My Visiting Teacher

Last week I had a visit from my visiting teacher. She dropped by to bring me a gift from her trip to Brazil. It was a beautiful hand-painted, hand-crocheted dish cloth. The colors matched my home and personality perfectly. I loved it...it was way too pretty to use as a dishcloth. I have been trying to decide to either frame it or hang it on a hook.

We talked for a few minutes about her trip, her children and if I was doing okay. She was sorry that she hadn't been a better visiting teacher and that she would do better now that summer was over. We talked about getting our families together in a week or two for dinner. Then we said our goodbyes

This friend visited me in the hospital when I was sick. She has invited me to breakfast and lunch. She has visited me many times and always shared her sweet spirit with me. Her husband was our home teacher for a while. He came faithfully every month. He always shared a wonderful lesson with us. Sometimes he shared his wife's wonderful treats with us. It was fun getting to know this wonderful family.

I taught her son in primary. He was quiet, but confident. What stood out the most to me was his beautiful voice. I loved listening to him sing the primary songs. I was anxious to meet the parents of this 10 year old boy. I knew they would be amazing.

Last week my friend had the flu. Her children were also sick, so I'm sure she spent a lot of time nurturing her children even though she didn't feel well. The flu seemed to linger in their home for a long time. Then I heard that my friend had suffered a seizure and was in the hospital. My friend lost her battle with this unknown illness and passed away yesterday. She leaves behind a heartbroken husband, three children and lots of family. She also leaves behind a lot of friends that were blessed to know her.

Estela, you will be missed. It doesn't seem right that such a wonderful wife, mother, daughter and friend should leave us so early. I can only imagine that Heavenly Father must need strong, faithful women on the other side. We will watch over your family here. What a privilege that will be. We love you Estela.