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April 22, 2026

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Natalie SuepaulMay 16, 2013

I have been so blessed by the story of Mitchell's Journey...I have lost loved ones so dear to my heart but every time I think of losing one of my two children I become fearful...you faith, your strength, your determination, Mitchell's example, your love for family and much more has been a strength to me...Last Sunday I shared your real life experience with the missionaries and my family...though we live thousands of miles away, my family will continue to pray for your family...thank you for sharing this very personal experience...and I am grateful that we have the gift of the atonement and the blessing of eternal families...with love from my family to yours.

John DeCremerMarch 5, 2013

this is one of the most tearful stories I have ever read. I'm 64 now and lost a son who was only 12 in a car accident on his bike. In 2011 I lost my wife to breast cancer. I am stallwart in the church and know full well my family members are in a better place. God Bless You for your strength. John

vickieMarch 5, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. this was one of my fears in my life that I would lose one of my children as a child. I was even crushed when I had a miscarriage ..there were times when I had an inkling that one of my kids wasnt going to be here forever because he had some severe health problems early on...when I thought that and fretted over it...the Lord came to me and said..in my mind...would it be so bad if he were to come back to me...like He was telling me that was where he would go...in actuality...I was so afraid of that happening but said in my mind ...No...it would be fine..my son at that time was a little baby...but I prayed that the Lord wouldnt take him...and the entire family has had these feelings...I have 5 kids...this child was different...he was a rebel without a cause..he avoided the church for a long time...then he got married a second time...and the wife he married was influenced by the children she taught in 2nd grade...they were mormons and made such an impression on her that she joined the church and that pulled my son back into the church...now they are waiting to be sealed in the temple this spring. that son is still here on the earth and will be 35yrs old..he has been to afghanistan and all these war places..he is a fed agent and..applied for fbi...so many times he was in the line of danger...yet he is still here...I have another son who before I decided to get pregant the Lord told me that this child would have problems..I almost lost him early on and had to stay in bed for the last 6wks of my pregnancy...he survived and then began my trek...his patriarchal blessing said that he would walk the earth with the Lord and the Lords hand would be on his head...I know the Lord is close to us and helps us through so many difficult things..I have so many illnesses I wonder if I am going to make it or am amazed at how I made it through all these things...Im older now and have raised my kids and a few yrs ago I almost went and the Lord showed me ...me on the other side...I was very busy...once I was shown this...I was at peace...I felt like I was graduating...this earth is one big school....my heart is with you...for I know and feel your spirit and you will live in such a way that you will be all together again in the eternities...

SuzanneMarch 4, 2013

Thank you Mitchell's family, you are in our prayes we love you for sharing your son and his journey

Jim NduruchiMarch 4, 2013

I needed to hear this tonight because of what am going through. There is a purpose to every occurrence here on earth. Nothing is ever late or early. Everything is happening at the perfect timing, because heavenly Father is in it--in every detail.

ShirleyMarch 4, 2013

Thank You dear Mitchell's family for sharing your journey my prayers are with your sweet family. Families can be together forever so reassuring.

HollandParkMarch 4, 2013

Having not known about Mitchell before, felt like it would be too hard and too sad to go back and read their whole long story on Facebook. Then saw your article. Thank you for for capturing by the parts you included the incredibly touching eloquence and power of this family.

Ingrid LauMarch 4, 2013

Our son Austin is turning 19 this Friday. This is an age he could be going on a mission. When we took him for a tour of UC Riverside campus almost a year ago, the first thing I saw at the entrance was an LDS Institute on the right. This immediately gave me the assurance that Heavenly Father was aware of my needs, and I might well turn my son over to Him. Before he turned three, Austin's Sunday Nursery time would be cut short as his father took him out before the end of the 3-hr block to go to his church. For years since then both Austin and his sister would have the longest church worship known to a regular kid--three hours at the LDS church, and then three to four hours at the Catholic church. It's still mystery to me how he ever came to this decision, but when he decided to be baptized into the Catholic church, my heart almost crumpled to pieces. With many fervent prayers I came to realize Heavenly Father always had the perfect plan--that Austin's involvement with both churches would help him be the best missionary he could ever be--knowing the doctrines and loving and faithful people in both worlds. I might as well look at his baptism as a missionary farewell. The true fear wasn't whether or not I had lost my son to a religion that I knew wasn't true--it was rather I had taught him the ways of the Lord up to that point. So I have kept trying, loving and supporting him with an understanding mind. There is no doubt in my mind Mitchell was sent here for a very special reason. His touching story is to turn our hearts toward a Heavenly Father that knows what's the best. As we trust in Him our greatest fears and desires, He cranks up the gear and help move things in a positive way. Mitchell is a worthy priesthood holder on the other side, busy with assignments to move the Lord's work forward. Could we imagine the number of faithful men and women He needs to enlist before His second coming? Our farewell may last more than two years of mortal life. Oh how sweet will be the reunion when we have our sons again!

J. SettlesMarch 4, 2013

I am not on Facebook, so being able to read this story was appreciated. How dear. My eyes are full of tears, but I know that the family is being comforted. What a beautiful child. Now to be aware of the many other young children who need our prayers and support, physically and spiritually. Thanks.

Vicki BorgMarch 4, 2013

As the grandmother of two precious little boys withDuchenne Muscular Dystrpohy, I am so saddened that Mitchell's life on earth ended even earlier than his sweet family anticipated. Please consider donating to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy to help with research for treatments and a cure. Or buy a Shamrock during March to support The MDA. One in 3500 boys are born with Duchenne. It can happen to any family. It is heartbreaking.

Doug HillMarch 4, 2013

This touching story of love and faith adds deep perspective to the nonsense of today's world. God bless them all, and those across the world touched by this shared experience.

Paul W. SextonMarch 4, 2013

Last night Elder Bednar gave a Fireside in the area. He spoke of an afflicted young man who had spent a great deal of time and grief with a besetting physical condition. The Elder used the term "shrink," meaning "to cower," to illustrate the young man's refusal to surrender. Of young Mitchell I believe we can make a similar observation: He did not shrink.

William HomerMarch 4, 2013

Thank you! What a beautiful summary of the death of a child. My family and I had the same experience 4 years ago when we lost a precious little granddaughter to cancer.

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