Thank You, Elder Wirthlin

The members of my church are mourning the passing of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. He was a very inspirational man. His last talk entitled, Come What May, And Love It, had the perfect balance of humor, sincerity and substance. I want to share my favorite quote with you:

The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

Thank you, Elder Wirthlin.

I really needed to hear that.

My brother, Isaac, and his wife, Becky, lost their little girl in March. Becky was pregnant and the baby was due in July. Unfortunately, Kelsey Emma came early and only lived an hour. It was one of the saddest times that our family has faced.

Each time I was pregnant, I marveled at the intense love I felt for the little one growing inside of me. I had never experienced such strong emotions. I know that the pain of losing a child must be so much more fierce than anything I have experienced.

This picture of Isaac was imprinted on my memory when I saw it. That tear glistening on his cheek plagued me for months. I cropped the photo so that you can only see Isaac. Kelsey was very small and delicate. She was perfect. I don't think it would be appropriate to show her precious little face.

During conference, when I heard Elder Wirthlin say, "Every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." I knew that my brother would feel joy again. I knew that Becky would find the strength she needed to move forward.

When I think of Kelsey, I think of her beautiful hands. They were so small. They were perfectly formed. As I sat there admiring her in the hospital, I could feel the echo of that intense love I had known twice before. And when I kissed her goodbye I started to miss her more than I have ever missed anyone in my life.

There is more to this story. Isaac and Becky were sealed for time and all eternity in October. I am so proud of them. They had Kelsey sealed to them, along with Clint, Becky's son from a previous marriage. Clint also passed away due to complications from being born prematurely.

I really admire Becky. She has faced more heartache than most of the people I know. I am so happy to have her as a part of our family. It is amazing to watch the way her love has changed Isaac. She has helped him to become more confident and more compassionate. They will get through these hard times. I know they will because they have each other.

It is amazing what love can do.