Sunday Thoughts

Brandon and I had our friend's funeral yesterday, and I really think I can say I have never been so uplifted from being at a funeral. Although I don't think it's fair that we have to attend funerals of someone so young, with so much life ahead of them, I think it's safe to say that Craig definitely lived out his "dash". We went to lunch with some of our EFY friends after the service, and one of our friends asked us what we thought about the funeral. Brandon, mainly in jest said, "It was depressing. It made me realize I have a long way to go before I am ready to leave this earth." And, although I don't agree with that (because my husband is perfect :-), I completely felt the same way.

Craig's brother, Kevin gave a great talk on his memories with Craig. One thing that really hit me was when he said, "I am somewhat a cynic when those who pass on to the other side seem to receive over-exaggerrated praise about how they were so amazing on this earth. But, I can say this with a clear conscience: that Craig was the most selfless, kind, perfect person you will ever meet. And I can say it with a clear conscience because I said it many times to many people, when he was alive."

Every single family member contributed in some special way to the funeral, most of his siblings spoke, and his family got up and sang "Our Savior's Love". The strength of the family, especially during the funeral, was truly amazing.
What really got me though, was when his mom and dad stood up as the last speakers of the service. His mom wasn't scheduled on the program (and, I didn't blame her, because I don't think I could do it), but she stood up anyway.

What happened next was especially amazing: his dad said something like this, "This is a very unnatural, and unusual circumstance. It is the worst feeling to watch your son die. Marie (his mom) did all that she could, she threw ropes, she tried so hard. I jumped in the water. But we couldn't reach him in time. We did all that we could." (sidenote: the media didn't have the story right: Craig actually didn't dive into the water, he just went in feet first and swam over to retrieve the oar. They were on a sailboat, so they didn't have a motor. The current kept pushing the boat further from Craig, and the waves kept taking him under. His dad jumped in to try to get him, but before he could get to Craig, he went under.)
As I am sure you can imagine, the audience was already in tears, but then his mom spoke and said, "That night when we went home, I couldn't sleep, as you can imagine. I went into our backyard and sat on a swing we have, and looked up at the stars. I poured my heart out to Heavenly Father. I told him, 'I can not live anymore. The pain, the anguish is too much for my heart to carry. The hurt is too much.' And then, somewhere between my tears, my prayers, and my dreams, the pain was taken away. Many people have said that they are amazed at how strong I am through this whole thing. But I tell them, I am not strong. The power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is strong. And it is because of our Savior that my pain is gone, and has been replaced with peace."

How true that is! My mind has wandered a few times in thinking, "How would I ever live if I were to lose a family member? Especially if I were to lose my husband?" But, since we never know the Lord's plan, he gave us the perfect answer to any question. We can find all source of strength through the power of Jesus Christ. Sister Decker shared this scripture (Philippians 4:7), "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Honestly, Brandon and I just kept saying how great of a person Craig was. Half of the things that he did went unnoticed. I am grateful for his example, but saddened that through his passing, I am reminded of the way I ought to live my life.