Encircled

As I think about the days since Ethne left us, and has been enfolded in Jesus’ arms, I feel that we have had a bit of heaven here with us, like we have been encircled in His love.  When we have been with Melissa and Lawrence, and seen them and their families working together, lifting and strengthening each other, I believe we have seen what it will be like to be together as eternal families in the celestial kingdom.  Melissa chose Alma 7:11-12 as her favorite scripture for our family reunion last summer—“And he shall go forth suffering pains and afflictions . . . of every kind, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”  We have all felt the blessings of His succoring, have felt Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lift and strengthen each of us at this time of need.  We are so thankful for the blessings of the Atonement, the many tender mercies we have been blessed with, and the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost.  As families we miss having Ethne with us but we can rejoice together in the knowledge that she is pure, encircled in the arms of His love, and that we can be with her again one day.    

Love, Grandma Edwards