my side as I bawl my eyes out.

When I was struggling greatly yesterday, I saw the biggest blessing,

I saw my family come together and rally together in ways 

that unfortunately are usually only seen in times of trial.

But family is family,

they are always going to rally together.

I think...the thing that struck me the most,

was the amazingness of my friends.

I knew I was lucky when it came to my friends, but I didn't realize just HOW lucky I am.

Kaytlin texted me and asked me if there was anything I needed

I told her all I needed was "a punching bag and a bear hug".

She told me that I could use her, or better yet, she would drive me to Orem where 

I could use Chase as a punching bag and then get one of his bear hugs.

The next thing I knew, I was in Kaytlin's car on our way to Orem.

For a little while I was able to stop the tears from flowing and allow myself to smile.

I was able to talk about it, and let things out.

I didn't get my punching, but I got my bear hug.

Tonight as I was crying once again,

I got a phone call from Chase, asking if I needed anything.

I told him that I was fine, and didn't think I needed anything, not even a punching bag.

But as I sat on my front porch, bawling, and shaking I realized that there was something I needed.

You better believe I was back on that phone as quick as possible,

the conversation went like this...

"Are you still on your way up to Sandy?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Um...I thought of something that you can do for me, can you just stop by my house? I think one of your hugs will do the trick tonight."

Within 5 minutes he was pulling into my driveway and pulling me into a bear hug.

I cannot express enough in words how grateful I am for those two in my life.

They've allowed me to cry,

and helped me to laugh when all I want to do is cry.

They've reminded me that if nothing else, I have the Gospel to lean back on.

Simply put, they've opened their arms to give me the hugs that I've needed to reassure me that things will be okay.