Memories of a lifetime

So today is Memorial Day.  For those outside the U.S., or who just don't know what Memorial Day is, it is a day to remember family and friends who have passed away.  It is also a day to remember and express gratitude for the brave men and women who have given their lives to defend and protect the freedoms that we enjoy in America. 

In the church, we believe that families can be together forever.  A husband and wife can be married and sealed in the temple.  What this means is that if a husband and wife are sealed in the temple, and keep the promises and covenants they make in the temple, they will still be married and will be with their family and children forever.  This blessing is part of the Plan of Salvation that a loving Heavenly Father has for us, his children.  My parents were married and sealed.  So my siblings and I are sealed to them and we will be a family forever in the next life.  When I was a child, I set the goal to be married and sealed in the temple to my husband so that I can be with my husband and children forever. 

So today, while surfing a social networking site, I saw many pictures and graphics celebrating memorial day.  But one picture in particular caught my attention.  A friend of mine is a wonderful lady who, through her business, makes a positive difference in the lives of thousands.  She lost her daughter to a rare disease when the daughter was still a baby.  She had posted a picture of her and her family gathered around her daughter's grave.  But instead of looking unhappy and mournful, they all had smiles on their faces.  Most importantly there was a sense of peace that seemed to emanate in their faces.  They are members of the church.  As I saw this picture, I imagined how much peace, happiness and comfort this lady and her family must feel with the knowledge that they will see their beloved girl again.  Their whole family looked happy and filled with joy and love.  True, they had lost their baby girl, but it was evident that the hope and knowledge they have was helping them face the grief with joy and strength. 

I have applied this same knowledge that this family possesses, to my own life.  Recently my Great Grandmother passed away.  I had grown up visiting her often.  While it was hard to see her leave this mortal experience, my family and I rejoiced.  We knew we would see her again.  We knew she was going to a better place away from the sickness and discomfort her aging body was experiencing.  The happiest thought was that she was being reunited with my Great Grandfather and their still-born son.

The doctrines that families can be together forever, we will see our loved ones again, and we can live our lives with this knowledge... this is one way the Gospel blesses my life.  As a missionary, I can't wait to teach these doctrines to those who have lost loved ones.  The sting of death can truly be swallowed up in the joy of the Gospel.