Thanks Giving

Have you ever met someone who immediately reflects a certain light? The second you see them or speak to them you know they are just "good"? I have met many throughout my short life, but one person in particular is on my mind this week.

Rachelle Morris and I met during what BYU calls, "Y Weekend". It was a silly recruiting weekend where nerds, like ourselves, were invited to check out the college campus, attend a class, cheer at a football game, convince us to attend. (I'm not sure they really had to do much convincing, I think both Rachelle and I were planning on going there from the start.) Rachelle immediately made everyone around her feel like they were her best friend. She was eager to learn about each timid potential student and help them feel comfortable in their own skin. It is no wonder she quickly thrived in college and I always loved interacting with her any chance I had.

Fast forward to today. I don't know everything that is happening, but what I do know is that Rachelle is sitting in a hospital in Vegas. Unlike the rest of us, who are peeling potatoes for tomorrows dinner or cuddling up on a couch with our loved ones to watch our favorite holiday movie, Rachelle is sitting next to her brother who has undergone life saving surgery.

On Tuesday, a tragic car accident brought Rachelle to her current location. The accident took her younger sister's life. Her brother and his fiance were taken to the nearest hospital. The three of them were traveling to Arizona for the holidays. Rachelle immediately arrived in Vegas to be with her brother. Gratefully, her brother is expected to make a full recovery and his fiance sustained no serious physical injuries. This unexpected and horrifying event brought a small group of friends and family to Vegas to help these siblings through the experience.

What I also know is that to these siblings, Rachelle was like a mother. The older of the three, it was so apparent how proud she was of them. As I write this, I can't help but think back to a comment she made about an earlier MOTUS post. She posted,

"Totally love the #motus cause. One of these days I'll be able to join you. Keep it up!"

Rachelle, I am joining you my friend, you are a mother. You are an incredible example to me this holiday season as I think of you, the rock for your family, sitting next to your brother, holding his hand, as you both think how grateful you are to still have each other. And especially grateful for the beautiful years you shared with your lovely sister.

I received a short note from her in a group email last night that sent me to bed in tears. I am so thankful for my family, so thankful for my friends, so thankful for my faith that assures me life is eternal and families are forever.

Taylor and Madeline Morris

Please take a moment to be thankful for what you have and what you get to keep. And, if you are capable, please take a moment to give. I can't do much for Rachelle while I am a state away, but finances is the last thing we, as friends, want her to worry about on Thanksgiving day. Follow the link below if you would like to help.

Thanks giving for the Morris family.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who shared their voting stories. Follow up post coming soon.

It's up to you

It's election day. I don't know about you, but I barely slept last night. I was up every hour; Christmas came early for me this morning. The alarm clock went off at 2am and I bounded out of bed to get ready for election coverage. I count myself very fortunate this morning, covering the Presidential election from the nation's capitol for a well-respected national network. As I showered, brushed my teeth, threw on my red, white and blue (go America and color coordinating!), my only thought was, "You need to write about this monumental experience, Darien."

If you don't read any further, read this: PLEASE, VOTE! Today is one of the most important opportunities to unite with your country and share your voice. At a time when the country is divided, completely split on their opinion of who should be in the Oval Office for the next four years, the least we can do is unite as voters at the polls today, even if we may disagree on who we will be voting for.

I would love to share your voting stories here. Please tell us:

• Who you took to the polls with you: your daughter, your son, your husband, your grandma, your friend.
• Take a picture: your voting sticker, your 7 hour line, your red, white and blue.
• Tell me about the new friend you met in line today.
• For you undecided voters: share that moving moment that inspired your decision today.
• For you mothers: how did your family play in to the decision you made today to vote?

Leave a comment here, tag me in a post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or #motus.

Facebook: Darien Carroll Laird
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