15 June 2008
I wish to me, my good father, the fathers of our grandchildren, and all others who are fathers a Happy Father’s Day. It is a wonderful opportunity to be a father. I am so thankful for the sweet mother of our children – Louise is a beacon of strength to me and our family. I have had great joy in seeing our babies grow and develop and especially develop testimonies of all that is composed of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
It has certainly been an emotional roller coaster week. It was on the 7th when we found out about Janae’s ALS diagnosis. It was Sunday evening when Steven said to both Louise and I that we needed a blessing. At that point I have told some that I felt 80 years old and had a 150 pound weight on my back. I welcomed the invitation. About two-thirds the way through the blessing, I felt the weight lifted and replaced with assurance that God knows what is going on and His Son has experienced the pain of our suffering so they will take care of our family. Thanks to Steven for bearing and honoring the priesthood. It is interesting that Kristen has shared with us that as she entered the Stephenson home on the 8th (Sunday), the turmoil that she had been feeling was replaced by a calm and that all would be well. She does not know exactly what is “well” but she does know that it will be His will.
Lindsay and Brynn took us to the Frankfurt airport, we thankfully had an uneventful trip home on Monday, Carleton picked us up at the airport, and then we drove to Jeff and Janae’s home. We had a nice one hour visit where we were able to visit with Janae and Jeff and reassure them that we love and care for them. Janae is a very caring and a spiritually sensitive woman. The visit reassured us that “all will be well”.
I had some teary moments at work as I shared with some friends about Janae’s condition. I do appreciate the care and concern that has been shared by many of my co-workers, our friends and neighbors. I don’t even ask God “why”. Janae has led a very healthy life style, is an excellent athlete, has a young family, is way younger than average to get ALS – I do not believe that it is going to do any good to ask why. However, we are asking for a miracle. We don't know whether it will be with Janae’s health or our family’s spiritual well being and ability to be united in the challenge that lies before us. The miracle will come so we need to recognize it.
We are thankful that Charles and Kristen were able to arrive with their boys on Sunday. We enjoy them and appreciate experiences that we have with them. The Stephenson’s came up on Thursday and Friday. We all went to Bear Lake on Friday. It was cool, as was expected, but we did enjoy playing with the children in the sand and visiting.
I had the memo announcing my retirement on 30 June distributed on Tuesday. I started two years ago to seriously plan for that moment. I assembled my spreadsheets and I felt late last year that the cash flow numbers were still satisfactory as I looked out past age 70. I recommended the date and conditions in early February and they were largely met. I feel my departure is a win-win for me and my employer.
Prior to going to Europe, Jared pulled me aside and asked how I knew when I loved Louise enough to ask her to marry me. Oh how being with Lisa has changed our Jared! He has come out from his shy shell to begin to become the man that I knew would emerge. He is caring and does things that show his care and concern. While we were gone they purchased rings. Although I have not yet visited with him this morning, Jared’s plan was to last night officially ask Lisa to marry him as they went on a picnic in Salt Lake’s Red Butte Gardens. The family is happy for him.
It has certainly been an emotional roller coaster week. It was on the 7th when we found out about Janae’s ALS diagnosis. It was Sunday evening when Steven said to both Louise and I that we needed a blessing. At that point I have told some that I felt 80 years old and had a 150 pound weight on my back. I welcomed the invitation. About two-thirds the way through the blessing, I felt the weight lifted and replaced with assurance that God knows what is going on and His Son has experienced the pain of our suffering so they will take care of our family. Thanks to Steven for bearing and honoring the priesthood. It is interesting that Kristen has shared with us that as she entered the Stephenson home on the 8th (Sunday), the turmoil that she had been feeling was replaced by a calm and that all would be well. She does not know exactly what is “well” but she does know that it will be His will.
Lindsay and Brynn took us to the Frankfurt airport, we thankfully had an uneventful trip home on Monday, Carleton picked us up at the airport, and then we drove to Jeff and Janae’s home. We had a nice one hour visit where we were able to visit with Janae and Jeff and reassure them that we love and care for them. Janae is a very caring and a spiritually sensitive woman. The visit reassured us that “all will be well”.
I had some teary moments at work as I shared with some friends about Janae’s condition. I do appreciate the care and concern that has been shared by many of my co-workers, our friends and neighbors. I don’t even ask God “why”. Janae has led a very healthy life style, is an excellent athlete, has a young family, is way younger than average to get ALS – I do not believe that it is going to do any good to ask why. However, we are asking for a miracle. We don't know whether it will be with Janae’s health or our family’s spiritual well being and ability to be united in the challenge that lies before us. The miracle will come so we need to recognize it.
We are thankful that Charles and Kristen were able to arrive with their boys on Sunday. We enjoy them and appreciate experiences that we have with them. The Stephenson’s came up on Thursday and Friday. We all went to Bear Lake on Friday. It was cool, as was expected, but we did enjoy playing with the children in the sand and visiting.
I had the memo announcing my retirement on 30 June distributed on Tuesday. I started two years ago to seriously plan for that moment. I assembled my spreadsheets and I felt late last year that the cash flow numbers were still satisfactory as I looked out past age 70. I recommended the date and conditions in early February and they were largely met. I feel my departure is a win-win for me and my employer.
Prior to going to Europe, Jared pulled me aside and asked how I knew when I loved Louise enough to ask her to marry me. Oh how being with Lisa has changed our Jared! He has come out from his shy shell to begin to become the man that I knew would emerge. He is caring and does things that show his care and concern. While we were gone they purchased rings. Although I have not yet visited with him this morning, Jared’s plan was to last night officially ask Lisa to marry him as they went on a picnic in Salt Lake’s Red Butte Gardens. The family is happy for him.
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