Kristie was wearing the clothes in the picture below when we met for the first time while we were waiting to meet with our local church leader. I joke that he would assign us to get married, but actually it was just to be the "father" and "mother" of approximately 16 young adult college students to meet weekly for a "home evening" lesson/activity.
Kristie was diagnosed with
early-onset Alzheimer’s 14 years ago and has been as meek and helpless as a
new-born baby for several years. The
picture below is from a Bridge Magazine article regarding Alzheimer’s which begins and ends with our
story.
Last year while studying
the New Testament and reading about the Savior’s ministry, I thought how
wonderful it would be to live when the Savior was on the earth, and witness
Him healing Kristie and restoring her mortal abilities.
And then I was struck with
the thought that because of Jesus Christ, Kristie will be healed in the resurrection
- but it will be so much better than if she were restored now, because in the
resurrection she will come forth glorified with her mental, physical, and spiritual
abilities more magnificent than they ever were on earth.
I was mesmerized by the
mortal Kristie 47 years ago. I thought
she was the most interesting and beautiful person I had ever met, but I cannot
begin to comprehend how magnificent she will be as a glorified, resurrection
being. I believe her earthy beauty and
abilities will pale in comparison. That
is what the resurrection means to me.
Wayne, your words about the resurrection and how it will impact you and Kirstie are so inspiring on this “Good Friday!” Thank you for lifting us and helping us see a perspective beyond this mortal existence as well as what Christ profers through the resurrection. We pray that you may have a peaceful heart with the knowledge you have of these eternal principles.
ReplyDeletePam, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe I was your family home evening group father a couple years before I met Kristie. How blessed are we because we have a Savior, know of God's love and His plan of happiness for everyone.
DeleteIt has occurred to me, Wayne, that you have been strengthened spiritually as well as physically while meeting with the challenges of Kristie's illness....blessings you may not have experienced any other way.
ReplyDelete