Each Life That Touches Ours for Good

I've been sitting here typing, deleting, re-typing, pausing...frustrated that I can't express my thoughts and feelings of the past few days since learning of the passing of our dear friend, Wes Truman. I felt a need to put in words the profound influence for good that Wes and his wonderful wife Lori have had on our life. My heart is heavy and full of feelings and thoughts that I can't seem to put it into words. But I need to try.

Each life that touches ours for good

Reflects thin own great mercy, Lord;

Thou sendest blessings from above

Thru words and deeds of those who love.

Almost 9 years ago, Cory and I moved into Deseret Towers (DT), single student on-campus housing at Brigham Young University. I had just been hired as a Hall Advisor which meant I was going to supervise 200+ freshmen (mostly) girls in my building. The job itself was a tremendous blessing as I was expecting Lucas and Cory was going to school. It allowed me to be at home more than not while still bringing in income and providing medical insurance. It soon become evident that the greatest blessings of this job were the people we would be privileged to know, including our dear friends Wes and Lori Truman.

Never has anyone been blessed with such exemplary people as co-workers as I was with my "DT Family". Here are some of us (sorry you weren't there, Marie!) reuniting 3 years ago. Lori is to my right, only weeks away from welcoming their 2nd child (and first son) into the world.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,

What greater goodness can we know

Than Christ-like friends,

whose gentle ways

Strengthen our faith,

enrich our days.

In November 2005, at the age of 24, 6 months after their first child (a daughter) was born and a month shy of their 3-year anniversary, Wes was diagnosed with brain cancer. Wes and Lori faced this life-altering news with courage, faith, and optimism like I have never seen. I'm sure they were terrified and questioning and wondering.....but at that time and throughout Wes's 5-year battle they exemplified true faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. Pure faith.

Theirs is the ultimate love story. Through them I have learned more about charity. Charity in a marriage and charity for others. Sometimes when it seems life is going so well for others but not for ourselves, we tend to begrudge others' successes and happiness. Never, ever did I get that feeling from Wes and Lori. They have climbed mountain after mountain with seemingly no valleys. But, they always found the valleys; the things to be grateful for, the beauty and blessings in their life. Not only that, they truly shared in the joy of others without feeling sorry for themselves. That is a remarkable gift and incredible example for me. To not only stand by people during the hard times, but, perhaps even more difficult, to cheer them on in their good times even while you face the most difficult obstacles anyone can imagine.

Wes and Lori are true testaments of the reality of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Some might say at his passing, as he fought a painful battle with cancer and leaves behind a mourning wife and 2 young children, "How can there be a God? How could a merciful, loving God let such suffering happen?" I answer, "How can there NOT be a God?" It is because I know there is a God and that this life is only a part of the eternal nature of our spirits that I -- and Lori and her kids -- can find peace. And it's not blind faith. Anyone who knew Wes could sense divinity. I want to live my life that way, that through me people can know of the reality of a loving Heavenly Father and Savior.

I've thought about faith as I've thought about the Trumans. We -- along with many other family and friends -- have prayed for Wes. I had no doubt he could be healed. I also knew that it had to be the Lord's will. At times, I've thought, "Is that a cop-out?" Is saying "The Lord's will be done" really just a lack of faith in what He really can do? Or is it just me wanting to believe there is a God, but being able to excuse seemingly "unanswered" prayers? No. Definitely not. I am learning that true faith in Jesus Christ means not just believing in Him, but believing Him. Truly giving our will to His. So while we, and so many others who love Wes, had faith that he could be healed, we also had faith in our Savior's plan for him.

When such a friend from us departs,

We hold forever in our hearts

A sweet and hallowed memory,

Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

("Each Life That Touches Ours for Good", Karen Lynn Davidson text, A. Laurence Lyon music)

We have been brought closer to the Lord through Wes and Lori's life. Our hearts ache for Lori and their kids. May the angels that welcomed Wes home now, joined with Wes, surround you, Lori, Lucy, and Spencer. We love you, Truman Family, and will sorely miss you, Wes. Until we meet again.

(I have treasured this picture for years as it reminds me of true friends. Wes is on the left, then Adam, Eric (other members of that "DT family"), and Lucas. They were putting together a swing set they had given us when we moved from DT into a house.)

For a glimpse into the influence Wes and Lori have had in this world, read this memorial blog.