Merry Christmas

My life has been touched by a series of  Miracles that have truly made this a Christmas I will never forget.  I could have been wretched!  I am far from home, and miss my home and family tremendously, but I have been more than compensated by a measure of Christmas Spirit that I didn't earn or deserve, but nonetheless am very grateful for.  A number of special events have contributed to this wonderful season.

The first was several weeks ago when I was invited to an annual Christmas program put on by a Special Mutual group that David has been attending.  I didn't want to go.  It was cold and snowy and I was tired from a long day at work.  All I wanted to do was snuggle up in bed and sleep.  But the excitement in David's face changed my mind.  He loves attending this group, and this program is the culmination of a lot of preparation by this group of special people.  The curtain opened on 30 people of all ages and many kinds of disabilities.  They sang Christmas songs, very badly, acted out the first Christmas, also without any skill or finesse, reciting their lines haltingly and sometimes unintelligibly.  But the Spirit there was as strong as if they were the tabernacle choir!  We, the audience, sat there with tears streaming down our faces as these seriously handicapped men and women bore testimony of the Son of God.  David was chosen to play the part of Joseph which he did proudly and well.  I couldn't have been touched more if he was performing at the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

Another thing that has brought a great spirit to us is singing Christmas songs to and from work everyday.  We found a radio station that plays  nothing but carols and sang along with them during our commute.  David has a real affinity for Christmas songs, some of them moving him to tears.  His favorite is the little drummer boy.  I don't know why, but he loves it.  Our mission has an annual devotional and luncheon celebrating the season.  I thought David would be blown away by the food (a fabulous buffet of all you can eat delights), but the first song sung by the performing group was the little drummer boy.  David was weeping with joy the whole event, hardly noticing all the delicious food.  We also have had the joy of hearing performers who come to the library to sing during the season.  Many were groups from local high schools, some professionals, but all sweet and talented and sincere in their love of the Savior.

We attended the Festival of Trees, which is a fund raiser for the Primary Children's Hospital.  This year I was able to help my sister and her husband create a beautiful inlaid wood nativity which we donated to the cause.  It sold for more than a thousand dollars.  What is remarkable about this event, and I think what makes the spirit so strong there, is the combined efforts of so many people, none of them getting paid a cent, working together selflessly to make something wonderful happen  for sick little children who need medical care.  There were hundreds of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and Christmas decor, all of them bought for outrageous prices by people who just want to help.  Very cool event!  A blessing to all who participate in any way.

We attended a special exhibit at the art museum at BYU of artist Carl Blok's paintings and drawings and etchings.  What an incredible show.  I was familiar with many of these paintings, because they are popular illustrations of Christ and Biblical events.  But to see them up close and in person was something I will never forget.  It was clear to me that the artist knew Jesus Christ, and testified of Him and His divinity through his art.
Christmas Eve I went for a long and refreshing trail ride through the snow with my nephew Sam.  I'm sure he had better things to do, but we rode and talked about Christmas, and family and the Savior.  It was a special time that added to the sacredness of the season.

Later we spent Christmas eve with a lot of extended family.  My sister Diana and her children and grandchildren put on a lovely Christmas program and dinner for us.  David proudly did the pum pum pum pa pums as everyone sang the little drummer boy for him.  Very sweet.  My sister Lulu and her large family also included us in their very sweet traditions.  My mother, who recently lost her husband was having a hard time with Christmas, but because of so many sweet and spiritual events was able to rejoice in the love of our Savior Jesus Christ and the wonderful plan that puts the pain and hardships of mortal life into beautiful Eternal perspective. 


I share my testimony that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that He was born of Mary, lived a perfect life and died so that we can all live again.  He lives!  I rejoice in this.  Merry Christmas to all.

Snow

This morning our world was covered with close to a foot of fresh snow.  It made me a little blue, thinking of the long winter ahead.  I found myself almost in tears several times, with homesickness for my warm home in Brea, California (where it NEVER snows).  That homesickness matured into missing my house, my bed, my kitchen.  I slumped further as I missed my children and grandchildren and friends.  Before I reached the point of driving off an icy cliff in despair, I decided I'd better find a way to appreciate winter snows.  I tried looking at it a different way.  Instead of cold, slippery, slushy miserable stuff that makes it hard to walk and drive, and dangerous to spend time out of doors, I will try to find out why some people love the stuff so much.
1.  Snow really is beautiful.  When the snow falls on the bare trees, it turns them from ugly dead looking things into beautiful works of art: Like delicate hand tatted lace.
2.  Snow is bright.  Unlike a cloudy raining day, a snowy day is bright.  The snow magnifies and reflects whatever light there is and gives the appearance of brightness even when the sun doesn't shine.
3.  Snow is fun.  After church today there was a happy group of young people sledding down my mother's hill, laughing and playing in the cold, really enjoying the snow.

