Being Able to Laugh

Last night my sister and I were sitting getting ready to watch some Avonlea (LOVE this show, more on that later) and we started joking around about the year that was 2011. We both had quite a difficult year (more on that later too) and we started coming up with two word sentences to describe it. 
Here's what we came up with for my year:

You will notice that I was not just majorly tested, I was even more richly blessed.  All of the bad came from one experience, but it was the most signifigant experience of my life. The short version is: I was friends with a boy for several years, and we dated each other on and off in that time.  Then we ended up writing each other on his 2 year mission, and decided to be together when he got back. Well,  after months of dating when he returned home, it ended. I didn't see it coming. And I was devestated.

But you know what? When my sister and I were making up my list, we laughed and laughed till we cried.  To say that was a 'big deal' is in no way giving it the credit it needs.  I have wanted for months to be able to look back on that chapter of my life and to just...laugh.  To not just see it as such a horrible, painful experience.  And I am SO grateful I am able to be able to see the good that has come from this, which I didn't know was possible.

I am SO blessed.  My compassion and understanding has grown in leaps and bounds.  My testimony and understanding of the Atonement and it's importance is so much more profound and deep in my heart. I could not have grown in this way if it were not for this experience, and for my Savior helping me to get through it.

And now, I can look back and laugh.  And that blessing, is more than I could have ever asked for in 2011.