President Monson died on my sixteenth birthday. You may think this should be a sad thing, and I did feel sad for our prophet's death. But it meant something more to me.

To be completely honest, I've never fully understood the concept of death. I've moved 11 times in my life from the time I was born to the time of my high school graduation. I've seen so many friends come and go. I can't see them anymore. We say we'll continue being friends, but slowly, we cease to talk to each other. They simply live inside of my memories. Have they died? In a way, I would say yes. But logically, they are likely still alive. Similarly, they live on in vivid memories that I have carried throughout my life.

What about those who have left this Earth? I, myself, haven't had too many experiences with physical death. The closest person to me that died was a good friend to my family. She was my personal progress leader in young woman's, and she was always there on Sundays laughing and giving lessons. She was really young when she died. She had five children (I might be wrong), two of them being good friends of mine. One of these boys was on a mission at this time. One day, I got home from something exhausting (probably band) when my mom comes into my room at midnight and tells me that she had a heart attack in her sleep that morning. I was fifteen years old at the time.

I was shocked. A part of me couldn't believe it. She was perfectly healthy, quite young, and pretty active. How could she be dead? To this day, I still expect to she her smiling at me whenever I visit my friend's home.

Surprisingly, I wasn't too grieved by her death. I was really sad that she was gone, but at the same time, I knew how righteous she was. She was one of the most righteous women I had ever met. Death is extremely difficult. I'm sure that if she was a very close friend or family member that this trial probably would've been a lot worse. But still, I had the knowledge that this was not the end. She still lives in my memories. Additionally, I know that I will see her again in the next life. I know for a fact that she is teaching those who don't know about the gospel right now. This is not the end, it is only the next step.

Similarily, President Monson held a special place in my heart. I've always loved General Conference, but I guilty of having difficulty paying attention. However, President Monson always knew how to keep me listening. Many of my favorite talks and stories were shared by our beloved prophet.

Instead of thinking of this experience as a loss, I think of it as an opportunity. A new chapter. Just think of it: President Monson did so much for the church. Just think of how much more President Nelson will do for the church!

I am so grateful that we have a prophet in these latter days. I'm grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost that has helped me overcome so many great trials in my life. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each and every one of us and that of we follow His will, we will be blessed and have the honor of living with Him again. I love this gospel and the joy that it brings into my life. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.