For some reason this Christmas I seem to be missing my dad a lot more than usual. Last Sunday I broke into tears listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing "O Holy Night" during the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. My dad always sang, but "O Holy Night" was *his* song. Last year my brother-in-law converted an old video we had of dad singing to DVD, so I'm excited to watch it again this Christmas.
A few close friends have lost family members this year and I remember how hard it was those first few holidays without my dad. I wish they didn't have to experience this same pain. This year marks 10 years since he passed away and I still miss him. My dad only got to meet and play with my 2 oldest nieces during his earthly life. He loved and doted on them to death. Seeing how much Logan loves his Grandpa Keyser, I really wish he had the same opportunities with his Grandpa Smith. I know he would have loved him just as much.
Thankfully, I know that our earthly life is such a small portion of our existence. I know that I will see him again someday. And that he will get to hug and kiss Logan & Kelsie as much as he wants.
From a talk by President Monson entitled, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives".
“Life moves on. Youth follows childhood, and maturity comes ever so imperceptibly. As we search and ponder the purpose and the problems of life, all of us sooner or later face the question of the length of life and of a personal, everlasting life. These questions most insistently assert themselves when loved ones leave us or when we face leaving those we love.
At such times, we ponder the universal question, best phrased by Job of old, who centuries ago asked, "If a man die, shall he live again?"
In our dispensation, this same testimony was spoken boldly by the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he and Sidney Rigdon testified, "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!"
At this time of year I hope that we remember Christ on a daily basis. As we look at the presents under our Christmas tree we will remember the greatest gift of all.
2 comments:
WOw..I can't believe it's been 10 years...just seems unimaginable. He was such a fun guy!!! I totally remember seeing him love those nieces of yours to death! HUGS to you!
what a great post! thanks. :) i can't imagine what the holidays would be like without either of my parents. family just makes this time so special. what a time to be grateful for your testimony that you'll see him again. thanks for sharing that. :)
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