A Precious Angel

I have been struggling with the words to express the thoughts and feelings I have been having this week. Our friends little girl passed away last weekend and the funeral was yesterday. Lacy was only 16 months old.

I have lost many close family members; my grandmother (who lived with us for five years and the only grandparent I knew), a sister, and my dad. It is hard to lose a loved one, but I can not even begin to comprehend the pain of losing one of my children.

The funeral was very touching, she suffered a lot in her short life and it was apparent that Lacy was a very special little girl. I remember hearing that children who die before the age of accountability where such valiant and pure spirits that they had to be protected from this world. I do not know if that is gospel doctrine, but I like the idea. What an amazing spirit she must be.

The part that really touched me was when the congregation sang the primary song, A Child's Prayer. Sung in that context and from Lacy's point of view it takes on a whole new meaning. It was hard to sing through the tears. Here are the words:

Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer every child's prayer? Some say that heaven is far away, but I feel it close around me as I pray. Heavenly Father, I remember now. Something that Jesus told disciples long ago: "Suffer the children to come to me." Father, in prayer I'm coming now to thee. Pray, He is there; Speak, He is listening. You are his child; His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer; He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heaven.

What an amazing blessing to have the knowledge of the gospel and the blessings of the temple.