Firstly, I have been so blessed by President and Sister Choi, the members, missionaries, and people here in my mission. I have hundreds of people who have watched over me and been by my side constantly. I'm so grateful for them and the service they've rendered.
I wanted to share an experience that was one of the moments in my life that I never want to forget. On Saturday morning, the morning of Tyler's funeral, I got a call from President Choi asking me to come to the temple. During Tyler's funeral service I had the blessing of being in the House of the Lord, participating in the sealings of families with President and Sister Choi. The way I felt is something that I can't even describe. I felt a peace that was so strong and I felt so full of hope and just a pressing feeling of calm in my chest. I felt my testimony confirmed once again, this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Sitting there in the temple I had to strongest impression that Heavenly Father needs others to have that testimony as well. I need to go out and help others to learn where they can get the peace that I have had in this trial.
Also, yesterday Elder Enrique R. Falabella of the 70 came and spoke to our mission. I had the opportunity to be interviewed by him and it really was a tender mercy. He talked with such love and helped me reconfirm that I am where I am supposed to be right now.
I just wanted to end by sharing the letter that was read at Tyler's funeral. He's taught me a lot. He's been my inspiration during my mission and will continue to be it. I don't know how to fully express my love for him, my family, and the gospel but they truly are my sources of strength.
"As I was thinking about how to express my love and feelings today I decided that the best way was by writing Tyler a letter with all the things I want him to know and to thank him for the profound impact he's had on my life. I hope this helps show you all how wonderful of a person he is and how strong his love is for his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dear Dad,
It's Me, Mickey Dee. Or I guess that'd be Sister Mickey-d. I really love you and miss you, but I'm also comforted to know that both of us are exactly where our Heavenly Father needs us right now. I've been thinking about you a whole lot and a bunch of memories keep coming to mind. Some are silly and I'm not sure why I keep thinking of them but they make me happy.
Do you remember when I was 12 or so and i decided that I LOVED hunting and that I wanted to go with you? You got me a BB gun and a pocketknife for Christmas and I was so excited. Unfortunately I think that after about a month I went back to not liking hunting. Opps.
Or my first time driving on actual roads after you taught me to drive a stick shift. I'm pretty sure I killed it at least 7 times trying to get moving at that first green light. You had to switch me places and drive because all the cars started going around us.
Or I distinctly remember having a hard week down at college and you talked with me. I ended up going home and spending the weekend with you, Zachy Doo Dah and Ty Ty; That weekend meant a lot to me.
Your voice keeps playing in my head singing, as you frequently did, "You are my sunshine my only shine..."
I want you to know that I'm the person and missionary I am today because of your influence. Although I wasn't there with you during this fight, your faith, strength and love have been what have pushed me to become a stronger servant of the Lord. And now I have you by my side. Just like you taught me, we're going to give every single day our all. Together we're going to finish our mission strong.
I want you to know that I know that this gospel is true and that gives me so much home. Because of our savior this isn't a final goodbye, just a short time for us all to learn and grow before we're together again. One of my all time favorite scriptures, Mosiah 2 :41, has given me a lot of peace.
It says, " And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."
I'm so grateful for that knowledge. You're in a place of never-ending happiness and all of our family will be with you when we're called home.
Te amo con todo mi corazón.
Love,
Mickey Dee"
