Forever a Family

Over these last few weeks I've been able to witness for myself the Plan of Salvation, and how loving and brilliantly it was set up by our Heavenly Father. Last Friday, I was able to witness a beautiful marriage sealing for my cousin and his wife. That was the first time I had ever seen a sealing take place, and I felt blessed to be a part of such a beautiful occasion. I had been in the room before, after a few endowment sessions, but with the presence of loved ones it felt transformed, and translated to a much higher sphere, full of love and joy for the soon to be wed couple. The eternity mirrors were to be marveled as they bounced back and forth the light from the chandelier and the sunlight breaking through the crystal windows. I sat in awe as two families became one, as my cousin married the love of his life, not just for this mortal period, but for all time and eternity.

That day was filled with laughter, joy and reunion. I was hugged, squeezed, teased, you name it by family members that I hadn't seen in years. We all gathered together and rallied in celebration for the happy couple. There was not a single frown in the crowd, (minus a few screaming children, but what can you do?) I especially loved the tender moment I got to share with my Uncle Brent as he gave me his typical big bear hug, and quizzed me about my future mission plans. I remember him telling me to keep him informed on all my wonderful adventures. 

The day continued onward, in a typical Mormon fashion: luncheon, then later a reception. All of which was elegantly decorated, with excellent food, funny stories shared of the bride and groom, and families rejoicing in one another's company. 

On Tuesday, I was woken up by a call from my mother. She informed me that my Uncle Brent had passed away of a heart attack, the previous night. I demanded that she repeat the news several times, making sure I wasn't asleep. But each time she said it, with tears cloaking her voice, the answer remained the same. He was no longer with us. The rest of the day was spent in shock. I had just talked to him not four days prior? How could he be gone? He wasn't even sick, he was even healthier then me. No matter how I tried to add it up, the math never made sense. My heart broke for my Aunt, and my cousins. They had just celebrated his sons wedding on Friday. How could a family have a wedding one weekend, and then follow it by a funeral. It just didn't seem fair. 

The week was a blur, full of continuous silent prayers for my Aunt and her family. On Friday my family and I traveled up together to be there for the viewing. I was amazed to walk into the mortuary with smiles on my Aunt's face, as well as my cousins. My Aunt hugged my sister and I as she said, "He looks good doesn't he?" I stared at my once lively uncle, while tears pooled my eyes. I tried to remain composed, surprised to find them comforting me. 

I've been to four funerals in my life, all of which have taken place when I was very young. At those funerals I was unable to understand the sadness, and the sorrow that engulfed the loved ones around me. But, as an adult I understood the tragedy before me, and it broke my heart. I hugged my cousins, wanting to say "I'm sorry," but it felt trite. After we went through the line, my family and I sat on a couch and watched a video my cousins had made of my Uncle. We sat on that couch from 5:30 to 9. We watched that video play on repeat about 11 times. I enjoyed that time sitting on that couch, observing the people who trickled into say their condolences. I've never seen a steadier line of people, no joke that line didn't die until after 10.

On TV when they display funerals, everyone is dressed in black, there is only sobbing, and not a smile to be seen. But here, in this twisty long line of those waiting to say their goodbye's, I hardly say one black article of clothing. There were smiles all around, including my cousins and Aunt, and there was even laughter to be heard. I tried to fathom, how that could be possible for such a tragic occasions, and then it came to me. Because, everyone here knows this is not a goodbye, but only an "I'll see you soon." 

The memory of that beautiful Friday morning, just a week ago came back into my mind. Oh how grateful I am for the sealing power that has been restored here again! How blessed are we to know that a family is not just a mortal practice, but an eternal principle. I will one day hug my Uncle Brent, and here of all his crazy adventures, as he will hear of mine. I know that my Aunt will one day embrace her husband once more, just as we all will be reunited with our loved ones. How grateful I am for a loving Savior who was able to break the chains of death, so that we all can live again. 

I am grateful to be reminded of the rich blessings the gospel brings into our lives. I sit and think about my brothers and sisters in Spain without this knowledge and my heart breaks. I know now, more fervently then I have before, that I need to go out and share the restored message with them. That we all need to go out and declare the glad tidings of this gospel. I know that this church is true. I know that we can a Forever Family. I know my Uncle Brent is in a much better place, and that my Aunt, my cousins, and myself will be able to see my Uncle again. I say this humbly in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, amen.