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Recently Beverly Miller, a dear friend and grandma-like figure of ours, past away. Jose had the privilege of teaching and baptizing her on his mission in Pennsylvania. It was hard to say good-bye when you are so far away, but Jose had the opportunity to write her a letter for her funeral. And now I am going to share it with you, as a tribute to Beverly--who we will miss so much.
An Open Letter to Beverly Miller
Dear Beverly,
No one knows more than you how much I wanted to be here today, or understands more my reasons for not being able to attend; not just to mourn, but also to rejoice—even amidst the tears. I wanted to be here for several reasons; I wanted to show you how much you meant to me, to comfort and care for those you deeply loved and miss you more now than ever, and also, to properly say goodbye. I would be remiss if I did not also mention the guilt that I felt for not being there for you when I thought you needed me the most—especially when you always so freely gave of your love, your time, and your talents. After hearing of your passing, I was devastated--yet it is because of how you lived your life, that through the pain, and the tears, I have come to rejoice in your death, which through your love of the Savior Jesus Christ, has been “swallowed up in victory.”
A few nights ago when my heart was particularly heavy, and the burden of losing you hard to bare, I was reminded of those summer days we shared 5 years ago—when Elder Willes and I had the honor and privilege of teaching you the gospel. I remembered your willingness to brave the humidity and the heat as we sat outside your apartments discussing the eternal truths of the gospel, ignoring the glares of disapproving eyes, while you diligently measured and weighed the truths we shared with those you had come to cherish as a faithful follower of Christ. I can still remember how big your smile would get when you would see us, not because of who we were, but because of who we represented—someone you had long since come to love. I also remembered how readily you introduced us to everyone you knew, from your friends at the senior center, to your old pastor. More importantly however, I remembered the sweet peace and joy that came into your life—as you humbly accepted Christ’s invitation to enter the waters of baptism and become a member of his Church. It was in my moment of greatest pain and grief—that I was reminded of a conversation we had not two months back where you casually mentioned how you had an opportunity recently to go the Temple. It was at that moment, where understanding and peace came into my heart and I was reminded that You HAVE BEEN TO THE TEMPLE! And because of that, you have received all the ordinances which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father.
As much as I will miss hearing your laugh, receiving your letters and cards, and hearing your sweet voice—it would be selfish of me to deny you what you have so sweetly and lovingly earned—the right and privilege of dwelling in the mansions of our Father in Heaven. I can almost imagine the joy you must have felt to have been reunited with your earthly parents whom you loved so much, or the perfect rapture it must be to be encircled about in the arms of His eternal love.
You like the Apostle Paul can now safely say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”.
May our grief turn to joy as we are reminded of the blessings which you so sweetly earned—and strive ever more to join you in the mansions of our Father.
Beverly, God be with you till we meet again.
Love Always,
Elder Hernandez
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