Forever: Elder L. Tom Perry

I took a month off blogging after A-Z, but I have to return to write about a remarkable man. I was heartbroken to hear about Elder Perry's cancer, especially when it was diagnosed as terminal ... but I never expected his passing to come so quickly.

I loved this man so dearly, as I love all of the Lord's servants, but this one specifically defended values in his talks that made me cheer. I sat here minutes ago listening to his last talk, Why Marriage and Family Matter, and all I could think to say was ... thank you.

Thank you, Elder Perry, for fighting for us - for fighting for me, and for all of the things that I believe in most deeply. Thank you for defending marriage. Thank you for defending family. Thank you for standing up to the rising tides, and reminding us of how God has always intended things to be. Thank you for being courageous, and good, and full of light. Thank you for teaching us, for sharing your wisdom, and for serving our world and God. Thank you for being you.

I'm crying again. :) This April, I was incredibly blessed to be in the same room as Elder Perry, when he gave his last talk in General Conference. The events leading up to that morning were unsure, and not at all hinting at this future, but I am so grateful to have been there. Everything came together to make that happen, and it reminds me to be grateful for the little things. The simple things. Because when I listen to the next General Conference, I'll do so with the perspective that it could be the last for anyone. And I hope that I'll take it in, and listen even more closely, because the leaders of the Church are so guided and so admirable. They are a blessing, and I hope we can all remember that.

Elder Perry, I wish you well in the life to come. And again, from the entirety of my heart, thank you.

We love you. Forever.

Bonnie Gwyn