Today we received our Tuesday missionary email as usual, but this letter wasn't so usual. I have written in the past about a wonderful lady, Randy Pesce, who lived in Columbus, Indiana. She has been battling cancer for several years and Saturday she lost that battle. She was in her mid 50's, with a married son, a daughter about 20 named Jenna, and two younger children Dallin 11 and Olivia 12. As parents we pray for those special people and experiences that can touch the lives of our children for good leaving them forever changed and this lady was one of those people for McKay. We were fortunate enough to meet her when she came to California for her son's wedding. They came to church with us and then we spent the rest of the day visiting. What a wonderful family, Randy and I felt an immediate connection and it was clear to me why McKay loved this family so much. The news of her passing was very upsetting to me today and I will miss her email's and our phone conversations. However, like McKay I am glad that she is no longer suffering. I would like to share his letter with you. While you can clearly see that this is a very difficult time for him, I'm sure that she would be jumping for joy to read this letter.
"Hey guys on Saturday Randy passed away. President Corey let me and Elder Winburn drive down to Columbus for the funeral. I was happy that he let us do that because it is pretty far. I was fine all the way down there but as soon as I saw all the family I started to cry. I never remember crying that much in one day except for when Grandma passed away. The service was very good. Though I am struggling big time right now, I know that she is in a better place. All my prayers have been answered. I wanted her to be at peace, I wanted her not to be in pain anymore, I wanted the best for her and I wanted Heavenly Father's will. I feel like a huge piece of me is gone and I cried the whole way home.
.....It feel like I had 2 Moms and now one is gone but it is just for a short while. I am trying to be positive like Randy. I have rededicated myself to be the best priesthood holder for my wife and my kids, she always used to tell me that, "Be the best priesthood holder you can be," and there were so many more things. I am so grateful for my decision to serve a mission. I have been able to baptize people into The Lord's church and I had the opportunity to meet the best lady in the world. I'm sure that she would be mad at me for crying.
....I was able to be Randy's mom's escort at the burial grounds and I gave Olivia my jacket because she was cold - it was a very good day. I really wish that I could have said good bye to her but I know she would have said, "It will all be okay, it will all be okay." Please pray for me to have the strength to focus on what I need to do right now. This is what I need and want to do. Randy would want me to work my head off for the next 4 months and finish my mission strong so I will honor her by doing this now and for the rest of my life. Jenna said, "just because this happened to my Mom doesn't mean it will happen to yours, have faith!! She is such an awesome and her testimony of the gospel is very very strong. I want to have a wife with a testimony like that.
....Mom, everyone kept asking about you. That was very touching to me. Jenna said that they always include you in their prayers. That family is so awesome.
Mom, call Jenna tonight if you can and tell her how much we care about them and that if they need anything, we are the people. I'm sorry I didn't even get to read emails today, maybe you could mail them. I need to close but I want you to know that I am so grateful for The Plan of Salvation. I can't even imagine how I would feel right now if we didn't have it. I am so grateful for eternal families - remember that okay! I love you all so much. Please pray for Jenna and the kids and their whole family. I love you all !!!
Elder Skeen
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2 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear about McKay's mentor and friend. She sounds like such an incredible person who had an amazing impact on your son. I have thought so much recently about the need for more encouragers in this world. How grateful I am for people who help inspire and encourage our children! What a beautiful tribute from McKay.
I am Randy's son the one who got married. I still live in Orange County. I wanted to thank you for posting this letter. It has brought tears to my eyes. My mom was all about the Holidays. She used to say how she loved to have all of her "little chicks" back in the nest. It has caused me to think a lot about my mom and how I miss her. My wife and I had our first child in Oct. and it makes me feel sad to know he will not get to experience a holiday with my mom. On a happier note it fills me with joy to know that there are others out there that knew her and were touched by her. All in all I wanted to thank you for being another person that supported her through her struggle. Thank you again and may god bless you and your family.
Jay Lillywhite
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