A Beloved Soul Returned to Christ

So much to write about. Mainly though, my dear friend Emily Austin passed away on the morning of August 2nd. When I found out that afternoon, I couldn't do anything but cry. I was home alone and for the first time in a long while I felt utterly helpless. I went to my room and sobbed into my pillow, then went over to friends' houses to mourn with them. I kept crying literally all day long. I would stop crying and think I was fine, and then about 20 minutes later not be able to control myself anymore. I am so sad about her death, yet overjoyed at the same time because I know that she is finally done with her 14-year battle with leukemia. I know that she is fulfilling the Lord's work right now up in heaven and I can't wait to see  her again.

Honestly, this gospel gives me so much comfort. There is so much going on all of the time, and the trials don't get any easier as they come. During some hard trials in high school, I remember almost wishing that trials could be like when I was young. Not that people would die or anything, but I'm much better at dealing with sickness (or I think I am) than with other things. After Kayleen's and Emily's passings, I realized that no matter how many times you go through a trial, it doesn't get any easier. You never just get used to it. And death is much harder than sickness. In different ways, but probably harder.


I listened to some fantastic songs that friends wanted to share with Emily's family. The first was "You'll Never Walk Alone" sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the second was "I Will Rise" sung by Alex Boye and featuring LDC. Go listen to them.

I also read a talk given by President Monson in General Conference in 2009. Here is the link to it: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/be-of-good-cheer?lang=eng. It is a wonderful talk, as are all conference talks.


I know that it is through the trials we have in this life that we become stronger and able to live with our Father again in heaven, and I know that Emily was placed here at this specific time to become the best she could be while blessing the lives of countless other people. As 3 Nephi 12 verses 4 and 8 say, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted," and "Blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God." I know this to be true.

I love you Emily!