Many tender mercies blessed our family as my daughter (and oldest child) fought angiosarcoma found in her spleen in January 2015. She underwent a splenectomy after that Christmas for a large, symptomatic splenic cyst. At the time, her four children ranged from age 2 to 13 years old. A quick background story to understand her faith and character: Lindsay and her husband, Ryan Page, were to meet with the surgeon for what they’d supposed was a routine conversation postoperatively. When the surgeon arrived, Ryan still was not present because the relief society dinner was a little bit late. Lindsay encouraged the surgeon to go ahead and discuss the news with her, thinking that Ryan would be there shortly. At 37 years old she was stunned with the news of an aggressive cancer. She waited alone for her husband for an hour, and being a registered nurse, she thought to investigate angiosarcoma. However, she quickly reconsidered, and instead decided to study gratitude in the Scriptures.
Fast forward through multiple rounds of chemotherapy, qualifying for experimental miraculous therapy to slow the growth of her cancer, surgeries, and many manifestations of the Lord’s tender mercies, to May 2022. I went on a short golf trip with 4 foursomes, including Elder Jeremy Jaggi. Before I left for home, I had a few moments to speak with Elder Jaggi, and complimented him on his October 2020 conference talk. It had special meaning for me because he mentioned his brother dying of cancer. I explained that my daughter had cancer, and her son was serving in the California, Los Angeles Farsi-speaking mission. When I told him that my daughter had angiosarcoma, he responded that this was the cancer which had killed his brother. His next words to me were, to make sure her missionary gets to see her before she passes away. I was strongly impressed that this was more than a suggestion, but rather inspired guidance from a servant of the Lord.
Now, I had a problem. My faithful son-in-law and I did not know when to accomplish this. Elder Jack Page was loving his mission and the people. In addition, his mother and he “had crossed the Rubicon” prior to his mission. Neither of them thought it was the right time for him to come home, even though Lindsay could have passed away at any time.
The mission president and Ryan were in frequent contact, and it was decided that Jack would come home to see his mother Saturday morning, July 23, 2022. Lindsay awakened bright and alert that morning, and embraced her son at 9 AM. They hugged and cried and giggled together. He was able to anoint her with oil, and give her a beautiful priesthood blessing. Lindsay struggled to stay awake, but precious moments were shared. With help she sat up for the last time at her bedside to bid him goodbye. Elder Page left Sunday night, less than 36 hours after he had arrived, to be back in his Mission for transfers on Monday. Lindsay passed away early Tuesday morning, July 26, 2022, less than 36 hours after Jack left.
I reported to Elder Jaggi thankfully for his guidance. He responded that “it was no coincidence that we got to talk together that day. I consider it a blessing to have met.“
Our family is exceedingly grateful for faithful servants of the Lord walking among us.
~ David Tensmeyer