Memorial Service

This morning we attended the memorial service for 15 year old Haley Nicole Moss, daughter of a soldier friend of ours.  Since birth Haley had suffered from congenital heart disease and over her life had had 8 procedures, 3 open heart surgeries and over 30 treatments for an accelerated heart beat.  The LDS chapel in Lakewood was filled with family, friends, students and soldiers.

My feelings and thoughts:
--So impressed with this young lady--she loved the Lord and had a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ
--One brother gave the opening prayer; her other brother spoke, sharing funny anecdotes that helped us through our tears
--Her father Dave, who had been part of the family home evening group we held each week in our home the two years we were in Korea, also spoke.  He talked of Haley's love of school, family and church, illustrating each with several touching and often humorous examples.  How he could get through that without totally breaking down, I'll never know.
--The ward Young Women sang Haley's favorite church song "I love to See the Temple"--that really cranked up the water-works as did a later song by a mother and daughter who sang "Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer"
--What impressed me the most, however, was the sweet, tender spirit that accompanied the entire service.  As sad as this was, it was in no way tragic.  Just the opposite.  Her family feels that Haley's life was actually extended through what they consider several miraculous incidents.  Plus, they have strong testimonies of the enduring nature of the family unit--that families really can be forever.  This gives them much comfort and solace during this difficult time.

I'm glad we went--I came away having been blessed, reassured and uplifted by the Spirit.