Sister S. R. - Healer

The next few posts will be about my companions that I had on my mission and the lessons that I learned from them.

Sister R. became my companion at a dark and scary time of my mission. She transferred in while I was in the process of getting help for myself. She too was struggling with things at the time. We had met a few times before hand on the mission and had a connection that was obvious and strong.

Sister R. helped me to realize that I was an awesome missionary already, even though I had so much to work on. She taught me to be grateful for the blessings that I had already. She taught me that I held myself to very high expectations. I felt like I could be myself around her and not be judged. I would make a fool of myself, and she would laugh with me. She never made me feel like I was a failure. I remember her saying "there is no such thing as failure, just temporary setbacks." She immediately loved me for who I was.

Sister R. taught me about small acts of service and how meaningful they can be. She would sing songs to me at night to help me fall asleep. She also would give me small massages when my back was hurting. She would write small notes to me, help me when I was sick, and more. Just so many things.

She was willing to be vulnerable with me and I was able to reciprocate and we built a very loving and caring bond. We were able to love, care, lift, inspire, encourage, and bless each other.

She has continued to be a rock in my life and I know that I can always call her if I need anything. Though I don't interact and spend as much time with her as I would like to nowadays, but every time we get together, it is like no time has passed between. The connection is deep and solid.

From my relationship with her, I have learned what it means to be honest and true with one another about feelings. I have learned what it means to stick with someone no matter what. I have learned what it means to love and to serve out of pure love. Not to get anything out of the service, but with the sole purpose being because of love for the other person. I have learned that it can take work, but it is always worth it. Building a relationship that is motivated by love and runs on pure love is the best kind of relationship.

That is the kind of relationship I hope to build with all who are close to me. I am grateful for the example of Sister R. in my life so that I can have a relationship to look back on that I can hope to have with others one day.