Marjorie

A few months ago, I was in attendance at Marjorie's great-grandson funeral. Being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease her daughter, my aunt, had asked me to sit with Marjorie away from the crowd. She had also asked that I let her remain innocence because the previous day when she had figured out what was going on, and it was too much for her.

I sat with her on this occasion, and held her cold hands, warming them up one at a time. Most times when we met she would ask who I was, but this time it was different. She looked at me and asked me about the woman who had died. Of course, being asked to keep her in the dark. I had to be careful with my responses.

"She was young wasn't she?"

"Who?"

"The woman who died."

"Yes, she was."

"That is so sad."

"Yes."

"Did she have family?"

"Yes, she did."

"Oh, how sad."

Trying to keep back the tears, I could add no more.

In the following minutes, she repeated this sentiment.

When her other children came over to ask how she was doing she said that she was fine. They would then turn to me and ask how much she knew. I would shake my head. Then, they would nod and turn to leave.

When the time came, I lead her into the room where her great-grandson was lain making sure to keep her far away so she would not see him. We then followed the closed casket into the funeral.

This past Sunday, Marjorie past away, and this Saturday I will follow her casket. Although I am sad that I will not get to talk to this sweet woman anymore in this life, I do know that she now has her mind back. She is with her husband and great-grandson, and she is happy. Her body which had so anchored her down the past few years will no longer slow her down.

I am so grateful for the Atonement. Christ made it possible for us to return to our Heavenly Father with our families. I know that I will see Marjorie again.