OK.  So that is only three reasons, but it is a start.  I will have many more opportunities during the next 4 months to find more.

Smile

Complete strangers smile at me!  Not all of them of course, but a significant number of them do.  I wondered why, so decided to analyze it a little.  Is this something that happens to everyone?  Friends I have asked indicate that they don't find the world all that smiley.  So lets assume for a minute that it isn't because of my movie star good looks or stunning figure.  What the heck are they smiling at?

Sometimes it is because of my ride.  Passing people on the trail they often smile and say what a beautiful horse I'm on.  He is a pretty thing.  Same with my car.  I was in the post office parking lot the other day and a man came almost sprinting across the lot with the biggest smile.  "What a great car!"  "Do you love your Z?  How fast does it go?" A 4 year old walked by me on his way into a store and remarked to his Mom, "Look Mom a real race car."  I offered to let him drive it.

But I'm often on foot and still I get the smiles.  I have to give the credit to David.  Almost everyone at one time or another, has their life touched by a special person like David.  Many people recognize in him a wonderful spirit and want to share that knowledge with me.  These people, wherever we are, come up to us and express appreciation for who David is.  Many want to tell us about their friend or relative who has down syndrome, some just smile as we pass.  This has always been the case, but especially so since we have been missionaries.  They see us, walking together, wearing our missionary badges and I guess their minds conjure up a history that allows us to be here serving at this time.  Probably a history more grand and inspiring than the true story, but the end result is that they smile at us.  And the end result of that is that we feel loved and appreciated.  So smile away.  I can take it.

Winter?

When I wake up tomorrow the world will be covered in a blanket of snow. The weather bug is predicting it and I believe it. It was trying to snow all day, a kind of slushy half frozen rain.
Snow is not my favorite. Winter is not my favorite. So I think it is time for me to start counting my blessings (instead of sheep).
I'm grateful for the ever changing view I am treated to each day. Don't get me wrong, I miss the monotony of good weather, the year round green, of my home in California. But I am amazed at how the scenery here changes day by day. Each season brings with it incredible beauty if not pleasant weather. This fall has been amazing. Every day I notice new colors that weren't there the day before. A few days of wind and rain and many of the leaves have fallen, leaving the dark branches in sharp contrast to the remaining bright yellow leaves.
I'm grateful to be able to walk. A few years ago I couldn't take a step unassisted. Through a series of miraculous events I have been given the gift of mobility. Not a day goes by that I don't thank the Lord for this miracle of ambulation. I can walk and ride and even run a bit, without pain.
I'm grateful for the end of daylight savings.
I'm grateful for my family. I have 13 (my lucky number I think) gorgeous grandchildren and their wonderful loving parents. I have terrific siblings, nieces and nephews, and the best parents, one still with me. I get pictures, movies, calls and emails almost daily reminding me how blessed I am to have such a loving family.
I am grateful to be a part of the awesome missionary force working throughout the world. What a blessing to be a small part of such an incredible plan. David and I make such a tiny contribution, but like so many others get to feel the spirit of the Lord's amazing Plan of Redemption. I also realize you don't have to be a full time missionary to participate. It is open to all of us.
It seems too early for winter, but I don't get to decide these things. A little cold and snow is a tiny inconvenience. I would wish my days to be bound each to each in gratitude.

Autumn Again

Well, Autumn hit for real this week.  First sign was the flower beds all over temple square got dug up.  Where they had been lush and beautiful, there was just tilled soil.  Later the same day they were planted with (what else?) pansies and something that looks like a poppy, and tulip bulbs.  I now know that these flowers will survive the harsh weather ahead, and live to bloom like crazy in the spring.  The trees on temple square are being wrapped in lights preparatory to the beautiful Christmas light displays that will attract people from all over the world. The leaves on all trees deciduous are turning colors.  My favorites are yellow and pinkish orange.  They almost look florescent they are so bright.  The wilderness area where we ride is changing color too.  The oak covered hills have gone from green to red.  Higher up you can see large patches of bright yellow, I suspect aspen.  It has rained for two days and it is predicted to snow the next 3 days.  We are wearing jackets and using the heater in the car.

The happiest sign of Autumn is the arrival of my new grandson, Benjamin David Demke.  He was due on Halloween but decided to come early to the great joy of his parents and happy relatives.  Thanks to Andy and Jenny for blessing me another beautiful grandbaby.

