One of the things I should note is that when Juanita reached out to me that evening in the alcove, she was no longer my Relief Society president. She was a sister who cared. It’s one of those moments that will obviously be burned on my soul forever.

No, Juanita, you will never be forgotten. And I know there are many more who feel this way!

Never for a moment did I feel what I had dreaded, a sense of hostility that I was taking the place of a beloved friend or an attitude of having to prove myself, that the jury was still out. They opened their home and their hearts to me from that day on, even traveling to Hawaii for our wedding.

I felt that Juanita, who had known my stepchildren since they were born, was one of the few people who truly understood the challenge I had undertaken. Once my youngest stepson asked me, in front of Juanita, if I had married his dad for his money. Before I had a chance to respond, she quickly turned and said, “Christopher, there isn’t enough money in the world!”

When she was diagnosed, we hoped and prayed that their family would be spared the upheaval of the loss of wife and mother, but it was not to be. We watched Juanita come to terms with things she needed to and saw the strength with which she faced her illness.

Alhough I only knew her for a few years, I, too, will always remember her as an example of an elect lady.

Not long after they attended Susan and my wedding in the brand new Kona Temple, Juanita was diagnosed. As she fought with courage and faith, I know that my experiences weighed heavily on her. She saw me fall in love with someone and welcome her into my home. She saw this newcomer evolving as a mother to my children.

Typically, Juanita was always welcoming, gracious and loving toward my new Susan. I knew though that she feared being replaced as Sue had been. I don’t think she comprehended her indelible impact on everyone in her life. Though I have met no one who is more memorable than Juanita, she feared being forgotten.

I am so happy that you have remembered her, Michelle. I believe that somewhere, Juanita is cheered today by your words. Thank you for bringing tears to my eyes and stirring wonderful memories of the thirty years I had the privilege of knowing her.

I really appreciated this: “We can’t compare suffering. She obviously knew that. She never made me feel that she “won” because her health problems were worse. She just cared.” As women we could do a lot for each other by just recognizing that.