I just got back from the viewing of my brother-in-law, Jeremy. He took his own life last week. It is so sad. He was 15 years old. No one should have to deal with that. Especially at this time of year. As I watched his sisters struggle to speak to well wishers, my heart cried for their sorrow. To see all the love that was poured out to him and his family, it is so sad he felt things so hopeless that he needed to end his life. I watched family members cry for the loss of their son, brother, uncle and friend. I held Josh's little sister, April, as she cried inconsolably. She is 13 and the closest to Jeremy in age. I whispered in her ear how grateful I am for the atonement/resurrection.
This is what Christmas is all about. Not the death and sorrow of our loved ones, but the hope that we can be with them again. Because of Christmas we can say "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" I looked at Jeremy's body in the casket and knew, he was not there. As Joseph says "he's broken". But because of Christ, he will be fixed again.
Because Christ was born, just as we are all born. Because He lived the life He lived. Because He died and was resurrected, we can all be resurrected. What a wonderful blessing. We can have our bodies back in a perfected form. And we get to keep them forever.
So long, Jeremy. I will miss you. I will miss your heart melting smile. I will miss your cute little giggle. But we will be together again some day. I hope you feel our love and realize how much you will be missed. Love you buddy.
