The Worth of a Soul

“That’s just the way it goes.”

Eunice feels lonely sometimes and loves to visit with others.  She has a strong testimony and loves the Manti temple.  She remembers when it was first built and she was one of the first children to do baptisms there.  She never went to college but was married and sealed in the Manti temple and worked hard.  She was close to her dad because she was the youngest and spent the most time with him.  They would go on long trips by horse to the east to get lumber for fencing where they would talk.  She had three kids, two boys and one girl.  One of her sons, Rodney, died in a car accident at the age of 21, shortly after he was married.  His wife never remarried and Eunice has stayed close to her ever since.  She said it’s like having another daughter.  She likes the care center, but admits that it’s nothing like being with family.  Her husband died five years ago and the above quote is what she says when she talks about it.  She is 96 years old.

Eunice is one of the many senior citizens who live in a retirement home.  I've only visited with her a couple of times but I've already learned so much from her; more than I ever thought I would.  Being around her and the others I have the privilege of talking to is very much like being in the temple.  There is a permanent feeling of eternity that surrounds these individuals.  Much like a newborn infant, they are close to the veil and will soon dwell with the hope of the resurrection.