President Monson was attending a viewing of a close friend and shared this story: “Suddenly the smallest child, Kelly, recognized me and took my hand in hers. “Come with me,” she said, and she led me to the casket in which rested the body of her beloved mother. “I’m not crying, Brother Monson, and neither must you. My mommy told me many times about death and life with Heavenly Father. I belong to my mommy and my daddy. We’ll all be together again.” Through tear-moistened eyes, I recognized a beautiful and faith-filled smile. For my young friend, whose tiny hand yet clasped mine, there would never be a hopeless dawn. Sustained by her unfailing testimony, knowing that life continues beyond the grave, she, her father, her brothers, her sisters, and indeed all who share this knowledge of divine truth can declare to the world: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
How grateful I am for my testimony that families will be together forever. This is one truth that I have never questioned, never doubted. I find such comfort in knowing that the day will come when I will be reunited with my dad again. I love him so much. I look at my life and think of all the things in the past 5 years that he has not been here to be a part of, but I know he’s very much aware of me and my life and has probably be there more than I know. Elder Paul H. Dunn said, “All of us have parents, friends, or other loved ones who have died. They too exercise faith in our behalf. Do parents stop caring because they die? Does caring stop at the grave? I want you to know that it does not. Life is eternal.” Elder Dunn continues by talking about our unborn children who also are cheering us on from the other side of the veil. I can’t help but think that my dad has already met and formed a great relationship with our baby girl that will be joining us in 5 short months. I wonder what they are doing today when family and friends on Earth morn his loss 5 years later….if only we could take a glimpse into Heaven. I think all sadness would depart!
14 comments:
Great post Aub! I love those quotes and the story! We all miss your Dad--I know my Craig has always and still does look up to your Dad. He was such a great example to so many people and I am really glad that I got to know him the little bit I did.
And PS-I hadn't heard you were having a GIRL! How exciting! I'm sure she and your Dad are great buddies up in heaven and if all the stories that Craig tells me are true about your Dad, he's probably teaching her all sorts of good things and maybe a few things that could drive you crazy one day! :) Take Care!
That was a touching post. I loved the quotes too, they definitely put things into perspective. Jared still talks about Craig all the time, I love hearing stories about him. I remember when Jared and I got married, our sealer told us there were people who had passed on in the room with us, and I knew your dad was one of them. He was such a good man.
Yay for girls! She is seriously going to be adorable. Hope you are feeling good!
Thanks for the good post, Aub. Now I won't need to write anything on my blog...
It's really hard to believe it's been five years. Wow. Some days it feels like Dad was just with us and other days it seems like it's been ages. I am grateful for all you've done to preserve his memory. I'm also grateful we have each other to share special times we had with Dad. But most of all, I am grateful for the Lord's plan. It's amazing. Love you!
Thanks for the post Aubrey! I didn't realize it had been that long. It seems like just yesterday we were all hanging out at your house, playing games while your dad told us some funny story from his wheelchair. He is a great guy and was blessed with such a great family!
And, congrats...I didn't even know you were having a baby! That is so fun!
Five years, already. I remember when I read my mom's email telling me that he had passed away. I was in a little internet cafe outside of Lisbon Portugal. I cried and cried.
We have this home video of us having a water fight in our old backyard. Uncle Craig was in the middle of it and dominated by chasing us kids and soaking us with water from the pool. That's the Craig I remember. I'm sure he's chasing around your little missy right now.
Thanks for coming by so often. It's so fun to visit and see you...and for giving me the scoops before everyone else finds out :) Love you aub. see you soon.
This brought tears to my eyes Aubry...thanks for the touching story...
Thanks Aubry!
So I'm sitting here crying like a baby...:0)!! Thanks for the beautiful post!!! I loved your Dad very much and miss him--I can't believe it's been 5 years. I feel so lucky that I could know him.
Aubry, What a wonderful post about your Dad. I also miss him. He was such a good man. I don't get on here very often but was thinkin of you all today. Your Dad was a friend to all and is loved by all who knew him. I know the things you said are true. How lucky we are to have that knowledge. I did not know you were expecting. YaY. Girls are so fun. We must have a shower soon. Lindsay is expecting again in Oct. We should know soon if it is another girl or a boy. Congrats again Love You!!
Beverly
Well, you made me cry- my hormones are going crazy! I can't believe it has been five years. I always loved and admired your dad and continually find myself telling Eric stories about him. He was one of the greatest men I have ever known and he will always be missed.
I am sure he is up there having a blast being a grandpa with your little girl.
Love you, friend. So does your Dad. And so does your Heavenly Father. Miss you so much!
Thanks Aubry... you made me cry... I miss him too. what a wonderful brother.... he is still one of my heroes!!
Great post Aub. I love the quotes and the story from Pres. Monson. I'm sure the last 5 years haven't been easy for you and I'm so sorry you had to lose your dad so early. Your dad is amazing! I remember thinking at his funeral what a great man he truly is and how much I want to be like him. I completely believe he is watching over you and your family.
And second, I didn't know you were pregnant?!! Congrats!!! That is so exciting. Little girls are so much fun :)
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