Brendan's Story: Emerging Butterflies

I awoke this morning to the butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. It's wings were still dripping.

Seeing this beautiful butterfly emerge lifted my sagging spirits and brought light into my soul. It was a tender mercy.

In preparing remarks for the funeral, I had stumbled across this gem from LDS General Conference. It meant a lot to me today.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (April 2000 LDS General Conference):
“Then,” the world would ask, “why does He sleep when the tempest rages all around me? Why does He not still this storm, or why would He let me suffer?”

Your answer may be found in considering a butterfly. Wrapped tightly in its cocoon, the developing chrysalis must struggle with all its might to break its confinement. The butterfly might think, Why must I suffer so? Why cannot I simply, in the twinkling of an eye, become a butterfly?

Such thoughts would be contrary to the Creator’s design. The struggle to break out of the cocoon develops the butterfly so it can fly. Without that adversity, the butterfly would never have the strength to achieve its destiny. It would never develop the strength to become something extraordinary.

President James E. Faust explained that “into every life there come the painful, despairing days of adversity and buffeting. There seems to be a full measure of anguish, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, including those who earnestly seek to do right and be faithful.”7 And then the suggestion that the adversity we experience allows our souls to become like clay in the hands of the Master. “Trials and adversity,” President Faust taught, “can be preparatory to becoming born anew.”8

Adversity can strengthen and refine us. As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people. Even when we are called to sail through troubled waters, we need to know the place of adversity in shaping our divine potential.

If only we would look beyond our present suffering and see our struggles as a temporary chrysalis. If only we would have the faith and trust in our Heavenly Father to see how, after a little season, then we can emerge from our trials more refined and glorious.

Before we dressed for the viewing, Cafe Sabor delivered a wonderful meal. We enjoyed eating together before we prepared to go. Aaron cleans up pretty nicely!

When we arrived at Allen-Hall Mortuary, we were amazed at all the beautiful flowers and gifts.

Shaun and I had had the sacred privilege of dressing Brendan earlier in the day. I was grateful we could help perform one last act of service for Brendan.

The evening was a beautiful tribute to the influence Brendan has had on so many. We are forever grateful for those who came and shared the evening with us. It lifts our spirits so much to see such wonderful family and friends.

Among our dear friends who came was Dr. Jessica Meznarich, the oncologist who was with Brendan since his journey with cancer began last October. In all that time, I had never taken a picture with her in it. It was one regret I had this week and I was so grateful to be able to remedy that once and for all. She means so much to us because she loved Brendan and did so much to help him.