Sunday, March 30, 2008

"Each Life That Touches Ours for Good"

Laura Kirkland
March 16, 1983-March 24, 2008

"Each Life that touches ours for good Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above Thru words and deeds of those who love.
What greater gift dost thou bestow, What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways Strengthen our faith, enrich our days....."

This was the closing hymn at my cousin's funeral last Thursday. I've always like this hymn, but it really touched me as I sang the words that day. It was nice to be back home and visit with so many family and friends that came together for Laura and her family. As I hugged each one and talked with them, so many memories rushed back to my remembrance. Each one has touch my life for good and has brought me such joy and love. I'm so happy we were able to be together and help support Laura's family. I wish I could have stayed longer and spent more time with them.
It was such an uplifting funeral...my Aunt Gigi spoke tenderly about her and her life on behalf of the family, and Patriarch Boone (he gave me my patriarchal blessing) was the last speaker. He is such a great man and always gives a wonderful message. What impressed me the most during his remarks was that he reminded us of the choice we made in the pre-existence...we chose to come to Earth and we knew we would return...like a round-trip ticket. When we go on a trip, we are excited to go, but even more excited to know that we will return home and back to our loved ones. I think we forget that detail when all we remember is this life. We are experiencing the trip right now...we think we're happy, just wait till we get home. I will always remember Laura, and I can't wait to see her again.

"When such a friend from us departs, We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory, Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
For worthy friends whose lives proclaim Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love, We praise thy goodness, Lord, above."

8 comments:

TheDaleys said...

It was really good to see you in Georgia. We should get together soon. Your babies are beautiful. Seth is a total Ali lookin' boy.

gigi said...

That is a wonderful song. We had to sing it as the closing Hymn in Sacrament yesterday and for some odd reason, I lost it. I couldn't quit crying. Ella said that the other Ward sang it also as their closing hymn.
You would have been so proud of Pat. She stood and went to the stand gave her testimony. She was at such peace. It's the first time I've seen her peaceful. It made me feel so much better for her and all of us. So glad that all of yall are home safely and so thankful you were able to be together with the family. Love ya.

Jon and Kari-Lynn Tarleton said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin. She is so young, younger than us. Thank goodness for the gospel. Love ya

Amanda said...

That was a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your feelings. I know it was a lot of work for you to come and I am so glad that you did. It was so good to see your sweet face. I hope to see you again soon, under better circumstances. Love you.

Nikki said...

That was a beautiful tribute to your cousin. I am sorry for your loss.

Jordan Kay said...

Thank you for this!

Marissa said...

sorry about the passing of your cousin, so glad you could make it to the funeral and be w/your family at this time. I don't know how people survive losing a family member without the gospel. Sometimes the only way I can handle thinking about my dad being gone is picturing him w/the Savior and doing His work. I'm sure your cousin is w/her Brother.
love you

Susan said...

We all will come to the same end so I learned after my mom continued "on" not to say what everyone else says. Instead from me you get....How lucky you were to have had a cousin like that. I'm sorry she didn't come to town so I could meet her. But oh what memories you can share with your kids as well with the other bloggers. You were lucky. Not everyone is that fortunate or blessed!

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