Til We Meet Again

This is Nathan's Mission President and Mission Mom, Kenyon and Leona Udall. This photo was taken in October of 2007 at the last mission reunion for the Illinios Peoria Mission. Nathan really didn't want to go to this reunion. He's always a bit uncomfortable in crowds and social situations. I reminded him that these folks were getting older and wouldn't be around forever. I thought we really needed to take this opportunity to visit with them, as there might have not been many more.
We went and it was a nice evening. President Udall gave what we now realize was his final address to his missionaries. He told reiterated the mission motto, which was:
#1- The Church is True
#2- The Lord's Been Good to You
#3- The Best is Yet to Come
A month later in November, sweet Sister Udall was diagnosed with lung cancer. She passed away last July. We were very fortunate to be able to attend her funeral, which was a wonderful event. They told that she requested that her family sing Love At Home, and when they finished, they realized she'd gone. President looked so sad and lost on that day without her. They were very close in life, working together always. We knew he was going to be very lonely.
Last night we recieved word that he'd passed away from a short bout with pneumonia. We are very happy that they are again reunited. We know that they are. We are sad that he's passed from this existence, but we are so grateful for the many memories we have of him, for the example he was and for the life he led. For them truly, the best is yet to come.
Nathan has so many memories, but my favorite was the first time I met him. Nathan and I hadn't been married very long. He told me he knew I was a great woman and then he said, "You know how I know? Well, greatness attracts greatness, and this man of your's is great, in fact, he's one of the best." I've always remembered that and I agree with him wholeheartedly. I've always considered myself so blessed to have ended up with one of "their kids."