A loss

Today I recieved the news that our dear friend, Amanda Gunter, passed away this morning after a car accident. I'm still sort of in shock and disbelief, and can't stop shaking, but I want to put my emotions into words in order to help pull myself together a little.

We met the Gunters here at BYUH. Levin was in my classes (a fellow psychology major), and they lived above us in L building. We were pregnant and due at the same time, Amanda gave birth to Ansley 2 days before Malachi was born, so we were hospital buddies too. After Levin graduated they moved back to North Carolina where they've been for the last year.

Amanda was the most amazing woman, she somehow was able to put in 110% of herself into everything she did - as a wife, a mother, a friend, a neighbor, a member of the church, everything. She was superwoman. She had such a great spirit about her, so willing to share with others. We spent many nights together while she taught me to make a blog, sew a nursing cover, make halloween decorations. She was so talented, I have always been envious of her creativity, and her shear love for life.

Amanda leaves behind her husband and little girl, but took with her their unborn child. I guess, as least she didn't go alone. My heart breaks for Levin and my mind can't even begin to comprehend how he will move on from this. I shed tears for sweet little Ansley, who will grow up without her amazing mother in her life. If there was ever a time I would ask God, "Why?", it would be now. She was just beginning her life, and it ended so quickly. But thinking about the person Amanda is, I know she's on the other side and already started to be an amazing missionary and helper for our Father in Heaven. She's probably looking down right now, with that beaming smile on her face saying "Guys, don't be sad, it's all part of the plan!"

Things like this make you stop in your tracks and quickly re-evaluate your priorities in life. That could have been me. It could have been Tui and Malachi left behind. It really affirms to me how short this life is, how we have no control over when it ends. All we can control is what we do with the time we have. Amanda will be able to stand tall, her head held high, and say, "Father, I have done my best". Because she had.

Amanda, you will be missed. You have touched and inspired me and I am so grateful for the life you lived. We pray for your family, especially for Levin and Ansley, that they will be encircled by the arms of angels and carried through this hard time.

I am grateful for my testimony of the gospel. I'm grateful for Amanda's testimony, that she shared so willingly, through words and actions. I know our Heavenly Father loves us and he has a plan for us. I know our lives are this short spec of time that we must never ever waste or take for granted. Every single day is a blessing. I pray that I can be a little more like Amanda, full of love, and joy, and firm in my testiomy of the gospel.

Until we meet again my friend....

oxo