Family.

"If heaven is nothing more than this, it's good enough for me." (Thanks, Elder Jensen, for eloquently expressing the thankful song of my heart).

Most of the family arrived Saturday night pulling in the driveway at the same time--amazing since some had driven from Albuquerque and others had flown from New York. Happy reunion and chance to meet a little, tired Benjamin. The poor little guy awoke to 5-6 faces ogling over him 6" from his face--what a good sport he is (even when terrified).

I tried my best to preserve and even hold back a little everyone's enthusiasm and joy until we could move from the driveway to LeeR's bedroom--he just loves being part of this kind of family rapture. So the celebration continued around his bed with lots of hugs, kisses, tears of joy, and love oozing from every cell of every body there. Magnificent.

LeeR soon tired and asked everyone to come back later to party. I helped him settle in while everyone retreated to the family room. When I joined them the scene was oh, so different. Everyone hugging, crying, supporting, holding, and sharing the grief and the reality of what is happening now to their beloved dad and to this family--the grim reality of life being forever changed. No one felt prepared for this moment, but how could we ever be? I'm so grateful we are able to hold each other up, literally as well as emotionally.

Sunday was magical. Family, faith, friends, food, and did I mention family? A wonderful day. We were tender and amazed once again by the outpouring of help and love. And the sweet closing prayer in sacrament meeting, "and, Heavenly Father, please bless our LeeR." Yes, Heavenly Father, please do.

Monday night we were able to have our special family night with a very basic reenacting of the plan of salvation. This was so important to both LeeR and me and we were so grateful it went so well and that our children were so supportive and understanding of our need to explain our belief that families really are forever and we will see Grandpa and each other again. Hearing the family all sing "I Am a Child of God," "Mother, Tell Me the Story," and "Families Can Be Together Forever" was a memory I won't forget. And, dressed in white, greeting each person "back home" one by one, Grandpa and I were overcome with love for these souls who bless our lives. Then LeeR sang what I call his theme song, "Oh, Savior, May My Life Reflect Thy Will." Oh. My. Goodness. It was incredible. ("Oh, Savior, may my life reflect thy will. May I overcome through faith in thee. May thy light be a constant guiding star to lead me, ever lead me, ever lead me to thee.") What a tender moment to witness the pleadings of one about to report home. Inspiring beyond words.

Today is picture day. Everyone is in good spirits and the clothing is laid out. No freak outs (or as we call them in Lambertese "FO's") evident. Manis and pedis are taking place. Clothing pressed. Hair curled (or not). Quiet morning. The carrot of Red Iguana is dangling in front of our faces for after a successful photo session. This will work.

Tomorrow is birthday party day and also an important meeting with our oncologist. We may have to draw straws to see which 4-5 of the 10 gets to go with us, since that's all the exam room will hold with LeeR and I and the doctor in there, too. We're thinking of a face time or conference call or something. Everyone wants to hear what the doc has to say.  Hopefully that will work to everyone's satisfaction.

 Thanks to the generosity of friends and family, the logistics of feeding and housing this brood has gone swimmingly. From salads, sandwiches, cold cuts, car washes, haircuts, beds, baskets, cookies, cakes, chips, and salads to love, hugs, thumbs-ups, smiles, and prayers, we have been buoyed up and, once again, wrapped in love. Thank you, thank you, thank you one and all.

People start leaving Thursday and by Saturday night everyone will be returned to their homes. Time passes so quickly. So does life.  Every minute is precious and we are savoring every single moment. Honestly, if heaven is nothing more than this, it really is good enough for me.