The Reality of the Plan of Salvation

Our family has been through a difficult time as Grandma Zweifel passed away on July 2nd. We have also seen so many blessings as we have seen the hand of a loving Heavenly Father watching over her and all of us. I would like to express my feelings for just a moment, with the words of a book about losing a loved one. It says it really well--

When I lost my mom, I lost the person who rejoices in my accomplishments and agonizes in my struggles; the person who thinks I should win every race and succeed at everything I do; the person whose first urge is to protect, shelter and guide - the one who knows what is best for me - or thinks she does; the one who bragged about me in my absence and offered expert advice in my presence. I lost my mom - my biggest fan and most ardent defender. She showed me unconditional love that no one else can understand, much less fill. She had an intimate knowledge of me as a baby and as a child that I myself can never have access to at all. A fundamental part of me has existence only in my mother's memory and when I lost my mom, a part of me is gone, too. She is a point of reference in determining my identity. I've lost a piece of who I am. She is the person whose story provides the beginning of my own. I have to wonder - If I am no longer my mother's child, then who am I? Mom looked out for her children. That shield of protection, both physical and emotional, is lost when I lost my mom. I've lost my mom's hug and caress...the complete physical acceptance that a mother can give.

My sister said this so well too--"I've lost something that can't be replaced, but I have wonderful memories and her example. And I have a sure knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation that I will see both her and Dad again. They have both left quite a hole. There were so many blessings this past week. What would we do without families? I'm so grateful for both my parents and the legacy they left me."

Leno said, "Good people go easy." And she did.

After a nice visit with the financial assistant to President Perez, I was calm to the fact that Landon would be given the news about Grandma in a very loving way. This is what Landon wrote on Monday, July 7th.

"Dear Family,
Thank you for the news about Grandma. Thursday night while Elder Quiroga and I were doing our daily planning session we got a phone call, it was President Perez. He informed me about grandma and wanted to know how I felt. I told him that I know now more than ever that the plan of salvation is real and the love God has for us is true. We had a really good talk for about 15 minutes and he wanted to let you know that he and his family are praying for you all back home. He made sure I was alright and he expressed his love for me as well. I am doing good Mom so please don´t worry about a thing. Grandma always loved her missionaries and this great work. She was always such a great example of strength and love to me and I know she is so happy right now. I hope all is well back home and that everything goes great for grandma´s services. Tell everyone hi and that I am thinking and praying for them."