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Hello friends and family. I would first like to express gratitude for all the support I have felt here from you at home over the past week. It has been good in helping me through this difficult time. I would also like to express gratitude for my dad. As I've been thinking about things the past few days, I've become truly thankful for all the time he spent with me and the time we spent together as a family. I am thankful that he took the time to be with us, doing whatever it was that we were doing. I loved doing things with him whether it was working on merit badges, framing the basement, driving to early morning jazz band, going on campouts, having him help me with English papers, or just talking with him. I have so many wonderful memories of us being together, that I can't list them all.
He is also one the greatest examples in my life. I looked up to him because of his intelligence, his humor, his support for me, his obedience to the commandments, his testimony, his love for me and my family, and for many other reasons. I am so grateful for him in my life.
I love my dad, and I am going to miss him. But I want also want to bear testimony that Heavenly Father loves us and that he has a plan for us. I know that through the atonement, Christ has loosed the bands of death. Christ also suffered for our "pains and afflictions of every kind." When we come closer to God and Christ through prayer and scripture study, we will receive this comfort for our pains and afflictions. I love my family and I know that my family, and everyone's family, can be together forever. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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Elder Aubrey Hatch, Elder Mortensen, Elder Schutze (of the Quorum of the 70), President Pimentel, Brother GablerPresident & Sister Pimentel traveled from Berlin to Bernburg to be with Aubrey & his companion the day of Gary's funeral. They took the missionaries to dinner at an Italian restaurant and shared memories of their families. What a wonderful way to honor his dad by continuing to serve as he was called by the Lord--just as Gary always did.
What a beautiful smile on an amazing young man! I couldn't help but get a little emotional at the kindness shown to Aubrey by the Mission President and his wife, that they would travel to be with him on that difficult day. Your family continues to amaze me with your faith and commitment to one another under such difficult circumstances!
ReplyDeleteI am extremely moved by this post. What an amazing son you have trained up, and what a tribute to his father that Elder Hatch is pushing ahead with his mission and finding a great eternal perspective.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this, and for continuing to bless others as you are the one in the middle of the adversity.
Thanks for sharing Aubrey's words. I know there are a lot of people like me who were wondering what he was thinking - now we know straight from his mouth. I love the picture!
ReplyDeleteI too am impressed by our leader's efforts to minister personally to those who need help and comfort. I can only imagine how hard it is having Aubrey on a mission at this time. I'm thankful for you and for him that others are willing to go out of their way to minister to him. You all are of great faith!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to have such a faithful son! Thank you for sharing his letter.
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