2/22/11

Each Life That Touches Ours For Good....

" On the other side of the veil, there are perhaps seventy billion people. They need the same gospel, and releases occur here to aid the Lord's work there. Each release of a righteous individual from this life is also a call to new labors. Those who have true hope understand this. Therefore, though we miss the departed righteous so much here, hundreds feel their reach there. One day, those hundreds will thank the bereaved for gracefully forgoing the extended association with choice individuals here, in order that they could help hundreds there. In Gods ecology, talent and love are never wasted. The hopeful understand this, too."
-Neal A. Maxwell-
This quote was a tender mercy given to my Mother the morning of Alain's funeral. She found it lying on the top of Alain's drawer. This quote has truly entered my heart and given me hope and strength.
The cries of agony coming from my sweet little girls still ring in my ears. People leave this existence from every walk of life, in every circumstance imaginable, every minute of the day. We see it in movies, hear it on the news, even bury a grandparent. Yet nothing could have prepared me for the words my mom so reverently spoke to me over the phone that night. I had to keep telling my self that if it were not true that he would come home. He never did.
Alain was more then just a step-dad to me, he was something far more. He loved me as a daughter, spoke with me like a friend, and treated me as a daughter of God. He blessed my life in every way imaginable. Alain worked on his love and compassion for others. He worked to build his relationship with my Mom and his children. He worked to exemplify our Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ. He worked on the house, the cars, building and creating things for others, and so much more.
When our girls were saying goodbye to Alain for the last time, they both wanted to reach down and touch his hand. Paige later told us that when she touched Alain's hand that she heard his voice. I will long for that gentle voice telling me how proud he is of me and that he loves me. I will draw strength from his life and his example. I know that one day I will be with Alain again. I love you Alain!
Alain was honored not only in life but in death. The bagpipes played Amazing Grace as they carried his body out of the church. It was the most beautiful music I had ever heard. As his casket was gently carried, Alain's colleagues and several other law enforcement officials rendered a salute. He was further honored with a full police escort three hours away to the Paris, Idaho cemetery where he was buried.

7 comments:

Camille said...

Oh Ang!!!! How this post touched me so!!! I am so, so sorry for this loss for you all!!! I had tears in my eyes reading this post!!! And I KNOW that Paige heard his voice...children are so much closer then we are :) I love your family, and I pray that you each will be lifted up and comforted at this time!!! ((( Hugs))))

P.S. I love that quote from Elder Maxwell...thank you so much for sharing it!

Sarah Hull said...

Angela, what a beautiful tribute. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers.
Your step father sounded like such a solid man full of love and service.
Thank you for sharing that quote. It is beautiful.
Sending Love!

KaDee said...

Angie,
My heart aches for you and your family. My thoughts are with you.

Jamie said...

Angela, I know exactly what you guys are going through and it's almost impossible. We need to talk! I loved the post and the pics. And thank you for sharing that quote-it was great and I needed it

Kara said...

Angie - That was a wonderful tribute about a wonderful man. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers everyday. I loved that quote and I know Alain is teaching those people the gospel that he so valiantly lived. I love you and I pray that you and your family will continue to be comforted.

Susanna said...

Angela, I'm so sorry for your loss. We have been thinking about you and praying for your family. We love you so much.

Sheila said...

My heart is breaking! I admire your perspective, and pray that you and your family continue to feel comfort and peace. I am here if you ever need anything! My love, thoughts and prayers go out to your sweet family!