I have posted a lot in the past about my sweet Andy, and his death and the influence it has had on my life, and the way I view things now, and how I wish everyday that I could just see him smile one more time. Death isn't that easy of a subject for me, but when is it for anyone? Death is something most fear, something most don't think about, don't like to talk about, don't believe in, or just shudder at the sound of the word. For me, I feel like it isn't something I'm educated on. The process, and life after.
I did some research on LDS.org to help me come up with this post... But before I start that, I would like to say what the point of this post is.. Last Thursday I received a phone call from my mother stating that she had some news. She had seen on Facebook what seemed like "goodbye" comments to an older woman in our homeward, who had lost her battle with breast cancer, and they've stopped all her treatment. My mother said she wasn't sure how much longer she had but that she just wanted to let me know. I broke down. This sweet lady was dear to me. She was my miamaid leader in young women's and she was one of my favorites. She was always so very sweet, and helpful, and caring, and very obedient. She was like a friend you could go to and just talk with. She was best friends with her next door neighbors, another family in our ward, and they'd been best friends for many years. I couldn't believe it. I was in complete and utter shock. Within weeks of being diagnosed for her third time, she wasn't going to make it.. Even my father grew to love this wonderful woman, who had formerly been the Primary President, in which my father served under. She had made an impact on so many lives, both young and older.
Friday came and went, and Saturday morning came and I received the news that she had peacefully passed away with her sweetheart beside her. I didn't have time to think. Or cry, or react. It all happened so quickly. This wonderful woman had lost her battle, the third time, within weeks of finding it again... I can't believe how fast someone's live can quickly be taken. I thought I understood with my sweet Andy, but not like this. Andy was young, but so was she. She was in her late fifties, and just such a sweet lady.
The ward hasn't been very up about it, in fact, I heard that our ward meetings on Sunday were just gloomy, and nobody could stop crying. Her funeral services are this weekend, and I'm lucky enough to be able to attend. This sister will always hold a special place in my heart. I miss her dearly already. The ward just seems empty without her influence, but because of the Plan of Salvation, we will all be with her again someday.. ♥
Eternal perspective provides peace “which passeth all understanding.” (Philip. 4:7.) In speaking at a funeral of a loved one, the Prophet Joseph Smith offered this admonition: “When we lose a near and dear friend, upon whom we have set our hearts, it should be a caution unto us. … Our affections should be placed upon God and His work, more intensely than upon our fellow beings.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 216.)
Our limited perspective would be enlarged if we could witness the reunion on the other side of the veil, when doors of death open to those returning home. Such was the vision of the psalmist who wrote, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Ps. 116:15.)
After judgment comes the possibility of eternal life—the kind of life that our Heavenly Father lives. His celestial realm has been compared with the glory of the sun. (See 1 Cor. 15:41; D&C 76:96.) It is available to all who prepare for it, the requirements of which have been clearly revealed: “Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” (2 Ne. 31:20; see also John 17:3.)
Meanwhile, we who tarry here have a few precious moments remaining “to prepare to meet God.” (Alma 34:32.) Unfinished business is our worst business. Perpetual procrastination must yield to perceptive preparation. Today we have a little more time to bless others—time to be kinder, more compassionate, quicker to thank and slower to scold, more generous in sharing, more gracious in caring.
Then when our turn comes to pass through the doors of death, we can say as did Paul: “The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:6–7.)
(Talk found here.)
My mom and I were talking today about it. I finally got to see her obituary and I was discussing it with my mother and she said, "Just think... she knows it all now. She knows everything. She's witnessing it right now. She's smiling, being happy, hugging everyone. She knows now what she didn't before." - I really like that my mother pointed that out. When I was in St. George over the weekend, we stopped at the St. George Temple and went to the visitor center they have there. We watched a short film called, "God's Plan for the Family." And it had a little segment in there of when the family first had their newborn baby, and the mother said, "Just think honey, one week ago, she was in Heaven." That has stuck in my mind ever since.
Heaven is real. It exists and I know that is where happiness lies. There is life after death and it's a good life, a peaceful life. Somewhere I know I want to be someday. I look forward to it, like I look forward to being sealed in the Temple. It's magnificent and I'm so blessed to have a loving Heavenly Father who has made a safe and loving place for my sweet Andy, this sister and many more to dwell while we all prepare for the second coming. This gospel is such a joy in my life, and knowing these things helps me grieve easier. With the Savior's hand, I can walk through anything.
"God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not meant to be, so he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come with me". With tearful eyes we watched you as we saw you pass away. Although we love you deeply, we could not make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us - He only takes the best."
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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