1986
Still Singing by My Side
October 1986


“Still Singing by My Side,” Ensign, Oct. 1986, 55

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