A Sad Time

We have had a sad but uplifting week in our community.  It seems strange that these two words could both be used to describe the same experiences but they truly fit.  Last Sunday, a good friend of our family- especially of Luke, passed away.  Our friend, Tanner, shot himself in a moment of distress and weakness.  We first learned of the tragedy through Facebook and later confirmed the truthfulness of what had happened.  We were devastated for the loss of our friend, for the heartache his family was feeling, and for the sorrow his sister (someone all my kids love) who was serving in the mission field was experiencing. 

We have all struggled to try to understand how this could have happened and have worked through it many different ways.   However, after attending the viewing and the funeral, we all came away with a greater peace.  The Spirit that has carried his family was felt by all of us as we cried with them, shared with them, and listened to their amazing testimonies at the funeral.  His funeral was held at the stake center and was completely full with standing room only at the back and onto the stage.  I'm sure everyone felt what we did, that Jesus Christ lives, that He loves us, that His atonement is real.  We all make mistakes, some worse than others, but we are all God's children and He loves us.  

Unfortunately, this event led to other suicides and attempted suicides in the community.  It has been distressing but also an oppurtunity for discussion with our children.  We have been able to share some important Gospel principles that I think we took for granted that they understood.  We have been able to express love and concern for them that we also may have taken for granted they felt.  Family is so important.  We are so grateful for each one of our children and the blessings they bring to our lives.  This will be a week our family won't forget and hopefully the lessons learned will stay with us as long.