Olivia

Today heaven gained a sweet angel. My dear friend, Olivia Harper, passed away this afternoon after a six-year battle with cancer. During the six years, she remained completely positive and optimistic. She continued to lift others, as she had always done, and was a light to all those around her. I don't think she ever lost hope and at one point in her cancer journey, she had a completely clean bill of health. It was a miracle that I hoped would last a much longer time than it did. I remember when they told me that the cancer was back. Olivia was full of optimism but her husband, Ron, told me her prognosis, which wasn't good. Quite honestly, based on what he had told me then, I didn't think she would live as long as she did. 

I think the fact that the temple workers needed a place to stay when they did was actually a tender mercy from my Father in Heaven. Bernie told me about a week before we headed up that Olivia wasn't doing well and that the Relief Society sisters were volunteering to go to Olivia's house daily to help with cleaning and to visit with her. Ron called me a few days later and let me know that Olivia was now in the hospital. Jesse, Atreyu, Cambria, and I had the opportunity to go to the hospital and visit with her, hug her, and hold her hand. An opportunity we otherwise would not have had. I was able to hug Ron and all six of their beautiful girls. My heart breaks for their family. It's so hard to understand why Heavenly Father would take a mother with young children back to Him. 

I was visiting with Ron's stepmom, Sally Harper, who is also a friend, and she reminded me that Olivia is just being called on a different mission. She has such a special spirit full of love for everyone and He needs her and her talents on the other side of the veil. I'm struggling with the fact that when I go back to Bern, she won't be there. In this life, I'll never again see her radiant smile that filled up the room or receive one of her hugs that felt like she was squeezing the air right out of my lungs. My heart is hurting for myself as well as her family, but I know that we will all see her again someday. 

The example she set has really motivated me to strive harder to be that same example to those around me. She was always joyful and looking at the bright side of things. It did not matter who you were or how old you were, she loved you. She was always so good to my kids, and they always felt loved by her. I'm saddened that Cosette and Magnus don't get the same opportunity to get to know her and feel of her love that Atreyu and Cambria did, but I am so glad Atreyu and Cambria did get to experience her love. Olivia, I love you so much and I am so eternally grateful for you, your friendship, and your unconditional love. God be with you 'til we meet again, my dear friend.