About eight months ago, I was asked to visit an older couple who live in our neighborhood. He is retired from the Boeing company. She has had average health over the past several years. Me and my good friend, Michael, were asked to visit this couple as part of a church assignment. It has been an enriching opportunity. We have been faithful in visiting them each month and sometimes several times.
On Friday afternoon, Penny passed away. I was notified of her passing later that afternoon. I spoke with her husband, Don. We chatted with each other. He cried on the phone to me. I listened intently as he spoke of his great love for his sweetheart.
My mind has thought about the short time I had to know Penny (short for Penelope). I found great joy in being around her. A couple of short weeks ago, Michael and I were called to their home to give them both a priesthood blessing. As we laid our hands upon her head, and I offered the blessing, I felt a great peace come over me as I assured her that her health would be strong enough until her time would come to leave this existence. I knew that a Heavenly Father was there and He was aware of all that she needed. I still feel that same way. I now know that His comforting presence will be with Don.
Even the thought of Becky being gone is about more than my heart can bear, I know with a surety that the kids and I would be watched over and our hearts would be comforted through such a tremendous loss.
We have all had a loss of a loved one at one time or another. We know of the sting that the loss of a loved one brings. We can be assured that God is with us. He will fill our hearts with peace. He will make His love perfectly manifested. He loves us more than we can possibly comprehend.
I spoke with Don last night and I assured him of these same truths. I told him that I loved him.
We have knowledge of the light we can have even during our darkest days. Don will feel and see of the light I am talking about. We can too. There is peace in knowing that one day, he will see her again. I am thankful for this knowledge.