Question
Dear Gramps,
Funny writing to a grampa when I am a Gramma myself. That’s ok, I never had a grampa to talk to. My question is about my sweet husband. He died in September of 2000. He had cancer, and God took him very fast. I miss him, he is my best friend–or was. Now there is no one to talk to. I was wondering, since I am his second wife, and he was sealed to his first wife also, how will that be in eternity, (if we make it that far!). I know our thoughts will not be the thoughts we have here, but I do have an insecurity there. My son was sealed to him one month after he died. I felt a commitment with the sealing. I would like some information on the subject. And if he can, indeed, see me here or know what I am thinking. Sometimes I feel him, but don’t want to keep him from what the Lord took him home for. He was a missionary all his life, we did a three year stake mission, and he was called as a stake missionary right before he slipped away to the other side. I know he must be doing missionary work there. It would be nice to share with others who feel the same or who have gone through similar experiences. It is a comfort. Thank you Gramps. You’re an angel.
JN
Answer
Dear JN,
If we live according to our covenants so that we may be exalted in the eternal worlds, each family will live together in perfect love, harmony and peace.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:3-4)
Now, can your deceased husband see you and know what you are thinking? The spirits that depart this life don’t go very far away. Although we can’t see them they can surely see us. Joseph Smith taught,
“The spirits of the just are exalted to a greater and more glorious work; hence they are blessed in their departure to the world of spirits. Enveloped in flaming fire, they are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six, p.325)
However, I don’t believe that they spend much time standing around looking upon the scenes of mortality. I would imagine that the righteous spirits, although concerned for our welfare and solicitous of our behavior, are far too busy promoting the welfare of the kingdom to dwell much on the past or on the trivialities with which much of our life is made up.
Gramps
