Our family has had the opportunity to travel abroad on numerous occasions. We each look forward, with great anticipation, to the time of our departure. And as exciting and adventure filled as these trips can be, before embarking on the journey, we like to have some assurance of a round-trip ticket.
In the pre-earthly realms of the spirit world we viewed mortality as the journey of a lifetime. But we regarded the returning home as the best part of that long-awaited trip, just as we do now.
It matters not whether the deceased and their family are Christian, Jewish, Muslim or atheist. The separation of body and spirit, we call death, evokes pangs of sorrow and shock among those left behind. The hurt is real… even when the elderly or infirm have been afforded merciful relief, their loved ones are rarely ready to let go.
“The only length of life that seems to satisfy the longings of the human heart is life everlasting.”
Last year my father passed away. When he died he was surrounded by his family. My mother, brothers, sister and me were there with him at home in his room. Together as a family that night, and in many quiet moments since I have mourned his passing. Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. It is a natural response in complete accord with divine commandment. In the scriptures we read: “Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die.” (D&C 42:45.)
Mourning for someone is a commandment; it is not a sign of weakness or evidence of a lack of faith. I consider it a tender mercy of the Lord, that memories of the good times I enjoyed with my dad, coupled with a knowledge of God’s plan for the salvation of his children, afforded me feelings of comfort and even joy.
On this past Sunday, Father’s Day, a well meaning person wished me a happy Father's Day while expressing her sympathies. “I know how hard it must be for you,” she said. “How are you doing?”
I was a little caught off guard by her comment and hesitated to respond. I am sure she could see my bewilderment, so she clarified the reason for her condolences. “This is the first Father's Day you've ever had without your dad.”
I must admit, until that moment I had not thought of my dad’s passing in that context. In that same instant, before I could process her perspective, a new thought entered my mind. An understanding that warmed my heart and brought immediate peace of mind. “I hadn’t thought of his absence on this special day as my loss,” I responded. “But instead, I imagine how wonderful it must be for my dad to be reunited with his parents, and to once again celebrate Father's Day with his dad. It had been nearly 26 years since his dad, my grandfather had passed away.”
No other words were exchanged. Nothing more needed to be said. She smiled and her eyes teared. Thanks to the influence of the Holy Ghost this perspective had resonated with her as well.
We have seven grandchildren with two more on the way. Each birth was greatly anticipated by parents, siblings, and grandparents as well as extended family and friends. And when the hour of the delivery had passed, we gathered to welcome the newest addition to our family and reveled in the joy this precious spirit brought to our family.
“Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. ”
I believe that just as we celebrate the birth of a baby into mortality, and we all gather round to welcome them, so too there is a heavenly celebration when death precipitates the separation of body and spirit. The body is laid to rest in the earth, while the spirit returns to its heavenly home, where Heavenly Parents and earthly parents, siblings and grandparents are there to welcome them. It is but a spiritual reenactment of a previous mortal celebration.
On the morning of my father’s memorial service I was sitting quietly reflecting on his life and what I could say at the service that would provide a measure of comfort to those in attendance. A favorite hymn of mine, “If I Could Hie to Kolob,” began playing on the Mormon Radio Channel on Pandora. At the end of the song I wrote down a few thoughts that expressed my feelings at the moment.
There is no end to memories
Of those we know and love.
There is no end to the peace
That comes from God above.
There is no end to family.
There is no end to Love.
There is no end to eternity
Because of God above.
There is no end in death
Because of God’s great love.
But instead a grand reunion
In heaven’s courts above.
God’s works are never ending,
They have one eternal round.
In heaven as they were on earth
Celestial families will be bound.