In Memory of

A few days ago a wonderful woman passed away.  Rosemarie Herem was in the Relief Society Presidency of my ward, she was one of the first women to introduce herself to me when we moved into the ward 2 1/2 years ago, and she was one of the nicest and most sincere women I knew.  She sang in the ward choir with Chris and I, and I used to talk to her every week as part of my calling.

She was killed last Thursday morning in a car accident on her way to work.  It is a tragedy for our ward.  She was a valiant servant and a beloved sister to our Primary President.  I pray that her family and close friends can find peace and comfort from the Lord to carry them through these first tragic weeks.

I did not know this woman extremely well, but she did have an impact in my life.  Thinking about her passing has certainly heightened my awareness of how fragile life is.  I have also realized how death can be a blessing to so many, because it’s hard to not turn to the Lord for comfort and understanding.  If you call to him, God wraps his arms around you and teaches you more about the meaning of life and the joy that can be had in His eternal plan for His children.  I am so grateful for my knowledge of the gospel and of life after death.  Without this knowledge I think death would be unbearable.

This situation has reminded me of when we lost our son, Dan.  Love and kindness enveloped us at the time of his death, people served us generously to lighten our burdens, and most of all, God lifted us and carried us.  I remember feeling more peace, calm, and joy than despair.  I knew I would be with my son again, and I knew that he was blessed and happy.  I felt blessed to have been given such an experience, one that taught me more about God’s love and his plan for us than I had ever understood.

I want to pay tribute to a wonderful woman, friend, and servant of the Lord.  She will be missed.