I often think to myself that I am a pretty good person. I try to be kind to everyone. I try to help others as much as I can. I try to count my many blessings and be grateful for each and every one of them...Then I see people like Rob and Erin Koelliker and I think to myself, "I have such a long way to go." If I could be half as good of a person as these two are, maybe I could be content with myself.
These two are some of our closest friends. They are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. They always make Alan and I laugh. You never leave them without feeling more uplifted and joyess- if that's even a word. They are so strong in their testimonies of the gospel... Needless to say, Alan and I look up to them a lot. More than they know.
I write this today because we just returned from their little boy, Henry Robert Koelliker's funeral. He was only 4 days old. Heavenly Father called him back home. I can't even begin to imagine what they are going through. I do know what it is like to lose someone you love (my father and grandfather). I only hope they will find peace and comfort in the beautiful graveside service today, in Elder Johnson's words,in their friends and families, and of course, in the gospel. Time does heal the pain and sorrow of losing a loved one. It isn't easy and it isn't fast. It feels like a roller coaster. Some days are great, others are painful and sorrowful, other days are filled with heartache and longing. This is the process of grief. Some days I would just start crying out of the blue after my dad died. It would be months later and it would all come rushing back. The one thing that I hold to (besides loving family members) is the gospel. I know I will see my dad again someday.
Rob and Erin, I know you will see Henry again someday. He was such a special spirit that he didn't need to stay on this earth. He is part of your Eternal family. You two are such amazing and wonderful people. Alan and I feel proud to know you and be close friends with you. We are here for you always. I will continue to be inspired by your examples...We love you.
