Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Lifted Up

I just got home from the graveside service for little Dax Royce Gubler. He is the son of our friends who passed away 12 hours after being born. It was an interesting experience for me. The service itself was lovely. It was just long enough and filled with sound doctrine, faith, and peace.

This was the first service for a child I have been to outside the one we did for Camille. At Camille's service ... well was just totally different being the mom. I felt very much like I was attending my own funeral, and in a way I was. The Spirit there was thick and I could feel the opening between heaven and earth in that spot. At Camille's funeral it helped me keep my head above water. I needed that heavenly support to survive. 

Today I felt that same connection open to the heavens. Today, however, it just filled me with hope and lifted me up. I didn't even need to get my kleenex out. Overall, I found the service encouraging. Mostly because I just felt so close to heaven I think. There is such a joy in heaven that it can't help but bring peace to my soul and lift me up with it when I come close to it.

I am grateful for the prayers of those who prayed for me today. I am sure that is another reason going to this service was not hard for me. I am sure it is through their power that I was able to feel the hope from the other side of the veil and be lifted up in such a time of sorrow.

I hope the Gubler family also felt and will continue to feel the love and support of all those present today, both from earth and from heaven.

8 comments:

Sunny said...

I felt the same way. The things that were said just confirmed my testimony of the plan of salvation and the priesthood. I left with a feeling of hope. I'm so glad I was there. Thanks for your post.

Shanan said...

I'm happy to hear you had an uplifting experience, Steph. I need to call you sometime ... it's been way too long.

kathryn_m said...

I felt that same peace and strength as our "Pops" was lowered into the ground 2 weeks ago.

As I reached down to get a handful of soil, I crossed over from mourning to joy.

It is how Heavenly Father intends.

Blessed be ...

kathryn_m

Marylin said...

What great insight you have and are blessed with! How neat that you were able to have such a special experience! All my love

Amanda said...

God bless them...and you, Stephanie.

Team Shelton said...

Stephanie,
You (and your family) are the most spiritually connected people I know. I really enjoy reading your blog. I was shopping at Gymboree today and they had the cutest clothing for newborn boys that said "Little Peanut" on it. I thought of you and your little peanut. I hope all is well.
-Heidi Shelton

Anonymous said...

You truly are amazing! Need I say any more. Thanks for all of your uplifting words and for being so honest in your feelings. Again, you (and your family) are AMAZING!!!

Love you.

tiffunny said...

I thought his service went so well!! I was too sidetracked during it and busy after so i never got to see you there - otherwise I would have gone up & thanked you in person for the kind acts you have shown them during this time. It was emotional at times - mostly just when I would see the sorrow in their faces - but you described it well. I did feel a very comforting spirit there & heaven felt not very far away. I think all these little ones who serve shorter missions sure bring a powerful message to all of us. This whole experience has changed my life and little Dax's 12 hours have significantly impacted how I want to live the rest of my life.