Building a Forever Family: Holding on to Christ Through Unimaginable Trials

When I first heard the Primary song “Families Can Be Together Forever,” I saw it as a simple, comforting truth. But after the journey we faced with our eldest daughter, Eliza Annrie, those words became an anchor for our souls—a lifeline in a storm of unimaginable sorrow.

In October 2024, Eliza was diagnosed with Stage 3 Parapharyngeal Synovial Sarcoma—an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. Her diagnosis was a miracle in itself, confirmed only after two nearly impossible biopsy operations. Surgery wasn’t an option due to the tumor’s location, leaving chemotherapy and radiation as her only treatments. Despite completing seven cycles of high- dose chemotherapy and 36 radiation sessions, the cancer progressed to her bones and eventually her brain. She underwent 10 more rounds of radiation under palliative care. Through it all, Eliza showed remarkable courage and unwavering faith, facing even her final days with peace and trust in the Savior.

Eliza’s faith was nurtured in many ways. She loved Strive to Be music, which helped her feel close to the Savior. She looked forward to temple visits and attended church meetings whenever possible. Her time at FSY 2025 strengthened her testimony and deepened her love for the Savior. She bore her testimony from the pulpit—not from a wheelchair—during Testimony Sundays. Even when hospitalized and unable to see or move, she sent a voice recording to her bishop. Her patriarchal blessing reminded her of her divine identity and gave her peace, even in moments of great pain. In her final weeks, she stayed awake to be fully present with us, showing love and courage without relying on heavy medication.

Throughout her journey, we witnessed countless miracles. Our young son, Daniel, had sacred visions of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ watching over Eliza, accompanied by angels. These visions brought us comfort, knowing she was being cared for.

On June 18, 2025, Eliza returned to our Heavenly Father. That day shattered our hearts, but amid the grief, the Spirit whispered that her earthly mission was complete—and that our story with her was far from over.

Weeks later, on August 2, 2025, at the Manila Philippines Temple, my wife Anna Marie performed Eliza’s initiatory and endowment ordinances. This fulfilled Eliza’s deepest desire and reminded us that through God’s covenants, families are bound by eternal love.

Temple covenants have become a profound source of hope. Knowing our family is sealed for eternity brings comfort beyond words. We cannot erase our sorrow, but because of Jesus Christ, we will never lose the love—or the promise of reunion.

As a family, we chose to hold fast to Christ. We restarted our Come, Follow Me study, prayed together each night, and made the temple our refuge. We cling to Eliza’s favorite scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 6:36: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”

Building a forever family doesn’t mean a life without pain. It means turning to the Savior for strength when trials come. It means trusting that Heavenly Father’s plan is greater than we can understand. Though Eliza’s life was short, it was filled with light, faith, and love. Because of Jesus Christ, that light continues to shine within our family—and will for eternity. As the Savior promised: “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19).