August 27: He Has His Father's Hands

Today's post is dedicated to atonement, which can be seen as the completion of the forgiveness circle. I wouldn't say that forgiveness is easy, but it is different from atonement. When you ask forgiveness you haven't undone what was done. Atonement is how you at least try to make up for or make reparations for the injury or offense. This can help complete the circle and ultimately have reconciliation. For me you can't have true forgiveness unless there has been atonement and reconciliation.

"Mistakes that we make are an opportunity to show others how to live with humility and how to humble ourselves to others we may have wronged even if unintentional." - Laurie Dieppa

"Guilt is to the spirit, what pain is to the body." - Elder David A Bednar

"Love is the most powerful force in the world." - Dallin H. Oaks

This cloud looks like a sea turtle, right?

This is Buccee, the beaver

A dove in the grass at Andrew's apartment complex.

We left Beaumont about an hour later than we planned. So we decided to forego the side trip to San Antonio - I'll be back to Texas to see my boy so I can go to San Antonio another time. We saw these tiny tiny black frogs in the parking lot before we left Beaumont. Today was mostly spent driving. We did get to stop at a Buccee's, which was a fun experience. Yvette got overwhelmed by the number of choices in soft drinks. We bought Buccee plaques. I got one for the trailer and Yvette got one for her new craft room space. We also bought t-shirts for the whole family for Halloween. Yvette bought red velvet and key lime fudge. When we were on our way back to the car, I spilled my entire drink all over the parking lot. They were nice enough to give me another one. I enjoyed this stop so much that I might have to visit another Buccee's before I leave Texas.

We arrived at the Hotel, AVID which I love. So many nice amenities. I unhitched the trailer and then we went to see Andrew. Lauren's family was there and Lauren was taking Franklin to go have dinner with them, so Yvette and I got to visit with Andrew alone for a bit. It was so nice to touch him. Andrew has Ben's hands. When I hold his hand and close my eyes, I can feel Ben and Andrew at the same time. It brings me some peace.