"Our Unusual Experience"

Earlier in November, we got a call from our bishop here with a request to do something on behalf of the Church. That, itself, is not unusual. We are, after all, missionaries assigned to his ward and do many things under his direction. This one was different.

The bishop had received a call from a member of the Church in Salt Lake City indicating that her brother had passed away. Although a member himself since age 14, the gentleman now 79 years of age, had not been active in the Church during most of his lifetime. The sister thought it would be a nice gesture if the Church were represented in some way, if only to visit the widow, ask what her wishes might be, and extend some support. For whatever reason, the bishop thought we would fit this assignment.

A visit was made to the family home where the wife of the deceased was gracious and warm. Things were all planned for a brief Catholic service the following day and we were welcome to attend. We went to the beautiful funeral home not far from our apartment and enoyed a lovely visit with the family, and especially the widow. It seemed like an instant connection. During the viewing, she asked Elder de Paula if he would "say a pray" at the open casket with the large family seated in the room.

Then comes the touchy part. After seventeen years of marriage, this man had left his wife and five children, married another woman, then just five years ago, returned to his first wife and children. As the wife said, "He's tried to make it up to them in the last five years."

I could see the turmoil in Elder de Paula's face. . . What do I say? How do I say it? How not to offend? How to comfort? I don't even know this person. Well, the Spirit took over and the words of comfort and consolation flowed. Afterwards, the widow came to me and said "Well, I see why you married him...he gives a great talk!" She was very pleased, as was the family. After that, the funeral director entered, knelt and recited the Catholic prayers and the funeral was over. We hugged a few more times and promised to visit this dear lady who had become our friend.

The 83-year-old sister in Salt Lake City, and her 89-year-old husband could not make the trip to the funeral. But they were so thrilled to be able to make a phone call across the country to a person they didn't even know, in the Church they dearly love and that someone would send representatives in their behalf to offer comfort and attend their brother's funeral.

In a letter to our bishop, the sister of the deceased wrote,

"My sister-in-law called me after the funeral of my brother and told me how wonderful the missionaries were at the funeral. They gave a nice talk and lovingly put their arms around Marilyn. She was so impressed with the De Paulas. It's times like this the Church really comes through and what a blessing it is. Tell the De Paula's thank you. In a year I will be able to do my brother's temple work."

We did what any representative of Jesus Christ would do. We are called to serve and love as He would do. His name is on our name tag.