I heard the news

I was outside on my driveway with my two youngest children playing when my phone rang.  It was my mom.  She said that my dad had been having some chest pain and so she took him to the hospital.  The doctors had done some x-rays and blood tests to conclude what was wrong.  I instantly thought he had a heart attack or was at risk of one.  Immediately I inquired if they had the results yet.  My mom said, "yeah" and then began to cry.  My mind began racing as to what it could be.  She cleared her voice and in between tears said, "Dad has leukemia."

My heart wanted to sink, but instantaneously I had a flood of scriptures from the Doctrine & Covenants (in which I had just read) come to my mind and provided a strong feeling of peace.

“And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;”

D&C 61 : 36

“...he that is faithful shall be made strong in every place; and I, the Lord, will go with you.”

D&C 66 : 8

"...for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." 

D&C 84:88

The weeks that followed were full of emotion as I tried to process my dad's situation.  My heart, though full of sadness & worry at the thought of losing my dad, was full of comfort.  While I didn't do much reading, scriptures continued to come to my mind; providing much comfort.  I knew it was of no coincidence that I had read the Doctrine & Covenants and had a well of scriptures fresh on my mind.