We as a family were gathered together; I saw cousins who I haven't seen in a couple of years. My aunts and uncles, second cousins, my dad, as well as my grandparents were also in attendance. We cried together. We celebrated his life together. We were there for each other. It was a much needed thing to have so many family members present, as we rendered to each other mutual support during these tough times. It was heart-warming to have all that.
The day of the funeral, the weather was absolutely gorgeous; we couldn't have asked for better weather. The things said about my uncle were just beautiful and spot-on. It was hard to accept the facts of reality. It was hard to say good-bye. It was hard to observe others as they wept. Sadness has been in the air but it would eventually be overcome with hope and a better resolve. It was a time to appreciate the blessings each and every one of us had. The memories we have gained are now a treasure...
Being in this gathering also caused many of us to realize how much we really should appreciate the things we take for granted. Life and death is a natural part of our existence. But still, I found it hard to believe that my uncle was gone. Now, we as a family are all touched by the memories we shared with him. There is a hymn I love and I thought about it as I reflected on how my uncle touched our lives:
Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.
What greater gift thou dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.
(Hymn #293 'Each Life That Touches Ours for Good')
(Hymn #293 'Each Life That Touches Ours for Good')
I am sad that he is gone now but I know I will see him again someday. Our savior Jesus Christ through His Atonement made it possible for us to return to Him and to reunite with our families. There's another hymn I just love to sing and play on the piano and the promise made in the first verse is comfort enough. I think the lyrics to this hymn is self-explanatory:
I have a family here on earth.
They are so good to me.
I want to share my life with them through all eternity.
Families can be together forever
Through Heavenly Father's plan.
I always want to be with my own family,
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord has shown me how I can.
(Hymn #300 'Families Can Be Together Forever')
For those of you who are close to your family and relatives, be sure to spend quality time with them. Tell them you love them, no matter how cheesy it may sound. Be grateful for their influence they had on your life. And never, ever forget about the things that they have done for you. Because, one day all of this will become nothing but a cherished memory when they are gone. Don't give yourself any regrets regarding your family.
I want all of you who read this to know that I know God loves each and every one of us and He knows what we are going through. He has set in motion for us a plan of salvation, in which we can return to Him and be with our families again when our mortal journey is complete. He has sent His beloved son Jesus Christ to blaze the trail for us. Without a doubt, I have a testimony that families can be together forever. This knowledge has lessened the sting of death just enough for us to press forward, with faith and hope shining brightly in hearts and minds. The gospel is still true! My testimony of these words and thoughts to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
