Mourn With Those That Mourn

I don't quite know how to start this post, but I feel that it is something I need to write. There is no feeling more difficult or frustrating than feeling helpless. I am not talking about the helplessness that comes from being helpless yourself although that too is difficult and frustrating. I'm speaking of the helplessness you feel when you want to help someone else and realize there is nothing you can do. Monday I learned of my friends loss. Her sister had been in a car accident and was killed on Sunday. I was shocked, to say the least, to hear of the passing of this young woman. Tears streamed down my face and I found myself morning my friends loss. My heart ached to do something for her. I was concerned, worried, and I felt the need to do something to make things a little bit better.

I kept texting my friend trying to figure out when I could get a loaf of bread to her in order to share with her my love and concern. Finally she sent me a message asking me if she could text me back later because the family was just sitting down to eat. It finally dawned on me that she didn't need me. She was being comforted by her family and the Holy Ghost and that was where she was supposed to be. Once I realized that I was able to settle down and have faith that the Lord was taking care of his children.

This realization also came to me as I thought of the passing of my grandmother. I recall gathering at her home with all the Aunt's, Uncle's and cousins as well as my immediate family. We laughed, we cried, we were angry, and we were relieved to know that her passing was quick and she had no lingering illness. We shared stories of her life and the circumstances of her death. It was the time with family that allowed us to be comforted in the mourning of her death. I know that is what has given my friend's family strength as well.

As we went through the line at the viewing tonight we waited two hours to see the family. I realized that the Lord has surrounded this family with love. There were so many people who wanted to show their love and support and pay their final respects. As I finally was able to visit with the family I saw that they truly had been blessed and comforted. The Lord does take care of his own children in their time of need. I am thankful to know that and also to have the knowledge of the plan of salvation. I know that I will see my loved ones again and I know that my friends family will see their loved one again. I know that the Lord has provided a plan where families can be together forever. It is a glorious plan and it fulfills every desire of my heart. Finally I would like to close with the words of Elder Russell M. Nelson.

"Mourning is one of the purest expressions of deep love. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life."