didn't put up much of a fight, just a little whining and moved on. The hour drive to the viewing was peaceful and an emotional break from the busyness of the day. I arrived and saw a decent crowd, but no one I recognized. After waiting in line for about 30 minutes, my friend saw me and we hugged and began talking. He was extremely moved I made the drive to be there. We spoke for about 15 minutes before I made it to his mom standing next to the casket and she was extremely moved I was there as well. I hadn't seen her since right after our missions nearly 20 years ago. Ultimately I could tell that my going really conveyed a sense of love and support to them, and it was worth every ounce of effort. I was near the end of the line so was able to talk with her for several minutes as well, and realized we are experiencing some similar feelings and emotions with my recent loss of my sister. She asked a little about my sister and how I dealt with it (and continue to deal with it), and I was very open and honest about some very personal thoughts and feelings, and she was extremely overcome with emotion and said things like, "Yes! That's exactly it! EXACTLY!" Knowing that I was able to connect with her and my friend on that level, in a way that you only could by passing through that refiner's fire, made it totally worth it. Being able to help them realize they're not alone, and have love and support from so many places, was truly worth it.

On the drive home, I kept thinking of the phrase from the baptismal covenant in Mosiah 18 where it says we are to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and on that night, my friend and his family were mourning and definitely stood in need of comfort. Typing that makes me realize how often I find excuses and ways to justify not honoring that covenant, and how many times in the past I actually have, but I'm grateful that at least last night I didn't turn my back on it and am grateful for all the unanimous support from CB to get my head on straight and just do what was right. So thank you, CB! For all our bickering at times, CB can also be a great place for support and encouragement like this.