Leaving a Legacy

The past few minutes have been spent scrolling through snapshots I took at my uncle's funeral. Some of them will be edited later on to include in my own personal history. As I looked at the faces and gestures of love shared, I began to wonder how I will be remembered when I leave this mortal world. This is not the first I have thought this, as I have survived a failing heart and am now doing well. When someone dies, it is a time for re-evaluating one's life. What will the world say about me? Will anyone remember the contributions I have made? Will I have done anything important to build God's Kingdom on Earth? The pictures I am sharing bring forth these kinds of thoughts of the legacy I know my uncle has left behind, one that I hope to grow from. 

Elder L. Tom Perry was a Marine. At the end of WWII, he was one of the first occupation troops to enter Japan. This picture of them relaxing was taken after the honorable service these young men provided at the graveside. The playing of "Taps" moved many of us to tears. The final salute to my Aunt Barbara took my breath away. 

During the photo sessions, I looked up to see this lovely sight. Look carefully. Each Marine is placing his hand on his neighbor's shoulder, I imagine to signify unity and brotherhood. They offered a moment of silence to this beloved man. It was incredibly moving.

I learned that Alex Boye' is my relative. >wink< When I saw him in the family seating at the funeral services, I expressed gratitude for his support. He told me that my uncle was the one who sealed Alex and his wife in the temple, so that made us all family. This is a photo of my "cousin" and I at the graveside. 

Alex and the Marines had a few joyful minutes together. I am sure Uncle Tom was smiling at the happy memories being made in his honor. 

One sight that touched me at the viewing and the graveside was that of the flowers. Each Church Auxiliary send flowers to the family. How beautiful! 

After the burial, I went to get my car at Temple Square. Two casually dressed gentlemen were facing this flag across the grounds from them. As I passed by, I overheard one saying ".... it was an Elder Perry or something that passed away. Apparently he was a leader of some kind in their church." I paused, turned, and walked over to them. I smiled kindly at them for their curious respects they were paying. I explained I overheard them and I just just come from the funeral of the man they were discussing. Very respectfully, one man asked, "Who was he" to which I replied, "His name was L. Tom Perry and he was my uncle." They explained they were tourists and had inquired to someone why the flags were being flown at half mast. Until then, I had not even noticed. All of the flags on Temple Square were flown at half mast! How lovely! One man asked, "He was a leader in your local church here?" Suppressing a chuckle, I smiled and replied, "Yes, he was an elder, and one of head leaders in this worldwide church and he was a very good man." They offered their condolences, which I accepted, and I left, pausing to take this picture. I absolutely love that Elder Perry's legacy was already reaching people, so quickly after his passing. 

When I leave this frail existence, when I lay this mortal by
Father, Mother, may I meet You in Your royal courts on high?
[Oh My Father, by Eliza R. Snow]

I know that when I leave this frail existence, I hope people know that I had striven to live the best life I could. I want them to know that I loved serving others because it made me happy, and brought me closer to the Savior, not just because it was expected of me. I want my posterity to know that I was grateful for the gifts God blessed me with and I desired to use them for the building of His Kingdom on Earth. Most of all, I hope to be remembered for my testimony of Jesus Christ, that through His Atonement, we can find everlasting peace, that through Him we can be saved, and by His grace, and the covenants we make in the Temple, families CAN be together- forever! How grateful I am to have personally known someone to live an exemplary life! May we all strive to become more like the One perfect man to walk this earth- even Jesus Christ. 

Living a Legacy-
Mama Dragon

Preparing for Heaven

Those that are closest to me know that I am the great-niece of a prominent leader in the religious organization I belong to. His sister was my grandmother. My grandfather (her husband) was my uncle's best friend.

For a while now, we have known my uncle has been ill- the whole world has known. It is only today that it has been made public knowledge that in the very near future, he will be returning to his Heavenly Home. Although our family has had time to prepare, seeing it in the news headlines makes it that much more difficult. 

How does one prepare for heaven? I believe it is by living your best life. In a letter I just sent to my cousin who is very close to our uncle, I shared these thoughts- 

"I just.. want to tell him how much I love him, how much he has impacted my life, and the life of my family, for good. I want to share how my eldest is in the process of filling out his mission papers and he will serve with honor! Part of that credit goes to the example of our uncle. There is just never enough time in this life, is there? Will he ever know how his Christ-like example has saved my family more than once? When Grandpa died, Uncle Tom became like a surrogate to me. Although our busy lives have not allowed for us to see each other often, he still has been a guiding force in my life. I love him as a grandfather and I will miss him as one. 

I think of the sweet reunion awaiting in heaven- of my grandparents and the other siblings, of his sweet Virginia and their daughter- of his parents, (my) Uncle Jerry, and (my) Aunt Mignon.... and I cannot grieve too long. I rejoice in the beauty and love that awaits him, and I only grieve for those of us left behind. I pray that his pain is lessened in his last days and that he may go in peace."

To the world, he is an apostle of God. To me, he is my beloved uncle as well. Either way, I am better for having him in my life. There is no man greater than one who serves the Lord willingly. This is my uncle. In serving the world, he has served God. In that, we can rejoice when he is called Home. 

Working towards Heaven-

Mama Dragon

Courtesy: lds.org