January 2005 Friend

in the hallway that held toys for the grandchildren. She
had often played with the brightly colored blocks and
puzzles. Her little brother, Joshua, who was 18 months
old, preferred the trucks.
Sometimes Grandma had let Michelle play with the
baskets she collected. Today Grandpa invited everyone
to choose a basket as a memory of Grandma. Michelle
picked a tiny one with a handle. She showed it to Mama,
who held up a quilted basket of her own.
She said it would remind her of how
Grandma loved to quilt.
Tears gathered in Mama’s eyes, and
Michelle wrapped her arms around
Mama’s neck. “It’s all right. Grandma’s
in heaven now,” she whispered.
Mama pulled her close and hugged
her. “I know, sweetheart. I know.”
“I still feel sad,”
Michelle said.
Mama stroked her
hair. “We can’t help
feeling sad, but we
should be happy, too.
After all, Grandma is
with Heavenly Father
and with family and
friends who love her.
We know that we’ll see her
again someday. And because of
Jesus Christ we’ll all be resurrected and live forever. I’m
sure Grandma wants us to be happy about those things.”
Michelle felt better, but something about the funeral
still puzzled her. “What did Uncle Robert mean when he
said Grandma finished her life mission?” she asked. “Is
that like when Cousin Steve finished his Church mission
and came home?”
ILLUSTRATED BY JEWEL HODSON
“I pray that we may do those things that are
required for happiness and peace in this life, and
for joy and eternal life in the world to come.”
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles, “Joy and Mercy,” Ensign, Nov.
1991, 75.
Mama took a long time answering. “In a way it is,”
she said at last. “We are sent to earth to do certain
things. Some of those things are different for each
of us, but many are the same, like receiving a body.
We should also learn about Jesus Christ, accept the
gospel, be baptized, keep the commandments, repent
of our sins, receive temple endowments, and start an
eternal family.”
“Like when you and Dad got married?” Michelle liked
to hear the story of how her parents
had met in college.
Mama nodded. “Grandma and
Grandpa were married in the temple,
too.”
“What else did Grandma do
on her mission?” Michelle asked.
“She served others. Remember
how she was always knitting bandages
and baby booties? Those were for
Church Humanitarian Services to
send to people all over the
world. Grandma did
a lot of things for
others.”
“Like baby-sit me
and Joshua sometimes.”
Mama wiped away a tear.
“Your grandma has completed
the mortal part of her life mission, but
she’s not finished serving. She’s probably busy doing
something to help someone else right now.”
Michelle smiled. “I’m going to help Joshua put the
toys away and tell him that Grandma’s busy in heaven
just like she was here.” ●
Jane McBride Choate is a member of Big Thompson Ward, Loveland
Colorado Stake.
FRIEND JANUARY 2005 37