In Memory

Cornelia Barendregt Moore died on June 22, 2012 while serving this mission in the Netherlands.  She was loved and respected by all who knew her, especially the young adults that we were serving in Den Haag (The Hague).  We loved being there.  We loved the people in The Hague Ward.  They made us feel right at home.  We felt their genuine love.  She hit the ground running.  When she first spoke to them in their native tongue they were immediately endeared to her.  The Relief Society sisters were impressed by her enthusiasm and willingness to help.

We loved the JoVo’s.  I read every word in the scrapbook they gave me.   I was overcome with tears by their expressions of love and gratitude for Sister Moore and  I.   We loved them all so much.  We loved being with them.  We loved fixing meals for them.  We loved playing games with them.  We loved studying the scriptures with them.  We loved their hugs.  We loved laughing and crying with them.  We were impressed with their enthusiasm and desire to achieve good in their lives.     And most importantly, we were overcome by their faith and love for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  We were touched by their testimonies of the gospel, of their love for each other. 

 I am grateful for a living, loving God who knew what Corrie needed to make her last days on this earth truly happy and fulfilling.  She was a great lady.  I will miss her but know that through God’s plan of happiness for all His children that we will be together again.  Families are forever.  We are God’s children.

You can shed tears that she is gone

or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back

or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her

or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she's gone

or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

 Beautiful floral tributes from the wonderful saints in The Hague.  Received at a memorial service given for Sister Moore on Thursday, June 28, 2012

This picture was taken on the evening that Sister Moore (Corrie) was laid to rest July 7, 2012 at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery, overlooking the Great Salt Lake.  The warmth and beauty of the sunset is a fitting tribute to the warmth and beauty of her life.  I think our loving Heavenly Father is putting His stamp of approval on a life well lived.

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