I was so looking forward to the possibility of sleeping in this morning. With no work scheduled I was in desperate need of sleep and a slow, lazy start to my day. Apparently the Lord had other plans for me.
I began to read in 3 Nephi 28:6 where the Savior is discussing with the Twelve their desires, after His eminent departure. It reads as follows, "And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me." Even though I know exactly what is coming, something gave me pause today. I went back and read it again. And then the Spirit gently washed over me and said, "Just like Laurel."
Ten days ago one of God's sweetest angels, Laurel Blomquist, had what now appears as her final, massive, stroke. She is currently clinging to the last moments with her beloved Keith and their incredible family. By all accounts she should have already slipped through the veil. However they are lovingly keeping vigilant watch as they are " shedding tears...laughing...singing Broadway music and hymns that she loves." until the Lord says, "It is finished thou good & faithful servant."
Their complete transparency about this painfully private experience has allowed so many of us to share this sacred, tender time from a far. We have joined our love, prayers, fasting and hope with her family. Laurel came blazing into my world when she answered my plea for help at work. She was always one of my favorite life-lines as I navigated difficult waters during my job. Her distinct voice, tone and laughter always made me feel as though I had just phoned a friend. She was so kind, reassuring, and helpful. As we all work from home, it is rare that we ever actually meet in person. But some, like Laurel, have impacted me so deeply I truly consider them the dearest of friends. She used to live near me in Lindon so I have popped in and been readily embraced into her world, regardless of who is there or what is going on. I have watched as her sweet, kind, Keith and her daughters have lovingly cared for her since this journey began. Often the blows to Laurel's health would have laid the rest of us out flat, however her unconquerable spirit, her laughter, and her twinkly eyes have been an amazing inspiration on handling adversity.
So it is with great tenderness, gratitude for having known her, and amidst many tears, that the reality of this 'Terrible horrible no good very bad day' as Lindsay so aptly described it yesterday, is weighing upon my heart.
So as I read this morning I realized I don't remember ever hearing or reading Christ's own description of His death like this before. He states that He was "...lifted up..." I certainly wouldn't describe His brutal, agonizing death as being lifted up. And before today I always thought it referred to the physical lifting up on that awful cross. But His recently resurrected state certainly entitled Him to a vastly different perspective than mine. And while it is not usual for us to be able to see beyond the veil, I have had several experiences where I have had the privelage to see the scene as some step through the veil we call death. I am no longer surprised at the pure joy radiating from those eagerly awaiting their loved ones, as they warmly embrace them with tears of joy. I am not even capable, even if I was allowed, to describe these scenes. Nevertheless I know it is a reunion unlike any other!
I find the only comparison I have experienced is both leaving home to go on my mission, and then leaving my mission to return home. In each the exquisite pain and joy feels almost impossible to bear. The simultaneous emotions seemed to war within my heart. I wanted to both go and stay in the same heartbeat.
So now knowing how Christ viewed His death as being 'lifted up' helps me to try and view this pain through His eyes. We love, and we have to let go. We weep but are promised joy in the morning. We remember because we love so deeply.
May His peace, as only He can give, come to each of Laurel's family and friends. I know her legacy of love will continue on through the lives of her children and husband. May we each honor her great goodness and life, by choosing righteousness, kindness, gentleness, unselfishness and love unfeigned. May we each know we are better for having known Laurel. May we each love and lift those around us and those who pass too quickly from our view. And may we each learn from, and follow, our Saviors examples in life and in death.
Till we meet again, Laurel, God be with us all. Farewell my friend.
