tribute to forever families
December 08, 2011When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
Such are the lyrics to the third verse of the LDS hymn, "Each Life that Touches ours for Good", which was the closing hymn at my Uncle Brent's funeral today.
In all honesty, it was a beautiful day. A lot of things were put into perspective for me. I felt a lot of things that I was needing to feel.
Isn't death interesting? Outside of our religion, many people view death as a complete sorrow; the last time you will see your loved one ever.
I personally am so grateful for the knowledge that I have that I will be with my family forever & see those who have passed before me on Earth, again.
Brent was an inspiration to me, even if I had a tendency to be silent about it. He always made an effort to ask me how I was doing and have a conversation with me, even when I was hesitant to approach him. I learned today about many of the opportunities he took to serve others and bring joy to those who maybe weren't having the best of days or time in their lives.
During the funeral, my sister Kelsie & I were asked to sing "How Great Thou Art". For starters, singing at a funeral proved to be one of the most difficult tasks of my life, especially for someone I love & care about. Amidst our sobs I was able to feel comfort in the lyrics:
"When Christ shall come, With shouts of acclamation, And take me home, What joy shall fill my heart!"
I know Brent is feeling joy right now. I know it. Here on Earth I wondered if he had a tendency to feel lonely, or strive to be better in areas that were unattainable here. He doesn't have to feel his sorrow anymore. & for that, I am happy.
Dying young, at 59 years of age, without any known explanation, is hard. But I know that
"Families can be together forever, through Heavenly Father's plan.."
That was another song that was included in the funeral service. All of the nieces & nephews sang it.
& While sitting there, with my sister's arm around my back, trying my hardest to sing through many tears, I looked around & saw the other members of my family around me, overwhelmed with the spirit and the reassurance that God's plan is real. Seeing my nephews singing that song made me even more emotional knowing that my little guys would be there in the next life for me to enjoy their presence as well.
I love my family, so very much. I am so happy that I can say that I will be with them forever, & nothing is going to ever stop me from receiving such a blessing. I can't wait until the day that I get to be sealed forever to my future husband, and start an eternal family myself. There is nothing more beautiful to me than the concept of forever families. I. Love. It.
From now on, I'm not looking at death as such a negative thing, but as a way to bring me closer to God if I keep those in my heart who have passed. It's still hard, but with the knowledge I have, I know God is allowing hard things now so that better things can come {or that we can better appreciate them here on earth}.
0 ounces of lovin'