Reflections on Life and Death from a Funeral Today

Today I attended and participated in a funeral of one of best friend's little brother. I had known his family through my youth and we have brothers similar ages. My friend's brother was 21 years old, engaged and a good kid, in my memory. He had gotten in some rough places later in his youth, but was a kind and accepting young man. I am not certain of all the details but I believe that he was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. He had been receiving treatment and was doing okay. Then one week ago the doctors realized that what they thought was not a concern was a hideous form of the disease which destroyed his body in a matter of days. He passed away last Friday.

I had not seen my friend in two years, I did keep in touch with him via email, but it was in-frequent. My friend is an outstanding man who was a great example and friend in my youth. In the last several years I have had several influential friends of my youth, slip away from activity in the Lord's work. This has always been painful in some ways, and I used to have great struggles as a young man understanding how such great youth, who served missions could fall away.

The longer I live I see that it is not that hard. Satan works so hard on us and things go slowly and piece by piece they/we turn from truth. I say 'we' because I do not consider myself one who this might not happen to. The elect faltering even for a time is a very real and common thing.

I guess I bring this up because of the feelings I have had today at the funeral. I see dear friends some remain in the fight enduring in Christ's name, others struggle. Yet, as I pray and contemplate life and it's purpose, seeing so much pain and suffering and yet, such gratitude, strength and love, it all just seems clear.

I have not lost a close friend or relative for that matter, but this was a sobering time to see my friends little brother's body, lifeless in a coffin. To see the tears shed and pain of loved ones. And yet in the same moments, seeing expressions of love, faith and hope as I have not felt before. In my soul I knew that Christ has broken the bands of death, that my friends and love ones will be together again in physical bodies that I will be able to hug and hold.

This made me reflect on my state in relation to God and my covenants, and those of my family and friends. When I pass on and meet them in the next life what type of a reunion will it be? I wonder if I would not have some of the same feelings I had today. A care and concern and love for them. Gratefulness for their friendships and examples. Will I rejoice in their enduring well the faith of Christ? Will they still be my brothers in Christ? Will this make me love them less if they have struggled, I hope not. For such would put me in a much worse state then they.

When I saw my old friends today I felt a mix of emotions, but for each I felt a continued love and hope for them and myself to be faithful. Did I do call I could to love and support them is a question I often ask. I received an email from another old friend who thanked me for my friendship and example. It was very touching and uplifting. I have written in my personal history thoughts about my funeral and epitaph and what I want to be remembered for. I recall stating that I hope to be remembered as one who loved and served others, espically his family. One who was faithful in Christ and would lead others home to our Father In Heaven.

Today at this funeral, I saw a young man's body which was lifeless, but I felt his spirit and rejoiced in his goodness. Though I had not seen him since he was a boy I knew that he lives on and it was an honor to remember the good and wonderful about this young man. One of my dearest friends little brothers, who I will see and embrace, just as I did his mother, family members and my old friends today!