Madi's peaceful transition home

Our dear Madi passed away peacefully early this morning.  At the end, the pain and nausea and discomfort were so acute, we are sure she is relieved to be free from all of it.  We are feeling really grateful for every second that we had her with us, especially since we nearly lost her last April.  Max said she was lucky because she was the first one of us who would get to meet and play with Frederick.  We miss her so much already, and she's only been gone for twelve hours. It all feels a bit overwhelming and sad; but it also feels oddly tranquil and holy.  I guess since we can't have happiness every second, peace is a good place-holder until it returns. 

We knew a couple days ago when Madi's oxygen levels starting falling and her heart rate started speeding up that she was beginning her transition to the next life.  I have spent so much time wondering exactly what was awaiting her after she left us.  I've been taught my whole life that we all return home to the place we left before birth, but what exactly would that be like for her?  I ran across this quote by Brigham Young (a former prophet in our church) a few days ago, and I have found myself reading it several times a day since then.  I firmly believe that this is true, especially after having gone through this experience. 

"We have more friends behind the veil than on this side, and they will hail us more joyfully than you were ever welcomed by your parents and friends in this world; and you will rejoice more when you meet them than you ever rejoiced to see a friend in this life; and then we shall go on from step to step, from rejoicing to rejoicing, and from one intelligence and power to another, our happiness becoming more and more exquisite and sensible as we proceed in the words and power of life." (Crowley, Duane. Life Everlasting, 98). 

 We will hold a funeral for her in Salt Lake City, and then bury her next to her baby brother and grandfather. We will also hold a memorial service in Boston. We are still working out details for both services and will post more once we know more.  Thank you all for your continued prayers.  We feel them and need them more deeply than before.