That Endeavor

Dear..... Whoever-the-duce-is-reading-this,

Life is good. Yesterday, we had a Branch Conference here in Cuicatlan. Since this is not a Stake but a District, President Reeves presides. We weren´t sure if he would take the 5 hour drive to get here at 10:00 am, but sure enough he did!

I would like to share a story that President Reeves told about his father.  This is far from a sad story, but a truly happy one that shows true faith and understanding in the Plan of Salvation. 

DISCLAIMER: This story is NOT word for word and only a few of the quotes are directly from the mouth of President Reeves. He has shared this story on many occasions.

President Reeves´ father had terminal cancer and had been fighting this condition for a few months.  In the midst of his struggle, his wife passed away and left him feeling alone.  His kids were always near by and always cared for their father, but as much strength as he had to fight cancer, he had no desire to fight loneliness.  That next Thanksgiving, President Reeves entered the room of his father to find him sitting up in his bed with a bowl  in his lap.  He asked his dad what he was doing to which came the response,  "I am trying to eat, but I’m not hungry.  I just can’t eat with this medicine."

 President Reeves then moved closer to the bedside of his father and asked him,  "How ya doin Pop?"  "Son, This has been a good day.  My old friend President Monson called and we talked all morning."  You see, President Monson called him because he was sick and wanted to help, but because of his agenda and all that he had to do, a visit to his old friend was not possible.  President Monson did, however, ask what he could do to help.  The reply of that sick and dying man is one that we would all do well to remember.  He said, "You are a man very near to God.  I know that if you ask Him, He will deliver.  I miss my wife.  I love her so much and all I want is to be at her side.  Can you do that for me?  Can you help me see my wife again?"  The Prophet responded,   "Tomorrow, we are holding a meeting of the leadership of the church.  We will pray for you."  Not 3 days passed before that the prayer was answered.  He was once again united with his wife.  And he would never be separated from her again.

His father truly understood and had faith in the Plan of Salvation . He knew that he would see his wife again.  He knows that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God and that through his guidance; we can all find eternal happiness.  He knew that Christ died for him, his wife and for all of his posterity so that they could all be together in the glory of Him who loves us and created us to the end that we could all attain all that He has.  I share that testimony.  I desire, that in my last days, I will show that unshaken faith in my Savior and in that Plan that the Father has created for us.  I hope you can all join me in that endeavor.

Elder Heath, signing out.