A Faithful Farewell

On Saturday, Ben and I attended Erik's funeral. Erik and Emily are neighbors of ours that lives about 6 houses away. Of course, in our area, that means that we aren't in the same ward and really didn't know each other well. Our children attended the same school for the past two years and we have wonderful friends and neighbors in common (Mark and Ruth H.).

Last year our kids' school sent out several emails to the school's families telling about the Erik's situation and his fight with leukemia. We were saddened by the news that such a young father was battling this life-threatening disease. I realized later in the year just how close we really lived to their family. We gladly supported the many fundraisers that neighbors and friends did to help with Erik's expensive bone marrow transplant but other that than we just kept our eye on the blog to see how Erik and Emily were doing.

Late in the summer last year, I emailed Erik and Emily telling them that they were in our prayers and that we were inspired by their courage and the humor and perspective that Erik showed in his blog postings. In the emails we exchanged Erik and I joked about how we hadn't actually even met. In some strange way, this sweet family was a part of our lives without even knowing it. Mark Harris and I talked often about Erik and he was always great to keep us posted on Erik's health. We were so excited to hear on the 100th day following the bone marrow transplant that Erik was clear of the leukemia cells in his blood. I suppose it was especially meaningful to me because I lost a brother to leukemia when I was a child and now as a wife and mother, my heart ached for his wife and children.

Even though the post-transplant infections were on-going and very challenging, the bone marrow transplant provided by his sister gave him the gift of more time. Erik found out at his one year check up that there was some bad news. His, and our, friend, Mark called us on vacation to let us know that Erik was in full relapse and that his time was short. How could it be? I had just read a blog about how Erik and Emily had traveled to NYC together and how Erik was so grateful to have beaten the leukemia. But it was true and with each test the leukemia cells were multiplying. How quickly things can change. How fragile life is. In just a matter of a few weeks Erik was told that there wasn't anything they could do.

Mark and I talked about the possibility of holding a celebration of his life before his passing. In fact, Mark's ward came together in just a few days to hold a beautiful picnic in the park on Monday to celebrate Erik and to let him and Emily know of their love for them. Although we were not back home to attend, Mark told us of how Erik came out his back fence to see all the family, friends and neighbors as they sang to him his favorite hymn and released balloons to Heaven as a tribute to his life and their love for him. Erik Rudy passed away at home with his family the next evening.

I am grateful for the influence that Erik's life has been on our little family. Even from a distance we were able to share in his journey and to be blessed by his faith, devotion, courage and eternal perspective.

On Wednesday, while leaving flowers and a gift on their front porch, little Milo opened the door and asked, "what ya doin?" We did not knock or intend to intrude but Emily came to the door and was so kind and gracious. Her testimony and strength was again shown when she stood to speak at the funeral. Although all could feel the sadness and loss, Emily faith and love was clearly sustaining her. It was a blessing to be there that day to "mourn with those that mourn" but Emily's courage did much to "comfort those that [stood] in need of comfort." We have been reminded to count our many blessings and to live in the present enjoying this beautiful life we've been given. Our testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father's Plan for His Children has also been strengthened. Please see the link to the family's blog and please keep Emily, Mason, Milo and Erik's family and friends in your prayers.

*Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.serenicare.com/. Donations can be made at Mountain America Credit Union to benefit Erik's wife and children.