Austin spoke at a memorial at the cemetery as they buried their baby boy.
I wish in some way I could answer every question that has
come into your minds over the past five days. I am unable to do so. Those
answers will come over time. They will come in still, quiet moments as you
continue to live lives of righteousness, partake of the Sacrament, attend the
temple, and prepare yourselves to be an eternal family.
I cannot
answer all of the whys, but I can give you eternal hope in what we do know and
I know. I know that you will see your son again. I know that he was taken home
to a loving Father in Heaven who has a plan for each of us. I know that our
Father in Heaven knows and understands your loss, your pain, your heartache. He
himself had to turn away as His own Son suffered for our pain. I know because
of His atonement, you can see your son, and you will embrace and find joy in
that glorious reunion.
You have
been asked to walk a difficult road. President James E. Faust stated, “In life
we all have our Gethsemanes. A Gethsemane is a necessary experience, a growth
experience. A Gethsemane is a time to draw near to God, a time of deep anguish
and suffering. The Gethsemane of the Savior was without question the greatest
suffering that has come to mankind. And out of it came the greatest good in the
promise of eternal life.”
The prophet
Alma taught, “He shall go forth suffering pains and afflictions and temptations
of every kind, and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith He will
take upon him the pains and sickness of His people. And He will take upon Him
death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and He will
take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy.”
Our Savior
knows you. He knows your suffering. He knows your pain. Because of His
suffering, we will all return to Him. You have the promise of a joyous reunion.
You have the promise of an eternal family. It is now up to us to live worthy,
good lives so that we can be together forever. This I bear witness in the name
of Jesus Christ, Amen.
