Brief Thoughts on This Side of the Veil

I lost a dear friend today: my little brother, Devin James Benge.

I think I am still in a bit of a state of shock after getting the news early this morning, so I don't feel like sharing a massive amount of cathartic information right now. Most of my thoughts have been on how we might serve his sweet wife, Katy, and help his young son and soon-to-be-born child. 

I love Devin. He had a massive AVM, and it took him far too early. But, I am convinced things will work out well for him. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, will make things in a an infuriatingly unfair world right again. I just want to help those that are still here with me on this side of the veil as best I can.

This is a photo on the day I spoke in sacrament meeting before leaving on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1986:

I'm on the far left. The little two-and-a-half year in the picture is my little buddy, Devin. He is now with two of the most Christ-like people I know, my Grandma and Grandpa Walker, on the right. What a beautiful concept is the Plan of Salvation! I echo the words of Ezra Taft Benson, words shared with me today by a friend:

We should remember that on the other side there is a great family reunion and much rejoicing. This farewell and our separation is their reunion and homecoming. (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 33)

We will miss you, little brother, until we meet again.