My story begins like any other sister in the gospel who is assigned visiting teachers. When I first got the assignment as to who they would be, I thought to myself, "Wow, talk about an age gap." I was about 39 at the time, and they were both well into their 60s and 70s. I thought to myself, "What do I have in common with these sisters?" They certainly wouldn't understand some of the things I was going through.

For three years, maybe longer, I had struggled with insomnia, anxiety, depression and a loss of energy and motivation. There were times I felt I might be going crazy. I was constantly forgetting things. I kept telling myself I was strong, that I didn't have a problem that I couldn't deal with on my own. But it became harder and harder to try and control my emotions. It was getting to the point I wanted to keep my blinds shut and not leave my house.

I explained things to my doctor, but tests would come back normal. Then, in the darkest time of my life, a great work took place. Two angels were sent to me over that time.

My visiting teachers — Dee Bianucci and JoAnn Jolley — would consistently come to my home and we would laugh together and cry together. They loved me dearly and I felt it. Over time, their consistent love and inspiration were just enough to lift me out of the abyss that my day would bring. They would pray for me to be helped with what I needed. When they would leave my home, the Spirit would be with me in great abundance.

I started to realize how much these ladies really did love me and that I could trust them and confide in them. I felt the Savior's love through each of them.

Eventually, I was comfortable enough to share what I was going through, only to find out one of the sisters had some of the same experiences. I have since been led to the remedies for my healing process.

Relief Society presidents and visiting teachers have a huge responsibility and spiritual privilege to commune with the Lord on and in behalf of their sisters. I know that the Lord needed me to understand and learn things from them, as I am now the Relief Society president. Little did I know I was being mentored for a most sacred and important calling that would come. — Jolynne Ward, River 7th Ward, South Jordan Utah River Stake