Celebration of Life

I feel like the Lord has been providing some intense tutoring in my life over the last 3 months.

It started last March when a young father in our neighborhood, Ryan Cox, was killed very suddenly and unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident. He left behind an amazing wife and 3 beautiful little girls. Then some dear friends of ours lost their sister/sister-in-law in a terrible car accident. She left behind a sweet husband and 4 beautiful children. This morning another young father in our ward passed away from leukemia also leaving behind a strong, courageous wife and 2 little boys. Erik Rudy fought a courageous battle for 2 years. He and his family aggressively fought the leukemia for a year before finding out he had gone in to remission. This was an absolute miracle given the chances they had presented him when the whole ordeal started. For the last year he has been able to live life with a whole new perspective and energy. But right before Memorial Day, they received the news that the leukemia had returned and last night he passed away peacefully at home with his family. But here is the sweet part of these tragic stories.

On Memorial Day, Erik Rudy helped organize a local race they called "Run For Ryan" where they raised over $15,000 for Ryan Cox's family. Erik said he saw it as a chance to "pay it forward" since this same race had been held in his honor the year before to raise money and show support for his family. On Monday evening, our entire ward met in the park behind the Rudy home where we ate together and took the opportunity to celebrate Erik' life and family. As part of the evening, each family had written their good wishes and blessings for Erik and his family and tied them to yellow balloons. As we sang Erik's favorite song (Army of Helaman), the balloons were released and floated heavenward in a display of genuine love and respect for this amazing man and his family. It was a sweet evening, made even sweeter by the fact that Erik was able to join the celebration for a few minutes despite being so sick.

My sister-in-law suffers from terminal cancer. She has fought an amazing battle for over 7 years now and continues to fight despite so many challenges and obstacles. I asked her once what her feelings were about this trial she has been asked to bear at such a young age and with so much of life ahead of her. She said she went through a very brief period of asking "Why me?" until she received a very strong, powerful answer that said, "Why not you?" She said she realized that of all the people in the world who suffered, she had the incredible blessings of the gospel and testimony of eternal principles that answered that question perfectly. She bore testimony of eternal marriage and families, the power of the priesthood to comfort and heal and sustain, of family and extended family and friends who continually lighten the burden and provide so much needed sustenance at times when life seems too overwhelming, and she bore testimony of the reality of God and our Savior Jesus Christ who see all things perfectly and know and love us with an intensity we can't begin to fathom. There is a plan. We are each loved perfectly.

And so I feel cause to celebrate the lives of these amazing men and women and their families. They have each shown strength, courage and faith that has been awe-inspiring and life changing for those around them. They continue to live life and celebrate the love and joy they have known. And they continue to rejoice in the love and joy that still exists around them. They reach out to others and have been willing to share their experiences that have truly enriched and blessed our lives. These women, men and children and their families are powerful and bring a strength to this world that cannot be matched. It is not a mortal strength but an eternal one and it is powerful. They radiate. I can only hope in my lifetime to emulate their example.

And so while I mourn today I will also rejoice that there is purpose and love and hope. I will celebrate the lives that have truly touched mine for good.