Two days ago (July 1st) was the 4 year anniversary of my sister's death. I thought about blogging about it, but then decided not to. However, after reading my family's blogs and some of Becky's friends blogs, I realized that I am not the only one wanting to remember her and think about that day four years ago that seems just like yesterday. It's amazing how time can fly, I don't know where the 4 years have gone!
As painful as the memory of her death is, there is still a sweetness that comes with those tears. For those of you who still struggle with her loss, let me share with you what I have learned from that experience just 4 short years ago:
I learned peace. As I held my dying sister in my arms at the accident and sang to her, I knew that her time on this earth was coming to a close and while extremely saddened, the overwhelming feeling in my heart was calm and peace. I did not feel fear or anger, only the love of a Heavenly Father who knew this would be difficult for me and my family.
I learned the power of prayer. After the accident, my family gathered back at the condo to quickly re-group before heading back to Salt Lake. My parents gathered their grown children around them and had us kneel in family prayer. Words of love and comfort were spoken and again peace was felt.
I learned the greatness and power of service. Wow! So much was done for our family during the weeks following Becky's death. At Bear Lake, after hearing about the accident, a family helped load the all the toys on the beach and then proceeded up to the condo and packed up everything! It was probably so simple to them, but meant the world to us. When we arrived back in Salt Lake, the front yard was full of friends and neighbors waiting to give help wherever they could. There were countless meals, flowers and letters coming to the house. There were so many other things done...I could fill pages of all that people did. It was overwhelming! It was needed. It was wonderful! I learned to never hesitate to offer assistance, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to me...it will mean much more to the person receiving it!
I learned to KNOW that death is not the end. I know that Becky still lives, that she is not far away and that the veil is indeed thin!
I learned the great love of a family. My family has grown together by leaps and bounds as a result of this. It has knit us together in a way that I believe nothing else could. Thank goodness for the temple and the blessings of eternity that are found there. I want to be with my family forever!
I gained a deep and abiding love for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lived on this earth. I know that He suffered for us in Gethsemane. I know that He was put on the cross and died and then rose again 3 days later...breaking the bonds of death. I know that He is the way back to my Heavenly Home. He is my friend, my brother, my exemplar.....my Savior.
Miss You Becky...
GONE!
