My daughter Megan was born with congenital hydrocephalus. At one month old, doctors operated on her to insert a VP Shunt. She also had autism and epilepsy, so we brought her to the hospital regularly for therapy, to monitor the shunt and to control her seizures.
Because of her condition, Megan had to be watched around the clock. Taking care of her was a full-time job, and our family’s schedules revolved around her. She was the center of our world and we loved every minute of it.
'I felt the love of the Lord when so many people were by our side as we said goodbye to Megan.'
Eight months ago, Megan fell into one of her comas but this time she did not recover. Her frail body finally succumbed, and the pain of losing her was unbearable. We knew we had to let her go eventually, her doctors were even surprised that she lived many years beyond what they expected. Though we were thankful for the extra years, we were still overcome by grief.
Reading the scriptures gave me comfort and helped me to be strong for my family. Faith in God’s plan of happiness gave me peace of mind. Heavenly Father has relieved me of my duty to care for Megan, and He has freed her from her suffering. Whenever I see my family grieving for Megan, I remind them to be happy for her because she is a celestial daughter.
I felt the love of the Lord when so many people were by our side as we said goodbye to Megan. My knowledge that Jesus Christ rose from the grave gives me joy because I know that we will be with Megan again someday.
'Reading the scriptures gave me comfort and helped me to be strong for my family.'
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“Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed.
“The empty tomb that first Easter morning was the answer to Job’s question, “If a man die, shall he live again?” To all within the sound of my voice, I declare, If a man die, he shall live again. We know, for we have the light of revealed truth.”
– President Thomas S. Monson, 'He Is Risen!'