Mom my mission president wants you to forward this to the Webb family when you get their email. Also I need you to pray for my companion today. Last night his cousin who was one of his best friends was murdered. They grew up together. Please pray for him to know that his cousin is happy and is in paradise.
Dear Webb Family and Friends,
This morning I got the news from my mission president that Chandler has passed away. He asked me to send an e-mail to all of you today. I feel so lucky to have been able to know one of the funniest, happiest, and best men that has ever lived on this earth. I'm sure that heaven is laughing a little harder now that Chandler is there. I will never forget all of the memories that I have with him. All of the doughnuts that we did in the burgundy sentra, all the cliff jumping in Lake Powell, all the times me and him would try and get super tan but then just end up getting horribly sunburned, his unparalelled love for the Jazz, and especially all the times that him and I would go get Panda Express together. I could always count on Chandler to make me laugh and smile.
It's true that Chandler was funnier than anyone, but something that I loved even more about Chandler was his loyalty as a friend and how good of a person he really was. He was always out to make others days happier and to make others feel as though he cared. He was such a good example of how to help other people by bringing them happiness.
This morning when I got the call from President Clements about Chandler. I was obviously devistated. The one thing that has brought me peace right now is the knowledge that I have that I will never ever truly have to say goodbye to Chandler. Only see you later. This morning I was reading in the scriptures trying to find something that would help me out and I found this scripture. In Alma 22:18 it says The sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory.
As I read this scripture I realized something. Chandler Webb has the heart of a champion. And he fought hard these past couple weeks for all of us so that we could have a few more precious weeks with him. And then I realized that when Chandler passed away this morning, he didn't lose... He won. Because of the Savior and Chandler's decision to be faithful to this gospel, he will live forever and ever. I know without a doubt that Chandler is prepared to meet God. A week before Chandler went into a coma this is the email that he sent me. "Hi Marshall Tis chandler, I tried to text you the day before you left but apparently your phone was all broke but anywho I just thought if let you know I started my papers on Sunday, but enough with the boring stuff let's talk Jazz, trey Burke broke his finger and is out for 4-6 weeks, so I'm all depressed, how's the MTC, any hot girls? Lol how's Chinese class, that's cray you can speak that language soon, well I'm proud of you and all that stuff loves you"
After that I wrote him an email telling him that I'm way excited for him and that I know he'll be an awesome missionary. I told him I can't wait to see him in two years and he wrote me this back.
Ya I'm way excited to see where I go (it better not be Russia or I'm not going) but ya it sucks I never got to say an official good bye to you:( but I guess we will just have to have the best hello ever in 2 years. In case you were wondering I now rep 9 plates benching and what's kinda weird is that during this letter I am writing some guys just knocked on my door and told me where the singles ward is, and that's weird because I was wondering where it was and know I know. Well I'm going to take a nap now, I'm out like a fat kid playing dodgeball
Chandler knew that he was suppose to serve a mission. He was prepared by God to do it and I'm sure that he will be a great missionary where he is serving. Evidenced by this stirring email we can see that not only did he love the Jazz and his friends, but more importantly he loved God and was willing to give two years of his life to His service (except just not in Russia but that's ok because I'm sure he's warm enough in heaven). God has promised great blessings to those who are righteous like Chandler. In Alma 40:12 it talks about where we go after we die and where those who are good live. It says "And then shall it come to pass. that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."
I know that right now Chandler is smiling, that he is happy, and that he is at peace. The people in heaven truly are priveledged to have a man as great as him with them. I love Chandler so much. Chandler told me that we would have the best hello ever in two years and it looks like I'll just have to wait a bit longer then that but I'm sure it will be glorious. I can't imagine a better place to meet a friend again than in paradise.
To my friends. Remember all the good times we had... That should be easy because there never was any bad ones. Remember Chandler and strive to do your best to honor him. Remember that he will always be with us and will walk beside us on our missions and throughout the rest of our lives. I love you guys so much.
Webb Family. Thank you so much for your son. He was a light to the world. His smile, his hair, and his spirit shined bright in a world that is pretty dark. No matter how sad my day was I could always count on your son to make it better. I know that this is a hard time. I remember when I lost my brother and I felt absolutely horrible every second of the day. But the one thing that gave me hope was the thought of how happy we will be when we meet again. I wrote this letter this morning when I found out about your son and it is helping me get through today. "My tears are heavy because Chandler and I have a mortal separation. But I know that through the Atonement of Christ, my tears can be just tears of anticipation. For we'll be together again walking through the golden streets of heaven, we'll laugh and reminisce while sipping celestial slurpees from the neighborhood 7-11" I know you will see your son again. Thank you for all you have done for me and for your love. I love you all so much and will pray for you every day.
