My mother died today, early Easter morning. As I sit here reading over the Easter lesson I had intended to teach today, I realize more than ever how personal the Savior’s gift to us is.
I’m sad and crying, naturally. But it’s tears for me, not my mother. Today, especially I know that my mother is home again. She and my father, who died in 2001, weren’t members of the church, but they lived as if they were, which made it easier for me to join the church. I was already living much of the LDS life.
I know that I can do the work that needs to be done to give them the gospel now. That is reassuring and comforting in itself. There is something I can still do for my mother. Knowing that I can be with them again someday makes bearable what would otherwise be unbearable.
Jesus rose from the dead. People didn’t believe He would, even though he had promised to do so. Even His closest followers weren’t entirely sure. But then the appointed day came, and He was there, resurrected, just as He promised.
“Our Heavenly Father’s plan contains the ultimate expressions of true love. All that we hold dear, even our families, our friends, our joy, our knowledge, our testimonies would vanish were it not for our Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Among the most cherished thoughts and writings in this world is the divine statement of truth: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
This precious Son, our Lord and Savior, atoned for our sins and the sins of all. That memorable night in Gethsemane His suffering was so great, His anguish so consuming that He pleaded, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”20 Later, on the cruel cross, He died that we might live, and live everlastingly. Resurrection morning was preceded by pain, by suffering, in accordance with the divine plan of God. Before Easter there had to be a cross. The world has witnessed no greater gift, nor has it known more lasting love.“ (Thomas S. Monson, “Treasured Gifts,” Ensign, Dec 2006, 4–10)
The gift of resurrection and all the blessings that follow as a result are among the greatest gifts men can receive. Many say to me it’s hard to lose your mother on Easter. But that too, was a blessing. What better way to make sure I won’t forget where she is spending Easter?
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
