Written by Brad Henry, days after marking the first birthday since losing Mike Henry

Saturday was my Dad’s first birthday since he passed. It is such an odd and unique experience having him gone when you don’t live close by. We normally only got to see him a time or two each year when they would travel here to Utah or we would make a trip out to see them. There is a normalcy to not seeing him, so it is more the occasional reminders that he is not there that hit home. When you want to call and talk to him about the game last night, or to ask him a question that is when you remember he is gone. Calls home are different when you can hear some of the strain in Mom’s voice as she shares concerns about paperwork she has to complete or the toilet that isn’t working right. I am sure when Dale gets married next month it will be another strong reminder when he is not there to perform the sealing, and seeing Mom without him.

Yesterday Suzie and Quincy went on a ride with her parents. As they were driving and chatting Suzie noticed that Quincy was crying a bit. She stopped and asked what was wrong and Quincy broke into full tears. She said she was looking at the mountains and it made her think about Grandpa. It is those little reminders and day to day situations where he pops into your head that you feel it the most. What I am thankful for is that in those moments while grief and sadness are present, the overwhelming emotion that I feel is peace and gratitude. At the same time that I get a little misty eyed, I also feel a strong spirit of happiness and peace.

I know where my Dad is. I know that he has returned to his Father in Heaven. I know that he is happily reunited with his Mom, Dad, Brother, and Sister as well as many other cherished loved ones. I know he is reunited with the many people that went before him who his dedication, effort and long and impactful life touched. I know that I will be able to see him again and that this is all part of God’s great plan of happiness.

Trips to the temple have more meaning as the Plan of Salvation becomes more visible and the necessity and wisdom of His plan is in clear view in your life. I feel closer to my siblings and my Mom as my living relationships with them are even more appreciated and loved. My love for Suzie only grows as I consider the lasting impact of our lives here and beyond this life. While this life brings challenges and pain, these same events make His plan so vivid and highlights why we are here and what he has in store for us into eternity. That mix of the eternal joy, and earthly challenges perfectly sums up how I feel today. I get those glimpses of missing him, but they are quickly overshadowed by the great peace that the gospel message brings. His spirit quickly overwhelms those feelings and while it doesn’t replace them, it strengthens me and gives me comfort and joy. It is hard for people to understand feeling Joy and pain at the same time, but that is the perfect example of how this is possible. The great thing, is that joy always wins out and becomes the foundation of what I am feeling in spite of the other strong emotions that can be present.