Treasures in Heaven

I didn't plan for such a long pause in this stroll down memory lane.  But my internet has been down for days.  And maybe a long pause was for the best.  =)  Although, I thought it a little ironic (incriminating?) that my last post stayed front and center for the duration of Pioneer Day.  When we were singing,

Why should we mourn, or think our lot is hard?
'Tis not so; all is right.
Come, Come, Ye Saints

So today, with my new modem installed, I want to affirm that there was an abundance of "all is well!" moments surrounding Wes's death. 

My children are, perhaps, the greatest evidence of that. 

On Thursday, July 7, 2011, Wes's body was delivered safely back into our keeping.  Which was as comforting as sending it away had been difficult.  That morning, thanks to an inspired note from a kind, wise friend, my children and I spent several beautiful moments discussing what a casket is. 

"A chest, as for jewels."

A treasure box.     

Small caskets hold treasures of earthly value.  But our large casket held heavenly treasure. Sacred and eternal, as a result of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Lucy and Spencer, so full of faith, 

so devoid of fear, resonated with the reality of that doctrine.
Their daddy's still body was not scary to them. 

     

It was beloved and dear. 

They seemed to understand intrinsically all the truths we discussed those days (and still discuss!).  That "the spirit and the body are the soul of man." (D&C 88:15)  That both are sacred, created for eternal ends.

We rejoiced to know that Wes's spirit - animated, loving, living - was, and always would be, close by us.  And we were grateful for those few peaceful, comfortable, difficult, sweet, beautiful, reverent, final hours of close physical proximity.

But not really final. 

For "the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul.  And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things." (D&C 88: 16-17)

My dear friend wrote a few days ago about another beloved pioneer song - one that never fails to fill me with hope.

When we meet ne'er to part
Oh what songs of the heart
We shall sing in our beautiful home.
Oh What Songs of the Heart

I'm so grateful for the vision and anticipation of that beautiful home and that welcome reunion.

Vision and anticipation to treasure up myself.

Vision and anticipation to share with my children. 

Vision and anticipation available to us all - hard as this journey may appear.

"O how great the plan of our God!" (2 Nephi 9:13)