Dear J

Dear J,

I woke up this morning and thought of you. I felt like I needed to write you this letter while you were on my mind. I just wanted you to know that I'm going to miss not having you in my ward. You are such a great woman.

I know that life hasn't always been easy for you, and in a way, you remind me of me and where I was at a few years ago.

After placing my son for adoption, it was difficult for me to go to church. I didn't want to be reminded of eternal families especially when my son had just been sealed to someone else. It hurt. I didn't want to hope or to dream, and I didn't know if I'd ever have that in my life. At times, I've felt such a lonliness that the ache in my heart seemed as bad as physical pain.

I wish I could tell you at what point it got easier, I don't know. I kept going because I knew I needed to. I knew that the only way I could get through it would be with the help of our Savior. And the only way I could have his help is to accept it and listen to the promptings that came.

Please know that things will get easier. I don't know when, I don't know how, but I do know that you are a special daughter of God and he has great things in store for you. In conference about a year ago, Elder Wirthlin gave a talk about the difficulties in life and it touched me.

The third thing we can do is understand the principle of compensation. The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

One of the blessings of the gospel is the knowledge that when the curtain of death signals the end of our mortal lives, life will continue on the other side of the veil. There we will be given new opportunities. Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father. Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails.

This talk gave me hope, it gave me much to think about, and it made me realize how blessed I am. The Lord has compensated me for my losses in so many ways. All I need to do is look around and I can see the windows of heaven that were opened to pour blessings on me. I know it will be the same for you. Don't give up. Things will continue to get better.

When you are ready to go back to the temple, let me know. I will go with you. When you want to go and don't have anyone to go with you, let me know, I'll go with you then too. I've discovered a power and a spirit in the temple that I never knew existed. I am so grateful that I have a temple nearby to attend.

You are a daughter of God. You are a great woman. Don't ever doubt that. Don't settle for less than you are worth. I know that you deserve the best in everything. If you don't feel that way, pray and ask the Lord to help you feel that way and he will.

I so love you. I am sad that we won't sit together at church any more, but you are lucky that you have so many great women in your ward to sit by. I will miss them. I hope you enjoy the ladies who are there. They are wonderful.

Love,

Les