Lessons...

I don't know that I ever mentioned this before, but  a neighbor and good friend of ours passed away on April 20th.  He helped us so much!  He was always looking out for Mom, and making sure she had everything taken care of.  One day we came home and had a new mailbox.  When our bathroom was fixed for us, while we were gone, we came home to new lighting in the bathroom and the garage.  He couldn't believe that two single women would come home, without having any light on in the garage.  The other night the lightbulb on the garage door opener died, and everytime I'm out there, I think about Scott and that he's probably put out with us letting it stay that way. 

The night before he passed away, he called me and said he was someone from the Jehovah's Witnesses and that they'd been observing me, etc...  Then he said, "Just kidding, it's Scott..." and went on about how he wanted to be a good piano dad, so could I please explain somethings to him.  So, as he asked me questions about symbols, he'd play them to see if he got it right, so he could help his son.  I have to say that this is the first time, ever, that a dad had gotten so involved with his kids piano lessons. 

The next morning, there were things going on down the street, and I knew something was up, but had no idea it would be that.  I was kind of in denial, because it seemed totally impossible.  It was really strange, and too familiar!  His oldest is just younger than I was when my dad died, his daughter is how old Collin was, and then they have a baby, that just turned one last month.  His wife was teaching part time, my mom was teaching part time.  His wife was in the relief society presidency, my mom was in the relief society presidency.  Our neighbor across the street was over at their house, she was over at the house next door, where I was when we found out about dad.  Just too familiar! 

I found myself being grateful that I knew what they were going to go through, so I could help them through it.  Had I been in different circumstances, maybe having a family of my own, and not living around here, I wouldn't be able to help them.  I'm really glad that I was already teaching their oldest, so we had a relationship already, because he feels comfortable with me already.  His first lesson after his dad died, he told me he'd be really good at this part, because his dad made him practice a ton.  Then, he did really well, and he said, "It's like someone is helping me, but no one is."  That's the kind of gift you get from your deceased relatives.  I know that Heavenly Father lets them help us.

Another lesson I've learned through the example of someone I admire and appreciate, is how I deserve to be treated.  Thank you!