Just a Dream

Beep beep beep.
This was the sound that I loved to hate on my mission. My alarm usually went off at 6.25am, but I was slowly building up to waking up earlier so I could be ready to go by 6.30am. So when it went off on this particular day, I still technically had 5 minutes sleep in....

"Sister Clarkson! It's 6.30am time to get up!"
I dragged myself to my knees and then off to the bathroom for a quick shower.

Later, my companion Sister Kaberry from Australia, was sitting at the table studying. She was one of my best friends, but we had our moments.

"So did you have any weird dreams last night?"
I was renowned for my strange dreams. I just put it down to a vivid imagination most times.

"Well it wasn't too weird I guess. It was about the prophet - President Benson. I was sitting at his side having a grand old conversation. Too bad I can't remember what he said though. I just felt it a privilege being in his presence conversing with him."

"And how's the prophet today?" my companion chortled.

"Well, he seemed old, and he talked slowly. Even though his physical body was frail, he had a brightness in his eyes that illuminated his very soul. And his smile...I'll never forget his smile."

"Next time you see President Benson in your dreams, tell him I said hi!" grinned my companion.

Beep beep beep. 6.00am.
"Morning Sister Clarkson, did you sleep well?"
Sister Kaberry was sitting up in her bed, reading the scriptures.

"Pretty good thanks - I had another dream about the prophet." My companion rolled her eyes.

"He looked weaker and used a frame to walk around on. We were at a huge conference for missionaries. He looked at me and asked 'What are you doing here?' I thought it was an odd thing to say to me seeing I was wearing my missionary badge.

"It was strange being in front of the prophet. I felt like he could see right through to my sin-stained soul. Then he asked me 'Do I know you?' Another odd question. I mean after all, he was the prophet, the Lord's mouthpiece right? Surely he didn't need to ask?"

"But then I pondered on those questions and they were actually very profound. What AM I doing here in the Lord's missionfield? Am I doing all I can to serve Him 100%? Did the Lord know me? Would he know me at the last day?"

"Hmm VERY profound my dear....companion. Well there goes companionship study for today. Did you remember to tell him hi from me?"

"Oops sorry! I forgot!"

Beep beep beep. 5.45am.
I woke up instantly. Sister Kaberry was still asleep.

"Hey comp..are you awake?"
Murmuring came from her direction. All I could understand was

"Hmph does it look like it grumble mumble hmph grunt..."

"I had another dream."

"You and your dreams! What was it about this time?"

"The prophet again. But this time I didn't see his face. Instead I saw solemn faces, some of his closest friends and family members, other apostles and general authorities.

Sister, I dreamed about his funeral!"

"Weird," grunted my companion, 'Oh well at least it was just a dream!"

Later that day, Sister Kaberry and I drove into the Mission office for supplies and was welcomed by an unusual, solemn look from Elder Schvaneveldt, one of the office elders.

"Hi Elder, how's the mission field today?"

"Have you sisters heard?" he choked.

"Heard what?"



"The prophet... President Benson... he died last night.

His funeral will be held tomorrow."

(This was actually based on a true story that happened to me on my mission.)