Remembering Baby Jonah - October 8, 2011 - October 19, 2011

Like his tiny footprint, sweet baby Jonah Adam left an indelible memory for each one of us.

 

When they told us he might not live but a moment, we were grateful for every moment he was with us.

 

He left a lifetime of memories in his brief 11 days.

 

We are all better people for having known him.

 

And we will always remember him with joy and gladness for his brief life we were allowed to share.  Like the doves that were released at his burial, we come back again and again to the message of hope and redemption in the Savior.

Thank you baby Jonah.

Remembering Jim

It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years since Jim died.  One night Harry and I were talking and as is often the case, Jim's name came up.  And Harry said, "Not a day goes by that I don't think about Jim."

He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, grandfather and friend.  We all miss him - but are grateful for good memories.

I wish it was more popular to comment on blogs and not just Facebook.  If you read this, share a memory of Jim!

In memory of a young friend

Three years ago today, our young friend Adam died. Adam was physically limited during his brief time here on earth, but his spiritual and emotional impact was unlimited.

Whenever someone like Adam comes into your life, you have to stretch your own emotional reserves so that you can give to this person who can't directly respond to you. You begin to look beyond the surface, the physical, the apparent, to find the essence that is this person.

Because the spirit is never disabled, even when the body is. And you can only touch this spirit when you open yourself to a close examination of what is really important in this life.

This is the great gift that Adam gave to all of us who called him friend.

Sad News to Note

Got a message tonight from Melissa R. that Ida Smith had died around 7:30 p.m. our time. As many of you know, she was diagnosed only 2 or 3 weeks ago with cancer. It was aggressive and widespread. She opted not to go through treatment - which would have only extended her life briefly - but had her family gathered around her for a week. She wrote on her Facebook wall that it had been the best week of her life.

Since there's a young Lance and a young Jeff McGlone in this photo, you know that it's an old one, but it's the way I remember Ida - especially from the early days.

When we first moved here, Ida reached out to me in a warm, down-to-earth and friendly manner. She shared ideas, patterns, supplies, recipes, and had a wonderful listening ear.

I have had the distinct pleasure of having her daughter Amy as my counselor in the Stake Relief Society - Ida trained her well - the legend will live on - (except that Amy doesn't sew!! But you don't have to do it all anymore!!) Her cinnamon rolls can rival Ida's! I taught Amy in CTR-B - and there is nothing so fine as working 30 years later with a young girl you taught in Primary!! Having a mom like Ida has influenced Amy for so much good - Ida's spirit will live on in her wonderful family!

The family knew her time was short, so they hunkered down together for these last days. I know it has brought them peace and comfort. Lance and Amy spearheaded a drive to gather photos of Ida's famous afghans, quilts, and dolls with their recipients. The Facebook album is a lovely tribute to a woman who truly shared her gifts and talents unstintingly.

She will be missed. But she left a beautiful legacy that we can all try to emulate. That would be a gift she would approve of!