Examples, Opportunities, and Forever

It's been an interesting couple of weeks. Becky's Grandma, Orma Briscoe, passed away (her obituary) the day after our last post on June 27. An amazing woman who blessed the life of her children, grandchildren and everyone she met. As a grandson-in-law I first met her and her husband just shy of 9 years ago. When I met them they were already old and somewhat sickly and Sam, her husband, had been battling cancer for 6 years. He continued to fight his leukemia for 15 years until he passed away July 10, a short two weeks after his beloved wife.

Examples
Every time I saw them they were together. Sam always opened the door for her, helped her down the stairs, held her hand, and knew when to zip it when he disagreed with Orma. He respected her and loved her dearly. After his wife died the hospice workers thought it odd that Sam didn't appear to be too disturbed at the loss of his wife. When they asked him about it, he simply testified that he knew he was going to be with his wife forever and that gave him great comfort. In the two weeks between his wife's death and his own he never grew weary of sharing that message of the resurrection and eternal families. The same man that went on a mission with his wife after he had cancer was once again a missionary.
When he stood and said a final, tender farewell to his wife I felt privileged to see a righteous priesthood bearer and husband at that stage of life.

Becky's Grandpa Sam Briscoe after his wife's funeral.

Becky's Grandpa Sam Briscoe when we visited him on the 4th of July and a week before he passed away. Though he was increasingly frail and weak, he spent much of our visit talking to our kids. Here he was joking with Morgan about a puzzle toy that she was playing with.

Opportunities
Two short weeks after his beloved wife, Sam joined his eternal companion (his obituary). For Family Home Evening this last Monday the lesson was the Plan of Salvation and where Great Grandma and Grandpa are now. Thankfully, it wasn't the first time the kids had ever heard it and were able to teach us most of the lesson. The passing of Sam and Orma gave us an opportunity to remember our own divine nature and enjoy the unique perspective of seeing two righteous examples move to the next stage of their existence, together.

Cousins Sadie and Hannah playing piano at Grandmas

Forever
As a fitting tribute, their passing brought all of their children together for the first time in a long time and some of their 18 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. I couldn't help but feel how proud and pleased they both were with the legacy of families and forever that continues in their absence.