A friend gone...

My sweet friends husband (who was another sweet friends brother, who was another sweet friends brother in law) passed away this weekend from what started out as bladder cancer. I guess we are just getting to the age when our friends and associates parents are getting sick and dying. But when it’s actually us, our friends and family that are getting diagnosed with disease and illness and even dying, it’s a definite eye opener that we are getting older, and that nobody is getting out of here alive. My heart is so sad for this family, his wife and his children.. And for his mother. A MOTHER SHOULDN’T HAVE TO BURRY A CHILD, EVEN IF HE IS 38! However, I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have, that there is a plan for us.. That our Heavenly Father loves us, and that Jesus Christ, our brother, died for us and was resurrected, so that we can all be together again. I am so thankful that we have the” fullness of Christ’s gospel.” That we know what we have to do to be together again.. It all seems so simple and easy especially at times like this.. I feel so sad for those that are missing out on the truth or have had their hearts deceived. I pray for them daily that the spirit will guide them and I am SOOO thankful for the missionary program and that the last two missionaries in Japan have been accounted for..
“When you look at the destruction in videos and photos, you know that the Lord had a hand in protecting our missionaries!”

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free.
Be free Jeff…. I know that you are back in arms of you Farther In Heaven in a much more beautiful, happy and peaceful place…. Until we meet again….