A Little Thought

Cory served an LDS mission in Tegucigalpa, Hondurus for 2 years when he turned age 19. There he taught about his beliefs as a member of the church and also did countless hours of service. I am amazed at all he went through and still loved every moment! He learned Spanish to go there and still speaks very well. I admire his efforts in life especially as I've seen his dedication to school. He hasn't missed a beat since he graduated from high school except for going to Hondurus for those 2 years to dedicate his full time to preaching the Gospel. I am amazed at Cory everyday. Not only am I lucky enough to be his wife, but I am blessed to have him as a best friend. Imagine someone who has a heart of gold, loves God, is kind to everyone, is 100% selfless, never gets mad at you, loves you unconditionally, smart, extremely funny, a friend to everyone, an amazing father, a hard worker, and extremely handsome. I mean, extreeeemely handsome. Well, that person is Cory. . . . . and I love that man with all of my heart and soul!! And I am the luckiest girl to be loved back by him!
To get to the point now. Cory and some of his companions he had on his mission take turns sending a Sunday Thought each week. It was Cory's turn last week and this is what he sent. It's very personal and I hope that anyone who comes across reading it, will with an open heart.

Here is the letter:

During the past month there have been a lot of things on my mind. For those of you, who got to know about my family while we were in Honduras, knew that my greatest heroes consisted of my Father, Grandpa Christensen and my little brother Andrew. While, I was in my first area of Cerro Grande, my little brother Andrew passed away and that was very hard for me to take. I loved him with all my heart and knew that he had been called home because there was work for him to do on the other side. Bobby was my district leader at that time and he helped me so much during that time of trial and I will always be grateful for him and his friendship then, now, and forever.

Well, last month I received a text message one Saturday night saying that my Grandpa Christensen was in his final stages of life and that he wouldn’t be with us much longer. I was in the last week of my summer clinical internship and knew that I needed to have my wife go to say my good-byes for me. The next day, my wife packed up the car and drove 12 straight hrs. by herself and everyone that is a parent knows that driving that long with 2 kids isn’t easy. However; the kids didn’t fight or whine during the whole trip which can easily be classified as a miracle like Dan talked about last week! After spending the night in Utah with her family and running a few errands in Provo my sweet wife drove the remaining 3 hr. drive to my home in Idaho.

She dropped the kids off at my parent’s house and walked to my grandparents and entered my grandparent’s room where my grandpa was. They had a great visit even though my grandpa couldn’t talk, but according to my wife she could feel what my grandpa was feeling and thinking. She said that the spirit was so strong and she knew that was a very special experience. She talked to him for about an hour and told him that I loved him so much and that I would be coming up on Tuesday but, not to wait around for me to come. My Grandpa passed away 4 hours later. That same night while I was still here in AZ, I had a hard time getting to sleep. As soon as I was asleep, I found myself in my Grandpa’s room talking to him. I can’t remember everything that was said, but I remember one thing that was said. I was told by my Grandpa to remember the good times that we had with each other and to remember that what I have been taught was true. I gave him a kiss and a hug, then woke up from my dream with and found a text from my Dad saying that my Grandpa passed away around the same time I fell asleep.
I know that this was a special experience of mine own and I am very thankful that I was able to have it. I wanted to tell you guys because I know that you know how special these things are. I am very grateful for everything that I received from my Grandpa, especially his love of the gospel and for our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that They live and that They love us very much. I know that families can be together forever and I am dedicated to doing all within my power to make that happen. I know that the family is very important to our Heavenly Father and I am grateful for mine. I am also grateful for friends such as you I want you to know that I love you very much. Let us all tell our family members how much we love them and do what we can to make the blessing of eternal families and reality. Also, let us prepare for the wonderful weekend that we have coming up with Conference. Thanks again and love you all.