She passed away just over three months ago after a 12 week battle with cancer. Our hearts were heavy - especially my dad, who has been struggling to find purpose in life ever since Mom was diagnosed. By some wonderful coincidence, we got to have our three and a half year old grandson over for the night. He lived with us from the time he was born and recently moved out with our daughter when she remarried earlier this month. That loss has been difficult. I actually thought of you last night as my grandson and I watched the NFL pre-season game together. He loves watching football and kept asking me which team "are the Cougars." When we put him to bed, my wife gave him a Jaguars blanket and told him it was representative of "BYU" - so it was acceptable. My wife and I have season tickets. We are planning to attend several away games (beginning with Nebraska). Last night, I was regretting all the travel plans we have made, wondering if life would be better sitting on the couch with our little grandchild Cougar fans to enjoy the games on TV.

Life has a way of changing all too quickly. Your loss is the worst kind. But, you have demonstrated courage and resolve that has amazed us all. Everyone of us can identify with you. Most of us have suffered loss, but few of us have experienced the kind of trauma you have. Somehow, some way, we know that the Savior will make all things right, will make up for every loss, and the separation we experience in this life is but a small moment where all pain and sorrow will be forgotten. I recall participating in the deposition of a mother who lost her teenage daughter in a tragic accident while crossing the street to get to school. It was three years post incident, and the mother was completely grief stricken. It was a terrible accident. The mother felt she had no purpose in life, even though she had other children who needed her. I felt so bad for the mother and wanted to share the Plan of Salvation with her to provide her with hope and comfort. It was sad to me how much time was lost focusing on the grief when her other children needed her. You have managed to transcend that barrier and remain a blessing to your family.

Thank you for sharing with us and for being an example of faithful courage and strength in the face of the greatest adversity life has to offer.