Life, just a moment in Eternity!

I have allowed myself to be overcome with busyness and my own journal and blogging and family history have been left in the dust. The past couple of weeks have held experiences which have allowed me time to reflect on those things of most importance. Randy and I have been blessed to make friends in many places. It has been my goal to maintain relationships with as many people as possible, because in one way or another they have formed who I am. Sometimes, unbeknownst to them. The past two weeks have brought unexpected deaths of two of those people. Both deaths were tragic and unexpected. Their families have meant so much to me and the grief I feel for their precious families is sometimes incapacitating. I can not imagine how they are dealing with the mortal "physical" reactions to these untimely deaths. However, there is something so spiritual about death. For those left behind it is a sad day. Even Jesus wept, when He knew He would ressurect Lazarus. Grief and mourning are a natural part of this sojourn called life...but as I think about the opportunities for those who have "graduated" on to the next moment in Eternity, I can't help but feel the presence of the Comforter and the beauty of the whole experience. My sister died in 1991 - it was very hard for me, but I feel her presence on a regular basis. Those who die have not left us, they have only moved on to the next moment - I believe they are still very much apart of our lives. In their influence, in their memory and in their example.
How grateful I am for a knowledge of my Savior and His ability to reunite us with our Father in Heaven. I am overwhelmed with the opportunity to go to the Lord's temple and feel the veil evaporate for a few moments.
I will cry with my friends, I will grieve, I may stop my own life for moment, but in the end I will rejoice with them as we learn and progress to the next level. To my dear Friends, Mary Lou and Sue and your children I say thank you for your influence, thank you for allowing me to be part of your life and if in any way I can help to bear your burden or mourn with you, thank you for the opportunity!