My Therapy Post

About five months ago I found out that one of my mission companions, someone I consider a friend and who had greatly influenced me in my life, had a brain tumor and was fighting for her life. They had discovered that Julie had the tumor while she was pregnant with her forth child two years ago. I am horrible at keeping in touch with people and it took her wonderful husband to track me down. With all that was going on, Julie wanted to reconnect with all her mission friends. I went to see her in March (I believe) and the changes were apparent. It had affected her body, her speech, and in a way her thought process. But she remembered so much, it was a wonderful visit. Then, a couple of months later I found out that none of the chemotherapy treatments they had tried on her were working, the tumor was still growing. She was given days to weeks to live. I visited her again, this time to say goodbye. It was a wonderful visit, but it brought sadness to my heart. She wasn't the same as I knew her yet she would remember some remarkable things. I will forever be thankful I saw her then. It would be the last time I would see her. Julie passed away today, she was only 36 - one year older than me.
I will never forget Julie, she was a big influence on my life. I had only been "in the field" for one month when she came to be my companion. She taught me so much about the practical side of missionary work - how to teach, the language, culture, rules, and how to work hard. She also taught me things to help me in life - charity, love, faith, hope, and so many others. She was my mentor and my friend. She showed love to all those around her. We were together for two months and then she went home, it was the end of her mission. I was lucky enough to get home from my mission just a week or so before she got married and was able to go to her wedding.
Long after we got home and keep in touch occasionally, I asked her to be a reference for me while Brad and I were trying to adopt. I knew that she would say what needed to be said to make sure that we were seen for who we were. I trusted and respected her. She was truly a wonderful person who loved all those around her. I know that she has touched so many lives, not just my own.
Now I morn her loss. I feel for her family. She has a wonderful husband who did anything in his power to make her happy in her last days. She has four beautiful children, the youngest is going to be two in a couple of weeks and probably won't remember his mother. I can only imagine what they have been through. My heart aches for them, but I am thankful for the knowledge of eternal families and what happens on the other side. Julie will be doing a great work, just not here on earth. She is also now with her mother who passed away a few months after Julie returned from her mission. I try to hold onto the good thoughts of that reunion and how Julie is free of any pain or discomfort. I also am lucky to have so many wonderful memories of her and to know she was a part of my life.