Still Singing by My Side

During the last few years of my mother’s life, my sisters and I took turns caring for her, and I learned to love and appreciate her more than ever before. What a dedicated, faithful mother, teacher, and example of living the gospel she was! When she passed away, I missed her greatly.

One Sunday several months later, I was sitting in sacrament meeting singing the hymn, “Do What Is Right.” I suddenly heard my mother’s voice clearly singing in my ear. I couldn’t mistake the strong, clear voice that had sung so many songs near my side. As we started the second chorus, “Do what is right; let the consequence follow,” my heart seemed to stop. I put my hands to my cheeks and looked around me. My husband, who sat at my side, hadn’t heard anything; I could tell by looking at his face.

I was so overcome that I couldn’t control my emotions. I covered my face as my pounding heart seemed to repeat, “Do what is right; let the consequence follow”—just that, nothing more. But I felt such a glorious feeling! My mother was counseling me to live righteously, at all costs.

Sometimes the right decisions still don’t come easily, but this experience has strengthened my testimony. I will always remember feeling my mother’s presence counseling me to stay firm in keeping the commandments of our Lord.

Alice Washburn
Monroe, Utah