Caroling

Today I had the greatest opportunity to go caroling at a cancer center with my friends Becca and Maddie and our Bishop was there as well. It was neat to meet the amazing staff at the cancer center and the sweet patients who were there for treatment today. It felt so good to bring some happiness and joy to them.

One lady who just awoke from a coma last week requested that we sing "I'll be home for Christmas" for her. It was sweet to know that luckily this year she will be home for Christmas.

While we were singing "O Holy Night" a patient was able to ring the 'bell' that signified her last treatment! What an exciting and special moment for her.

After caroling there we went to visit our friend Kathi in her home who is losing her battle to cancer. We were able to sing a few songs to her as well although it was much harder. We love her so much and it is so hard to see her struggling and in so much pain. While we sang "Away in a Manger" the words in the third verse struck me more than they ever have before.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.

I know that our dear, sweet, beautiful, amazing friend Kathi is fit for heaven and will be given a warm welcome there and will find peace in the presence of the Lord. And I know that the Lord will be close to her sweet husband, children, grandchildren, and friends as we all mourn her loss here in our Earth.

I couldn't be more grateful for the wonderful Christmas songs and hymns that we were able to sing today and I couldn't be more grateful for the wonderful, courageous people we were able to sing them too. My heart was filled with joy and peace and I pray that they all felt that as well.