Hello everyone! I went to California for my uncle’s funeral this past weekend while Jay watched Adalie. I didn’t worry one bit since Jay is such a wonderful parent. In the Korean culture I was told pregnant women are not suppose to attend funerals but I wanted to show my respect for our beloved uncle and also be there for my mom who was losing her little brother. At least for a short while.
The viewing started at 11 a.m on Saturday and while everyone went up to go see the viewing, I stayed back. I don’t like watching the viewing because that is not what death represents in the eternal perspective. Looking at someone’s lifeless body, one is reminded of how that person isn’t here, he/she isn’t living and is gone. Some people believe they will never see that person again! How truly depressing and heart-aching is that. It broke my heart as I watched some people who truly believed he was gone and was mourning because of it.
But thanks to the gospel of Jesus Christ, we know the truth. The gospel gives us hope and comfort in whatever circumstances that may come in our way, even in times of death. I miss my uncle greatly and I feel sorrow for his family and friends that will miss him but I felt peace knowing that he was no longer feeling the immense pain of cancer, he was in heaven with God and that he was extremely happy, happier than he ever was during his life on earth. Our Prophet Joseph Smith said the only difference between the old and the young dying is that one gets to leave this wicked world and go live in eternal glory with our Heavenly father earlier than the other. Everyone dies at different stages in their lives, but in the end, we all die. But when we do, we get to go to a better life, the next stage in our lives. I know God is by my uncle’s side right now and I am so happy for him. I am excited to see him once again and also see his family and friends who do not have the Gospel, to have them see him in heaven and be surprised and shocked but so happy to reunite with their beloved friend/family once again. I think that will be such a beautiful sight.
Kory says
I don’t like viewings because I don’t want that to be the last thing I remember about them. It doesn’t look like them even. I’m sorry you lost your uncle. I appreciate your good outlook on it.
LeeRae says
I am sorry about your uncle.
Thank you for your Testimony~
Amy says
Sarah I am sorry to hear about your uncle. I also wouldn’t have wanted to see the viewing, because of what kory said and because the body no longer has the spirit and they just aren’t the same without the spirit. You have a very positive outlook on the whole thing, and I enjoyed your testimony.