She was to be my roommate at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. She would change my life forever.
Who was this extremely friendly, outgoing, caring, excited person?
She was the kindest, most loving, most Christ-like person. She was a near perfect example of what a daughter of God could and should be.
She was a dedicated student, a loyal friend, and a faithful sister in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We were roommates for both of our 2 years at Ricks and have been able to keep in touch even after graduation.
I moved to California. She moved on to BYU and to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Fukuoka, Japan.
I got married, she taught many and shared her light and testimony.
Upon completing her mission she returned to BYU to earn her degree in Elementary Education.
My husband and I moved to Arizona, as did another friend from Ricks, Christa Ostler and her husband. Gratefully Susan's sister Sharon was called to serve in the Phoenix, AZ mission. Susan came for a visit in May 1995. We had a great visit, and so much fun together for a few days. Even on "vacation" she was out on splits with her sister.
In March of 1997, my little family and I went to Los Angeles to attend Susan's sealing and marriage in the Los Angeles temple to Doug Grover. I only wish we had had more time to spend together, but she was a little busy that weekend. And she was the happiest I had ever seen her.
We only saw each other a couple of times over the next couple of years before she completed her Master's degree and she and her family moved to Texas.
We were able to help each other through some difficult things. The death of her mother. The death of my son.
Then came the first diagnosis. She was at peace with what the Lord had in store for her and her family. Though she didn't know how things would work out, she trusted that the Lord knew, and her faith in Him was unwavering.
Sadly, after a valiant 7 year fight with breast, lung, and finally brain cancer, her physical battles are over. She no longer has to suffer in an imperfect body.
Though I was not suprised to receive the news that she passed away Saturday, November 1, I am saddened by the loss of my friend. And I am saddened for the loss of a mother in her 3 young daughters.
I know that she and her mother are reunited. And I know that they will be able to have a great influence in the lives of those 3 girls. I know that she will one day be reunited with her husband, and children again, because of the covenants they have made and kept.
Most importantly, I know that all of this is possible only in and through our Savior, Jesus Christ. He lives, and therefore we will also have that same opportunity to live again with Him and our Heavenly Father.
This knowledge and testimony is what makes it possible to go on in the face of adversity, and continue in faith after so great a loss.
mk
Read a fitting talk from our Institute class for this week here.
1 comment:
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. You are in my thoughts and prays!
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