Heaven's Light

Today I attended the funeral of my aunt, Rebecca Ann Greenhalgh Stuart. Now that the day is over it seemed a blur, though I tried my best to soak in as much love and support from my family as I possibly could. This is the first funeral where I distinctly remember having a family prayer and saying the final farewells before the casket was closed. The emotion in that little room was very literally palpable. Though our Aunt, mother, sister, daughter, and friend will be missed, we find comfort in the message of the restored gospel that families can be together forever through the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we walked from that room to the chapel where the service was to be held, I was amazed at the number of people that filled the chapel and cultural hall. It was clear that the influence of Becky touched many lives and hearts.

The service was beautiful. Each of the individuals that spoke of Becky's goodness, aided by the influence of the Holy Spirit, left in me the desire to live better than I have. It made me want to try harder to reach the potential that I often forget that I have within myself. Her example shows that we can reach what we desire. Every day is an opportunity to learn and grow to become what we ultimately will be.

Finally, when we went to the cemetery, my Uncle Dennis gave the dedicatory prayer. As he began, the wind calmed and the sun came out from behind the clouds. Like the influence of my aunt, it was like a little bit of heaven's light shone down upon those who were congregated in that little cometary in Nephi. She was loved, and she will be missed by those who have been left behind. But I have no reason to doubt that she has joined loved ones who have passed before. The time will come when we will all be rejoined together as an eternal family. Until that day, Aunt Becky, I love you!