A letter for your loss

My dear, dear friend:

Recently something very sad happened in your life. It was last week that I heard a story that made me ask myself, 'what I would want people to do/say if there was a tragedy in my family?'...I decided I didn't so much want to hear "I'm sorry" or "what can I do?". I decided I would want to hear "friend, we love you." Then I would want those people to send their love in little concentrated wave lengths that I could feel at any time. Well I am sending those love signals to you--all the way across the country. I hope you can feel them. But just so you know...

If I were near I would make you éclair cake. I'd make you pistachio cake, buy you cafe rio. I would sit in your living room in silence, knowing we didn't need to talk but just being there would be enough. I would go on walks with you and we could smell the ocean and swing on swings together. I would remind you how much Heavenly Father loves us, and how much He loves your brother. I would mourn with you and pat you on the shoulder when you cry. I would ask you if you wanted me to share funny stories about crazy teenagers i work with, crazy companions from the past, funny things people do, and then laugh about how funny we think we are. Then I'd make you the carrot cupcakes that we ate at my wedding. Then we'd feel sick from all of the cake items. So I'd pick you flowers and put them on your kitchen table. I'd write you a card when it was time for me to leave and put it next to the flowers. Then I would put my hands on your shoulders, look straight into your eyes and say, "You can do it. Keep looking towards the Savior and being the rock you have been your whole life. Let Him fill you with His love." Then I'd hug you and tears would fall. As I walk away I'd think about President Monson's statement that the gospel "will enable us to face our challenges, to meet them head on, and to emerge victorious." So hold on, my friend. We are here with you!

Love,

A+P