When our son, an only child, passed on suddenly, these words of our Leader were helpful, encouraging, and sustaining (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 160): "Of this we rest assured, that every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger and firmer in understanding and obedience." I realized that I must see this as an opportunity and a spiritual challenge to gain a victory over evil and to glorify God. It became very clear to me that the thought of this experience as a human ordeal had to be put out of consciousness.
I clung persistently to the thought that this loved one was in reality God's perfect child, always safe in His loving care. Consistent study of the Bible and of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy brought enlightenment and uplifted my thought. I knew that I had to gain even a clearer understanding of Life as eternal, spiritual, not material, with no beginning or end.
With the faithful help and support of a Christian Science teacher, it became clear to me that it was necessary to hold to the absolute truth of being at all times. I became aware that nothing had really happened to our son and that he was going on, safely embosomed in God's loving care. Many lessons were learned in patience, persistence, humility, and love.
