The Plan

On January 16, Glen’s oldest brother Justin, lost his wife. Our sister in law passed away leaving behind a husband of 12 years, one stepdaughter, and four sons (ages 12-5). Throughout the entire week I had a chance to reflect on the Plan of Salvation and rejoice in the comfort that it brings me.

As I was thinking about the Plan, my heart broke for my innocent nephews left behind with no knowledge of this Plan. Because they have not been brought up in the gospel, they know very little about a loving Heavenly Father, and very little about life here after. Watching them see their mom lying in a casket was absolutely heart wrenching. It is something that I hope my children never have to go through.

It is my hope that this tragedy can bring forth a new light to my brother in law’s life, and a new sense of hope for his children. I hope that he takes the time to one day go back to church and teach his children the things he knows in his heart to be true. I sincerely pray, that one day my nephews can have my same understanding, and thus, my same comfort and peace.

My sister in laws Jeana, Lindsey, and I, were all asked to clothe Niki and do her hair and makeup. I said yes without any hesitation, but it wasn’t until I went home that I really digested what I had just willfully said ‘yes’ to. For those that know me, you all know that I am truly the world’s biggest wuss. I do not like scary things in the slightest. To give you an idea, CIS and Law in Order scare me.

As you can imagine the idea of going to a morgue seeing my sister in law dead, naked, lying on a table, absolutely terrified me. The night before we got her ready, I had myself in a frenzy. I stayed up reading my scriptures and listening to church music until finally I cried myself to sleep. (I partially blame my emotional state on being 23 weeks pregnant). When I woke up, I decided to search the scriptures again for words of comfort that would help me overcome this fear that I had. It was in D&C that I found those words.

D&C 68:6 “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.”

D&C 98:1 “VERILY I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;”

D&C 101:36 “Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.”

As I saw Niki’s body lying helplessly on the table, I realized this was just a body and not my sister in law. Dressing her, and doing her hair and makeup was one last act of kindness that we could do for her. (I know that the day I die, I want to be looking good, so anyone willing to put some makeup on me and curl my hair will be a saint in my eyes). What I saw was just her shell and I helped make her look presentable for her husband, children, and numerous others to see.

Although I hope I never have to do this again, (especially anytime soon), I was grateful for the opportunity. Not only did I face one of my biggest fears, I also had my testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strengthen once again. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and I’m looking forward to sharing it with my nephews and others.