Forever Families

I have two friends who have recently lost their fathers unexpectedly. One of them also lost his brother and sister in a car accident three and a half years ago. I used to shun all thoughts of losing anyone in my family- I couldn't even think about losing my husband or my son without freaking out. But, with so much death happening around me, I have realized what a fragile, precious gift life is and that it can be taken away at any moment. I have gained a much greater appreciation for my knowledge that families are can be together forever. My testimony of that knowledge has also been strengthened by those who have experienced these tragedies and have been able to go on living because they have a knowledge that their family will be together again someday. I know that I would be absolutely devastated if my family was temporarily separated, but I am immeasurable comforted by the fact that I have been sealed to my family for eternity and I know that if I live right, I get to be with them forever. "This doctrine brings a brightness of hope into an otherwise dark and dreary world." (Elder Robert D. Hales, "The Eternal Family")