Yes, I recently started reading the Book of Mormon again. I only got to the first sentence and I was pondering. I often find myself saying...I am the luckiest of mothers or the luckiest of daughters, sisters...on and on. Even though I've had so much time to prepare for the loss of my father, I've decided in someways one can never really prepare. It is like so many things in life. You take a big breath and walk through it.
Sitting at the Memorial last Saturday in the Princeton Ward Chapel, which was full of family and friends, I was overcome with memories, love, gratitude, and feeling the presence of my father. Everyone was so kind, so understanding of the feeling of loss yet relief he is no longer hurting. Ed Hunt spoke and I realized the friendship he and my father shared was a wonderful treasure. Another friend of 50 or so years shared his tender feelings. Uncle Ronnie (one of the many "adopted" relatives) made us laugh while our minds were full of memories we all shared.
I'm so grateful for my parents. My life could have gone so many different directions. The one thing I treasure most is feeling like I'm "on track". My parent's example helps me to seek that out. Living by the spirit. Enduring to the end. Seeking the light.
Oh, how I will miss my Knight in Shining Armor.