The Very Best of Men...

Tonight I join, what I am safe in saying, thousands of heartbroken people mourning the passing of a mutual and beloved friend.  Bruce Evans, who has truly been a brilliant light unto the world, has battled cancer for the past year.  We've prayed, shed tears and ached for his beautiful family for months, petitioning the Lord to grant him and them all strength and peace.  No matter how grim the prognosis has been throughout the past months, the news is still breathtaking.

My heart aches.

It aches for beautiful, radiant Connie.  The very thought of her loneliness right now is crushing.

It aches for his children; all of whom are very aware of just how amazing their father is.

I say 'is' because I believe wholeheartedly in life after this one, that the promise that we'll be together as forever families when we are sealed in the temple is true.  And that he is an incredible example of a life worthy of such a promise.

Bruce and Connie moved to our home town of Dugway, Utah around 1993.  They were immediately adored by the community, as people with that kind of sparkle do and they quickly became assets to the community and our church congregation.  Shortly afterward, he was called to be the bishop of our LDS ward. 

He and Connie had indelible impacts on many of us as teenagers.  I have siblings and siblings-in-law who attribute many of their good choices to Bruce and Connie's example.  More personally, he and Connie helped me decide who I wanted to be.  They showed me a virtuous and lovely example of the kind of marriage I could have someday and taught me so much about how to be worthy of one.

Upon meeting Bruce, he left us with the impression of unquestionable devotion for Connie. Likewise, Connie's love for him was equally obvious.  Together, they taught us, that love like this is real, precious and can not possibly be fabricated.

As Bishop, Bruce was a force for great good.

He always showed us a great deal of love and compassion.  He served with power, cheerfulness and an ever protective arm.  In fact, as gentle and kind as he was to all of us, I remember his commanding presence.  When I envision Captain Moroni, I envision him. Although it was doubtful anyone of us could ever incur his wrath we knew that no one had better mess with any of us because whoever did, would have him to deal with.  He made us feel safe.

One of my favorite memories of Bruce is when He-Man, my best friend, Heather and I were 'orphaned' during our LDS pioneer trek during youth conference in the summer of 1994.  As is the custom in many areas, we were recreating the Mormon Pioneer Trek west.  During this time, both our 'parents' became ill and had to leave the 3 day activity.  We were alone.

I will never forget the cheerfulness in which he grabbed our handcart and began walking with us.  He sang to us when we were discouraged.  He laughed with us.  He cheered with us.  He was there when I felt that first sacred, beautiful feeling of real love for the boy who would become my husband.

The time Bruce and Connie lived in Dugway was short, but their impact ever lasting upon the hearts and lives of those of us who love them.  They are forever friends to so many.  As years past and lives have gone on, they've been the kind of people you could catch up with on any given day, as if no time had past. 

Bruce Evans passed from this life peacefully, surrounded by the people he loves the most.  There's a certain peace in knowing this.  I'm so sad for the tears that are being shed and the many more that will come.  Yet, I know that his family will see him again.  He and Connie, beautiful, amazing Connie, are sealed for time and eternity.  I know this in part because this very thing is something Bishop Evans instilled in me. 

May I live in a way that would truly bare witness to God's simple and beautiful truths, such as the way Bruce has conducted his life. 

To the reader of this blog entry, please pray for this sweet family.  Please. 

Life is too short not to say I love you.  So I'm saying it now. I love you.