Letting Go and Sending Sage on His Way.

How can a week seem so long and so short at the same time . . .  it's only Thursday!

I only saw Sage two or three times in his life, but he has left a lasting impression.  His sweet presence left an impression with so many in so many places. 

His funeral was a bitter-sweet experience.  It was so hard to see his sweet young parents walk in, following the tiny coffin.  To hear his grandmother tell his life story so beautifully.  She shared the many times that tender mercies have been experienced by the family, often not recognized at the time.

 To hear his grandfather tell of the morning Sage passed from us.  How the spirit guided them and gave them the assurance that God’s will was at work, that Sage had completed his mission on this earth, that it was time to let go.  How hard it must have been for those who are used to making things better. 

  What a wonderful reminder for all of us, Teele’s testimony was, as he talked about the perfect plan our loving Heavenly Father has set in place for all of us.

 They had children sing I Am a Child of God and then all the priesthood holders joined in singing:

 We’ll Bring the World His Truth.  

 We have been born, as Nephi of old,
To goodly parents who love the Lord.
We have been taught, and we understand,
That we must do as the Lord commands.

2. We have been saved for these latter days
To build the kingdom in righteous ways.
We hear the words our prophet declares:
“Let each who’s worthy go forth and share.”

3. We know his plan, and we will prepare,
Increase our knowledge through study and prayer.
Daily we’ll learn until we are called
To take the gospel to all the world.

Chorus
We are as the army of Helaman.
We have been taught in our youth.
And we will be the Lord’s missionaries
To bring the world his truth.

I am sure Sage was singing with them, I could feel it.  I’m sure that he is doing this work right now.

Jon, Mariah, Sarah and I learned so much attending the funeral.  We all felt the sweet spirit there so strongly.  If the Reidheads & Eldredges had to experience this loss, I am honored to have been included in the walk down this path in some small way.   I have been taught and strengthened by their spirit, love and testimonies at such a difficult time.   I hope it will enable me to reach out to others with more empathy and understanding, to better serve.

 Once again, I am so thankful for the gospel.  I am thankful for the understanding that there is more when we leave this mortal life.  I know that there are loved ones waiting for me, some I remember, some I don’t.  It will be a joyful reunion. I have been blessed with glimpses, as my mother was dying. I try to remember that principle when I am experiencing difficulties.    

 I will try to share one of my favorite stories soon, Keep Your Fork.