“Important Promises,” Friend, Aug. 2000, 47–48
Important Promises
Ye are … willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light (Mosiah 18:8).
My friend Allyx McGinnis and I have known each other a long time. We’re in the same Primary class at church and in the same class at school. We love to ride our bikes, listen to music, and dance. We play house and dress up. We like to watch videos and eat yummy treats.
This year is a special year, because I will turn eight in February and Allyx will turn eight in September and that means we will be old enough to be baptized. We are so excited!
This last year, Allyx has had a lot going on. She has a brain tumor. Most of the time, her hand and voice shake because of the tumor. Sometimes she has to go to the hospital for chemotherapy treatments. They make her feel weak and tired. When she feels better, we play again.
When Allyx has to be in the hospital, my mom and dad take me to see her. We have fun visiting her there, but I like it better when she gets to come home.
My mom and dad have been teaching me that when I am baptized, it doesn’t just mean that I’m a member of Jesus Christ’s church. It also means that I make special promises with Heavenly Father and Jesus. Some of them are that I am willing to bear another’s burdens that they may be light, to mourn with those who mourn, and to comfort those who stand in need of comfort. To me that means that when Allyx isn’t feeling well, I can still go sit with her and watch a video with her and keep her company. When she has to have her chemotherapy, I can pray for her and ask Heavenly Father to watch over her.
In Primary last year, every child, teacher, and leader brought a square piece of material and wrote his or her name on it. Sister Smith sewed them all together and made a beautiful quilt for Allyx to wrap herself in whenever she gets cold or needs to feel wrapped in love. Mostly Allyx and I just play together and have fun. We forget that she even has a brain tumor. Those are the best times.
Allyx and Taylor sitting by a fountain
Out shopping for the day, Taylor is standing next to her Aunt Jenna and Allyx. Also seated are her Grandpa Jerry; her mom, Christine; and brother, Adam.
Allyx and Taylor enjoying a ride with Grandpa Jerry