Sunday, March 17, 2013

{March 17, 2013}

March 17, 2013
 
Dear Kenton,
 
8 weeks ago today we brought you home from the hospital.  It was a beautiful welcome home.  Little did we know that 2 days later we'd be telling you good-bye as you stepped so bravely into the next stage of your life.
 
Sundays are hard.  Watching the deacons pass the sacrament always tugs at my heartstrings because I remember watching you do just that only two times.  You were so excited to become a deacon and receive the priesthood.  The sacrament songs are always the hardest for me to get through because the messages contained are so much more personal now.  We've learned a lot about the Atonement over the past 9 months...and especially over the past 2 months as we've grieved and felt so broken without you here.
 
Today's hymn was one of your favorites - There is a green hill far away.  It's the one hymn you learned to play before you got sick.  The one you loved to sing. 

There is a line there that has been running through my head all afternoon...and trust in His redeeming blood... When we remember to do that - to turn our pain, our hurt, our sadness over to our Savior, we are able to feel peace and healing.

 
Mosiah 3:17: And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.

Mosiah 4:6-8. 

Today during ward conference President Acevedo reminded us how important it is to search the scriptures, ponder the scriptures, and how the lessons we need are there if we look for them.  We were in Doctrine and Covenants 138.  I marked these three words: REFLECTING (vs. 2-4), PONDERED (vs. 11), and WONDERED (vs. 28).

And I marked verses 30-35 and 56-59.  Missionary work among the dead.  In my heart I carry a picture of you as a missionary.  I know you're doing amazing things - sharing the gospel as you always have by example and with unrestrained love and conviction. 
 
We miss you, son.  We're grateful for our 12 1/2 years with you.  We love you.
 
Forever, for always, and no matter what.
 
Love,
Mom


4 comments:

Stacy said...

What a beautiful letter. I love that you picture him as a missionary. I am certain he's a great missionary with such a big heart! ((hugs))

amie said...

Oh Deb I love you so much. I am humbled by your faith as life's experiences knock you down. I cant imagine as a mother how it must feel. I know you are proud of the kind of person he was and the example he continues to be to those of us who knew him personally, as well as those who followed on facebook. He is with us in spirit and I am sure you can feel it stroger at your place. How grateful for the atonement and ressurection we are. As this Easter season approaches I feel extra love and appreciation for these things. I too love that missionary picture someone had made of him. Last month one of Mykelti's friends committed suicide and one thing that helped her through is the thought of Kenton. Helping her. We were reminded of the talk his first grade teacher gave when she said you dont have to worry. You can sit by me. I can see him being the greeter. The welcomer. The first friend on the other side of the veil. Makes my eyes leak and my heart so full.

amie said...

Oh Deb I love you so much. I am humbled by your faith as life's experiences knock you down. I cant imagine as a mother how it must feel. I know you are proud of the kind of person he was and the example he continues to be to those of us who knew him personally, as well as those who followed on facebook. He is with us in spirit and I am sure you can feel it stroger at your place. How grateful for the atonement and ressurection we are. As this Easter season approaches I feel extra love and appreciation for these things. I too love that missionary picture someone had made of him. Last month one of Mykelti's friends committed suicide and one thing that helped her through is the thought of Kenton. Helping her. We were reminded of the talk his first grade teacher gave when she said you dont have to worry. You can sit by me. I can see him being the greeter. The welcomer. The first friend on the other side of the veil. Makes my eyes leak and my heart so full.

Teresa said...

I can't sing There Is a Green Hill Far Away without crying. It was my grandmother's favorite song also, and all her grandchildren sang it at her funeral. The song has a beautiful message!