Abide in His love: Monica Cox

 

How do you Abide in His love?

MONICA COX, LAYTON 37TH WARD

If I had been shown a glimpse of the challenges I would face during my life on the day of my wedding, I likely would have said, “I am just Monica! There is no way I can endure all of that!” However, the Lord, in His wisdom, didn’t show me the whole picture at once. Instead, He has strengthened and guided me, trial by trial, line upon line, helping me grow in ways I never imagined—even though I’m usually kicking and screaming the whole way!

Some of the challenges I have faced include:

1. Fertility struggles (because why not start big?)

2. Financial hardships and periods of unemployment (a real test of creativity and budgeting skills!)

3. The loss of a stillborn baby boy, just three days before moving to Layton (an unimaginable heartbreak during a season of transition)

4. Supporting my children through 13 surgeries, including eight for one child (we like to keep the doctors and hospitals in business!)

5. Addressing physical conditions like Pectus Excavatum for my daughter and Pectus Carinatum for my son (a crash course in medical terminology!)

6. Supporting my niece, who had sudden heart failure at age 2 and spent six months in Primary Children’s Medical Center (meanwhile, I got to have my sister’s three kids for a few months!)

7. Navigating ADHD and autism diagnoses within my family (embracing the beauty of neurodiversity, one diagnosis after another, and finally accepting that this is our “normal.”)

8. Supporting family members with mental health challenges (because everyone deserves love and understanding, especially on tough days)

9. Managing learning disabilities and social struggles (a daily reminder that every child learns and grows at their own pace)

10. Overcoming legal issues (let’s just say life keeps things interesting)

11. Mourning the loss of close family members, (but finding peace in knowing they are happy in the next life.)

Through it all, I have seen the Lord’s hand providing the strength—and many Earthly angels—I needed to endure and grow. The lessons I’ve learned frequently find their way into my profession as a 6th-grade teacher, where I strive to support and uplift my students not only academically but also personally. These trials have deepened my capacity for empathy, sharpened my sense of humor (sarcasm), and equipped me with tools to better understand and connect with others.