I had a special experience with Julie 5 years ago in 2014 just months before her passing. My name is Michael Stephens and I was the Ward Mission Leader. For the events that took place then I will read from my journal..."I had a special experience that I hope I will never forget. Her name is Julie Cheney and her situation is serious. She has pancreatic cancer and it has spread to the bones and lungs - It's terminal with a life expectancy of four more months, if that. She is only 45 years old and laid up in bed. She has been on chemotherapy which the doctors say will extend her life a little. On splits with a full time missionary named, Elder Cressman, we visited her for the first time. Elder Cressman read a scripture about the Savior's miracles. I wondered what she thought about that scripture in her circumstances. I also knew she must have wanted a miracle of her own, for she was so young and with a 7 year old daughter to grow up with. I gazed into her eyes (her heart really) and searched for the words to say. When the Elder was done speaking I looked her in the eyes and said, "Julie, I know you would love to have a miracle of your own. I don't know what Heavenly Father has in store for you, but one day you will participate in a wonderful miracle. It's called the Resurrection. Some day in the future you will lay aside this frail body, with all of its aches and pains, and put on a new body of flesh and bones - never to die again. And this will be made possible through the love and life of the Savior, Jesus Christ." I was in tears. She was in tears. The words were bold and powerful. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, I think I was able to read her deepest feelings. The room was filled with light and a sense of love that I haven't felt in a long time. It wasn't my love for her that I felt was the dominant feeling in the room. It was much more. I was basking in the light of His love, being just a witness in the room. When I say light it wasn't tangible with the eyes but with the heart. But, oh, it was real. While in tears, this faithful frail woman said to us, "I have a testimony! And I want to take it with me!" Using D&C 130:18-19 I assured her that when she goes to the other side of the veil she will be able to take her testimony, her knowledge, her faith, and her love with her. There was so much hope in the room that just moments before felt bleak. I have pondered that event over and over again. So grateful that I followed the bold urging of the Spirit to talk openly and frankly about her circumstances. The Spirit in the room that day has changed my life. Heavenly Father KNOWS this woman and LOVES this woman. He is AWARE of her struggles, yearnings, and hopes and inspired the two of us as missionaries to take that message deep into her heart. In the near future, this woman will be able to thank Him personally herself for the feelings she felt that day."
I was just thinking about Julie and found this tribute site and thought I would share how important she is to me. I loved our conversations, her visits to church, and her faith and dignity as she prepared for her journey home. She will always be special to me. "Thanks Julie!" Your Friend Always, Elder Stephens