My friend Heather

My friend Heather was the type of girl who made everyone feel like they were her best friend. I know I wasn't her best friend, but each time I talked to or spent time with her, she made me feel like I was the coolest, nicest, sweetest person she knew.

I think that's because she was such a cool, nice, sweet person. I wish everyone could have known Heather because they would have loved her and become a better person for knowing her.

She passed away over the weekend, losing her brave fight with breast cancer. I can't help but ask questions like "Why her?" Because let's be honest, the last person Heavenly Father needs right now is a young wife and mother of three children. She needs to be here taking care of her family.

I've been in shock all weekend and have done a lot of crying. For her sweet husband Eldon, for her beautiful children Elle, Emma, and Makai. I was privileged to serve them in several ways over the past year, and they always made me feel like I was helping them so much, when the truth was, they helped me more than I think I ever could have helped them.

From Heather, I have learned...
...to have love in my heart for everyone.
...to be more softspoken.
...to be welcoming of all.
...to keep my opinions to myself unless asked.
...to try not to say unkind things about others.
... to be more gracious.
...to always serve others.


And a million other things that I can't even think of right now.

While I'm certainly not great at all these things, Heather's example helped me learn to try to be better. Being better at these things will help me be more like her, and she was actually pretty near perfect.

I'm so grateful I had the chance to get to know her. She touched my life in a way I didn't expect, and will forever be grateful for.