Yesterday, I went to the Temple because a very good friend of mine, was going for the first time. Rosie is an amazing woman. Her husband died less than a year ago. She has remained faithful and is learning that she is stronger than she thought she was. I was her counselor in the Primary when he died. There have been two occasions when the only thing I could think to say to Rosie, was "I love you", the first, was at her husband's funeral, and the second, was yesterday as I stood with her in the Temple . Two different circumstances, two different emotions, and yet, the same tears ran down my face.
I drove with several other women from the church. They each had inspiring stories. Rosa, told us of her conversion, raising her son alone after her divorce, and a Bishop's call for her to come back to church, so she could go to the Temple. Janie, is also a divorced mother who fought depression and anger before the missionaries knocked on her door three years ago. She was baptized a month later. When she began reading the Book of Mormon, she couldn't put it down and finished it for the first time within a month. She, along with her three children live with her parents. They are the only members in her family. A few weeks ago, she was too sick to go to church, her 8 year old daughter got herself ready, asked her aunt to drop her off, and went to church alone. I hope I can raise my children with that kind of testimony. When I think of a happy person, I think of Janie, because now, she always has a smile on her face. Both of them are stronger than they thought they were.
Each of these women have faced heartache that I can't even imagine. I can't understand what they have been through and yet, there is a light that shines in each of their eyes. They have conquered fear and heartache, and so, for me to drive for 8 hours in one day doesn't seem so monumental after all. I am stronger than I thought I was. You could say I came home with a new perspective on my very pampered life.
2 comments:
Colette, I wanted to let you know that you are, and always will be a very special person in my life. I am so glad I had the pleasure of getting to know you. You are one of the few persons I was able to bond with and share some of emotions with. Thank you for always be there and letting me come to your house when I needed to cry. I believe what keeps me going is having great friends like you that are always there supporting and encouraging me. If you ever decide you do want to go back to work, I will hire you...but we probably will not get much done since we always find something to laugh about. I really enjoy reading your blog. Keep in touch. Your Secret Admir!
You say nice things. I think working in your office would be a blast! What if I worked for you, and you decided that I wasn't so great after all, and you had to fire me? That would be weird.
Plus, I'm your Secret Admir!
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