{Damond}

On the morning of December 28th Dean's younger brother, Damond, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.  They were in Yuma for Christmas break, visiting from Indianapolis, Indiana where Damond was in his 4th year of medical school. It is still hard to believe that what has happened in the last month, really did happen.  We have been amazed by the love and support we have felt from so many family members, friends and even complete strangers.  We continue to mourn the loss of an amazing man, and our hearts ache for the devastating loss that Adriana and the boys are experiencing.  A loss that we will never fully understand.

Through this experience we have been the witness of more miracles than we can count.  We know that Damond needed to go Home.  Heavenly Father needed him for a purpose we don't know and may not understand in this life.  But the Lord has been mindful of Adriana, the boys and the rest of the family.  He knows our hearts are broken, that this would be a devastating loss for the whole family {and countless others} and He has and continues to bless us with His tender mercies, with His peace and with His love.

I know that we will see Damond again.  Death is not the end.   I am devastated for Dean, who has lost his brother.  My heart aches for the boys and Adriana who have lost their dad, their other half.  But I know that through the sealing ordinances of the temple Families Are Forever.  Dean will see Damond again.  Damond and Adriana will be together forever.  When they married, their ceremony did not include the words"until death do us part."  They are sealed for Time and All Eternity. Forever.
 
I have come to understand that the atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ was not only to provide a remission of our sins, but also to heal our broken hearts and help us overcome our greatest sorrows in this life.  Jesus Christ understands our hurt and anguish. He's been there. Jesus mourned with Mary and Martha when Lazarus died.  He even wept.  And while He was there for Mary and Martha, He is there for us as we mourn and endure the sorrows of this life.  I have found that, as I have been a witness to such a great loss, I am beginning to understand what it means to "mourn with those that mourn" and "comfort those that stand in need of comfort" {Mosiah 18:9}  I have been blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the love of our Heavenly Father as I have tried more fully to be the Lord's hands and to be a better follower of Jesus Christ through service to others.  As we turn to our Savior, for the comfort and relief we so desperately seek, He will heal our wounds. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." {Matthew 11:28}

Families are Forever.