Always Remember

Always Remember Me by Justin Kunz

You may remember my post about my cousin Tammy and her husband Bryce. Unfortunately, just 100 days after his diagnosis with cancer, Bryce passed away on October 25th at the age of 33. I have read through her posts the last few days and cried, and prayed that she and her baby girl will be comforted and taken care of. They seem to have a great support group and Tammy has a vibrant spirit that is just amazing.

Because of Bryce’s passing and the fires that have devastated much of our region, I was comforted when sitting in the Saturday night session of Stake Conference listening to our church leaders. We were lucky to get a visit from our newest apostle, Quentin L. Cook, who also spent time in San Diego yesterday. He told us how he gathered the LDS families together that had lost their homes (somewhere around 45 families) and talked with them. He shared this quote with them and with us:

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God . . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven. . . .” (Orson F. Whitney)

This quote was used in a talk given by Spencer W. Kimball back in 1955 called Tragedy or Destiny. (I’m hoping to get Rob to add it to WhiteBinder, but for now I’m using the source I found it from.) The whole talk is wonderful and provides comforting and straightforward words for those who suffer tragedy and ask the questions “why me, or, why now?” I am so grateful for my belief that there is a greater plan and that we will all be reunited after we die. There are so many trials in this life, each person having their own unique experience. I hope that I will learn the lessons I need to from watching, and mourning, and sympathizing with those around me. I trust that the Lord is watching over us all and that His plan is best.

The above painting was done by my good friend’s husband who is a fantastic artist. I hope you will look at his site, JustinKunz.com to get a good look at his talent. This painting reminded me of Tammy and little Dani, so I hope he doesn’t mind me using it.