On Death and Dying.

Growing up I had to attend more funerals than most people go to in a lifetime.
In a 3-4 year period I attended the funerals of 2 great-grandpa's, 2 great grandma's, a 29 year old Aunt that was more of a mother figure to me, several great-aunt's and uncle's (the ones that always sent birthday cards and made sure they had candy whenever we visited), a 2 year old cousin, and a young women's leader.

Needless to say, I got used to losing loved ones.
I learned that losing someone you love, is never easy, whether you knew it was coming, like I did with my Aunt Kathy, or suddenly, like my 2 year old cousin. I struggled with losing my Aunt Kathy the most, even today, 11 years after her passing, I still wish she was here, and I still miss her. I still even cry when I talk about her.

Andrew just recently lost his Grandpa, and one of my good friends that I grew up with, lost her Mom suddenly the other night from a stroke. I hate watching those I love go through the grieving process. I know how bad it hurts, and my heart aches for them so so much. I guess you could say I'm one of those people that mourn with those that mourn.

A few years ago, I was told to read a book called The Message by an LDS man who actually passed away 3 different times while he was in a medically induced coma. His book is about his experience on the other side, what he saw, what he was told, and what he experienced. It's one of the only books the first presidency has approved deseret book to carry about the next life. While this man (Lance) was on the other side, his cousin who had passed away quite a few years earlier came to greet him at the veil. They were talking and Lance asked him why some people pass away so young. His cousin responded "Because they can better help their families from the other side prepare for that which is to come."

"Because they can better help their families from the other side prepare for that which is to come."

That one line, hit me harder than a boulder and brought me to tears. Families ARE Forever. Death may physically separate us from those we love, but they never leave us. Our loved ones are still with us, they help us, they guide us, they cheer us on. They are there. That knowledge doesn't make the way we lose them any easier, but it brings so much peace to me knowing without a doubt they will always be there for us. 

Death isn't an ending, it's simply a new life, a new journey.