Saying good-bye to Grandma Bevan

Thank you so much for the call.  That evening we had a branch "stake conference" in Matsuyama, thus Welch Kaicho was in Matsuyama because he's the "stake" president of the Shikoku district.  Anyway, so after the meeting Saturday evening, I'm talking to the new senior couple in Imabari and Welch shimai and Kaicho approach the group casually.  Then Welch Shimai just says that Welch Kaicho wanted to talk to me outside where it was more quiet.  I just thought, ok, whatever, we had interviews earlier that day so I thought he just wanted to say some extra thing or whatever... nope.. 

He pulls me aside in the hallway and we're standing by the front entrance.  We're apart from everyone.  And he says that he just got the call from the office saying that my father's mother had passed away.  And to be honest, it took me by surprise.  I told him that I guess I was somewhat expecting it. That you had told me a few weeks ago that grandma wasn't doing so well.  But he was very kind, very considerate.  I felt my cheeks go red as I was holding back the tears.  I don't think anyone could have done it any better.   

Hamilton shimai saw my face get red and knew exactly what happened.  Yes, I told her about my grandma.  And she just thought, "Aw, man.  Did it have to be tonight?"   Mostly because that night there were 4 other shimai staying in our apartment because it was too far for them to get back by 8 am for interviews with Kaicho or to get to Matsuyama by 10.  So the Nihama and Uwajima shimai got to hang out with us.  I didn't think that I was never going to see her again in this life when I left on my mission.  I also cried tears of joy because I know that she is finally reunited with grandpa again.  I know she missed him terribly.  I know she was also in a lot of pain. I'm grateful she's in a lot better place now.  

I mostly just thought of you, dad, and how badly I want to be with you during this time.  I so badly want to hug you.  I want to be there for the family.  I want to be at the funeral.  I wish I could have seen grandma again,  but I guess it's just not meant to be.  I know I'm supposed to be here. I'm so sorry dad.  I love you so much and I know that it's difficult for you at this time.   

Even though I am thousands of miles away and currently serving my Lord and Savior, I desire to be there with all of you.  I will miss grandma but I know that she is in a better place.  A happier, pain free place, once more with her beloved husband.  There is hope in God's plan.  I have hope that I will see her again.  I also know that I will see grandpa bevan as well.  I cannot wait to talk with them both.  Until we meet again.   

Bevan Shimai