Recently I went through the experience of losing my father to a stroke. He was the last of 12 siblings to pass on. I joined my other siblings to gather and help our mother with this transition.

My brother, Lloyd, and I were at the hospital when my father passed away. I was somewhat surprised by my mother's comment when I told her Dad had died.

She said that it was a good thing, that he was in a much better place and hadn't seen his mother for 40 years since her passing.

My dad was now with his family and was probably having "a grand reunion on the other side," she added.

I have always believed that we live beyond death and that the resurrection, made possible by Jesus Christ, would bring all of us together again before the final judgment.

I knew my dad would be greeted on the other side by a loved one, but hadn't considered that there might be a reunion with his entire family. I know that I will see my dad again and that our relationship will be intact.

Having a belief that we are literal children of our heavenly father denotes the fact that we will have a reunion with him at some future point. Our end goal is eternal life with him and with our earthly family.

Through the sealing powers of the priesthood, we are bound as a family unit not only in this life but in the life to come.

Having demonstrated that we can live according to the precepts that are put forward in the gospel of Christ, we will continue on as immortal beings in eternal families.

This is all made possible by the atonement of Jesus Christ.

He paid the price for Adam's transgression that brought about the death of our mortal bodies.

As immortal beings we will stand before the judgment bar of Christ, who will weigh our actions and issue a judgment.

If we choose to invoke the atoning sacrifice of Christ and repent of our misdeeds in this life, the judgment will be a rewarding experience that will lead to eternal life in the presence of the heavenly father.

Having this belief in such a reunion encourages me to be a better person, to put others first, and to serve my fellow man. Living with Christ in my life leaves little room for the "me first" attitude.

I thank my mother and father for their sacrifices to raise eight children and to give us values and good moral standards.

I hope my father can see me and that he approves of how I have raised my family.

Monty Clawson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attends the Honolulu West Stake. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.