It is difficult for those on the outside to see what our days are like. This picture really encompasses so many emotions. Having a chronic illness of a family member impacts the whole family. Too many events are cut short or canceled. Someone needs to stay home with the one who is ill. Let alone the person who is ill has to deal with a lot of emotions and not getting to join in when they want to. They often feel bad because of how it affects the family.
We decided to see the overlook in St. George. Hyrum was feeling fine and up to it. I was not and found a great rock to sit on and enjoy the view while the rest of the family went to the end. After a short time, everyone was headed back. Hyrum's body could not go on. His sibling Harlow helped him back. The compassion, understanding, and love of his siblings are truly beyond words. He ended up overheating and we used our water to cool him down. Someone hiked to the car and drove it around so it was closer to where we were. We then took turns carrying him back to the car.
Kindness, love, and understanding are expressed by his family in these moments. They wanted to go back to the hotel so he could rest but he insisted he would relax in the cool car while the rest of the family explored some more. At one point they came and got him and piggybacked him so that he could see the cool river and fish.
We do what we can until we can't. Then they help him do what he cannot. Now that is unconditional love. That is compassion. That's our family.
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