Holy Sacraments

    We attended a funeral last night, that of a man who reared seven children with his wife. He was 71 years-old, considered young in this day and age. He lived a full life, though. Born in southern California, he met his Arizona wife, served a church mission in Japan, got educated in engineering and did a lifetime of work in fiber optics and communications. 

    But above and beyond his material gains, which seem to be well done in his many exploits and companies served in, including Chief Executive Officer, he was a purposeful servant of Jesus Christ, and with the Church that he believed in and supported and led in, that of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints.

    I met him in in 2006, he helping me in my career choices. We know two of his daughters, who are kind, sweet people. There were almost thirty grandchildren present; they sang a beautiful song about following Jesus.

    It was an honor and privilege to be there. Recognize his strength, humility, talents, influence, presence.

    Many good speakers gave their thoughts, recollections, and testimonies, about life, Christ, the family, this man, in whose named we had congregated.

    I turned on the air conditioning in the overlapping gym a half hour prior to the close to two hour event. I am glad I did, there were parts of the building that were a little toasty a couple hours prior. Not bad, but enough to precipitate some sweat from my brow. At the viewing there were displays from his life, how he got a doctorate in 2009, when we would have been 56. I believe he was 53 when he counseled me. His suggestion carried some weight and impact.

    His best friend spoke a while, describing a very caring and conscientious friend and father and servant within the faith community, as well as a successful worker and business leader.

    Pictures of the family, books and dictionaries from his church mission to Tokyo. His legacy shared on a few tables.

    This is some of who we are, certainly. His children spoke lovingly, his grandchildren prayed.

    We were in a holy place, at a holy time. Glad to know him, his family, the community in which we love and worship, and serve.

    One sister said she remembered me from a talk (sermon) and our presence in that chapel from 2006. That made me feel good. As I told my wife, not everything we share or impart is meant for the dung heaps of detritus. Okay, I did not say that really, but I meant that it is nice to be remembered.

    Holiness is a sacred thing. We can be part of it, which is good and wholesome.

    For me, July 2006 to July 2025 has been quite a ride since meeting with this man. Knowing his children has been a blessing, too.

    Participating in the holy sacrament of his passing, some days prior, he suffering many weeks and months with a bad liver, perhaps other issues with the pancreas, we were all edified and uplifted. Sad but sweet, a bittersweet time.

    I felt close to my wife. I was. We have some more to do, more to live. Surely these events and people will help us be better. This is part of the purpose of coming closer to the Lord, partaking in His suppers and feasts.

    On the way back home we were able to spend some quality time together. The drink store closed at 9, as we left the front doors. The next restaurant closed at 9:30; we closed that one, too. So was the closing of this peaceful and auspicious Thursday this warm, tranquil July.

    We also kissed looking at the purple and pink sky of post dusk, seeing the end to another day.

    Another day. We thank the Lord.