The Passing of A Friend

Sometimes in our lives there are those that come into our lives and from the second we meet them we know they are special. Special people because of the way they inspire us, they way they love, and the courage they demonstrate, and the way they tirelessly fight the good fight. Sunday my good friend Shannon Campbell Royer left this mortal existence and returned to her Father in Heaven. I am so saddened by her passing, but I am very happy she is in not suffering anymore. I am proud to have called her my friend. I am certain she is one of the angels Brother Holland talked about during conference. She was an angel in my life, and I am sure in the lives of so many others. I love shooting stars and when I go camping I always go to a secluded spot when it is dark and look toward the heavens for shooting stars. There is something that draws me to them. Several years ago I was watching the heavens and lo and behold I saw the most magnificent shooting star I have ever seen. It flew across the whole sky and just seemed to light my whole existence and it just didn’t stay long enough. Shannon was like that majestic shooting star. She gave so much light and shown so brightly and just didn’t stay long enough. But I will always remember her and her intoxicating smile. She truly lit up my life and has given me hope that I can fight a good fight and endure to the end. Her parents and family I know are missing her, and their hearts are aching, but they are surely proud of her and the life she led. Shannon I love you and will miss you my friend.