Tough weekend

I've been at my Father-in-laws home this weekend, watching his almost catatonic face as he suffers in his last days. The best motion of life was the softness in his eyes. You could see how the spirit was with him. Dad lives a very full life. He's not gone yet but soon will be. He was blessed with a large family so strong strapping sons. All of which were taught the concept of family importance and self reliance. They learned to respect others and maybe they got stepped on a bit, or lost a few battles here and there, but they all are full of life and a true love of God.

Gary's parents always taught them to trust in God and to pray. They shared a huge bond of love and understanding. I know for me it is humbling to see so many successful people in one family. I measure their success on the love of their children and how they are so cohesive. You can see in the children, the love of their parents. You also see the strength of their individual personalities. Bill and Dorothy Whitehead are a wonderful example of how to raise a loving family. They truly loved each other. They gave their children the opportunity to have their own free agency, in a time when it wasn't so much a tradition to do so. The boys all made very wise decisions. It's amazing how they ll seem to share the same traditions in their own families during the holidays and birthdays. Train a child in the way they should go and they will not stray far from it. It's a true concept in this family. They love God and show great respect to each other, their wives, children and other people who the deal with.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you would think I was describing another Mormon family. No, they are not LDS, but they show such a wonderful example of a good family life.  We as members of the church must remember that there is a lot of really good people in this world. They will be with God as are we. Their examples will shine as brightly as any that we can share. We know that Heavenly Father wants all his children to be with him. It is our responsibility to share how we feel. I was able to share a small portion of my testimony of the Book of Mormon this weekend. I know that it was inspired to talk about the comparison of the two sticks. The stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph. I know also that it was just a conversation and not a conversion. I know God loves us all... We need to remember more than how we live, but also how we share our lives with others...

I'm going to miss Dad when he goes to the great beyond, but I know of assurity he will be in a better place and no longer suffering. I know his family here on earth is prepared for his passing and they accept in their own way the will of the Lord. Their compassion and acceptance humbled me this weekend and helped me to remember the importance of our lives. It's important for me to remember who is in charge always. Our lives are intertwined with other lives not only to teach but to learn. I've been doing a lot of learning lately...