We have been on a emotional roller-costar this last week, we cried tears of unbelief when the doctors tried to tell us how serious Joe’s condition was as he was first admitted, then we cheered with Joy when he made small improvements like opening his eyes and feeling a little pain. We cried tears of acceptance when we thought that Joe might remain with us in this life, but he would likely have diminished mental capacity. We now cry tears of deep longing, as we accept that Joe’s time with us in this life is close to an end.
As tragic as this may seem to some, please know that we are filled with peace and hope. Our faith and knowledge in the Atonement of the Savior and his plan of happiness is embedded in our hearts and lives. We will miss terribly Joseph’s daily presences in our lives but this pain is immediately tempered by an understanding that as a family we have made covenants with God that can bind us together as a family for eternity. My heart aches when I talk with some who love Joe and are experiencing the same sorrow as we are but do not yet fully understand how to access the comfort of the Atonement.
Thank you all so much for your tender expressions of love. It is tremendously comforting to know that there are many people who know and love Joe as we do, we are extremely grateful to have friends who are willing to mourn with us. Without fail everyone wants to know what they can do to help us. Please just give us a hug - we will probably leave a tear stain on your shoulder and you may do the same but know that is all we really need that this time.
Kent
Again, you share our thoughts so eloquently. We love you and look forward to the day that we may all be together again. We, as a family, long for that day. We know that Joe will be better off in the Lord's hands for right now and love him and will miss him deeply. We are grateful to know the Savior's love for his children. It has been an honor to be a good friend to Joe. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Love, The Brown's
ReplyDeleteWe love you Kent. Your former roommate is mourning with you. We wonder if it were us instead of you. If we were in your presence, there would be hugs and tear stains. We are praying blessings for your family.
ReplyDeleteOur love from Nauvoo!! We know Mom and Dad are on the other side of the veil arranging a welcome party for their first grandchild... Well, maybe not Dad...but you know Mom is!! Pres. Condie shared a thought the other day that I thought was very appropriate, considering your comments. He said, "Sometimes the Lord calms the seas and sometimes he calms the sailors." Hopefully our Farmington "Sailors" are feeling our Savior's calming peace and comfort right now. We love you deeply! Kisses all around! A bear hug from Nauvoo!!
ReplyDelete