Judge not

I had an interesting experience last week that I am a little ashamed of, but decided to share anyway.  Working on the patron floor of the library I was approached by a man who needed help.  He was dumpy, unshaved, had limp straggly hair and an ill fitting coat.  I didn't realize that I had been prejudging him until I worked with him a while, and realized that he was well off, intelligent, articulate, and deeply spiritual.  I know I had prejudged him because each of these revelations came as a big surprise.  Based on nothing more than his physical appearance I had already decided that he was poor, ignorant, and worldly.  Without a conscious thought I had judged him completely wrong.
I know it is impossible to go through this life without discerning, without judgement of some kind.  It is desirable and even necessary for our success in every thing we do.  However, we (especially I) need to be careful that our judgements are not superficial, unfair, and careless.  Every person we meet is a child of God.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if before we judge we could see each soul as God sees him.  To see the love and potential within before we judge what is visible.

Our Work

I realize that I have never really described what I do.  My call is to the family search zone of the Family History Library.  We are on the main floor of the library and mainly provide services for new comers and inexperienced family historians.  Ninety percent of my time is spent on the patron services floor.  Here we answer questions, help beginners with on line resources, show people how to print or save documents they find.  A typical patron will come in and say, "I don't know anything about my family."  We ask questions and help them identify what they do know and what they would like to know.  We show them how to find their ancestors in resources like social security death index, census records, birth or marriage records, military records and voter schedules.  We show them how to use the library catalog, and where further research can be done.  We introduce them to familysearch.org, and its associated sites.  This work is fun and rewarding.  I often meet people from far away.  We do not preach the gospel here, but the spirit is almost always present and our encounters are often spiritual experiences.  Occasionally members of the Mormon church come in for help with new family search.  These are usually wonderful experiences too.
The other 10% of my time is spent in the lobby.  I man the information desk, the exit desk, the temple desk.  Here we direct the patrons as they come into the library and answer phone calls that come in.  We show a short film to the first timers.  We get them help if they need it.  We direct them to other floors, depending on what they are looking for.  This is also fun.  We will interact with literally dozens of people during an hour.  They are all nice people who are sincerely looking to connect with their families.
I also do a little mentoring of new missionaries who come into the zone.  I have recently been trained to work the "pod" which is the reference desk on the main floor.  Here we are expected to know more, so time will tell if I'm ready for that.
David comes into the library with me every morning.  After prayer meeting he goes off to the Cafeteria dish room where he helps get the cafeteria ready for the lunch rush.  They eat lunch at 10:30, before the cafeteria opens.  During the lunch time he stacks and puts away dishes as they come out of the dishwasher.  Sometimes he stands by the automated dish return to make sure nothing sticks out and stops the conveyer.  The rest of his crew goes home at 3:00 but David stays another hour to scrub tables and chairs in the dining room.  It takes him a couple of months to get through the whole room, but he is very thorough.  At 4:00 he walks back to the library and we go home.

Even though we do the same kind of thing every day, the people we interact with make each day interesting and new.

September 2010 Milestones

This month I will complete the first 12 months of my mission and the first 60 years of my life.  If I am like my parents (unlikely because I have abused my body with unhealthful food and slothfulness for too many years) I can expect to live to 90.  So I have finished 2/3 of both my mission and my life.  It has got me to thinking about the the way each of them is going.
First of all I'm not eager for either to end.  This mission has been so much more fun than I ever could have imagined.  I don't know what I imagined my earth life would be like, but I'm pretty sure I didn't know how much fun it would be either.  Did I know how much I would love my family?  Did I know how much I would enjoy my work and play?  Did I know how much beauty I would find here?  Doubt it, or I would have signed up earlier (1000 BC for example).
Secondly I know they will both end eventually.  The mission call was for 18 months, and when that is over I will return home and do something else.  I hope I will have made a difference in some way, to some one.  When my mortal life ends, I will return home and do something else.  I hope it will be true that I made a difference during my life as well.  Is anything better because I am here?  I think so.  I hope so.

But for now I have 6 months to do my best in the mission.  It might be a good idea to give us advance notice of our earthly release date.  Do I have a day? a decade?  Whatever.  I plan to live it all, right up to the end.  So here's to the last third.

It's autum time

Last April, as Spring emerged from the reluctantly departing Winter, I was in awe of the variety and abundance of flowers.  Everywhere!  Every kind, I thought.  Now I'm seeing some new blooms of early autumn.  Most especially sun flowers.  They are growing among the tall grasses of fields, along the road ways, sprouting around rocks on the hillsides.  They are beautiful in a simple and rangy way, dotting the washed out summer fields with bright yellow and deep brown.  The pale grey/green of the omnipresent sage brush is turning yellow with blooms as well.  This one is problematic to me.  It seem sage blooms do something to my nose.  I sneeze, and sneeze, and wipe my eyes, and sneeze and blow my nose, and sneeze again.  I've tried 4 different allergy meds, the only one that dries me up is Benedryl.  Turns out Benedryl is also a sleep medicine.  So I have a choice: Sneeze or sleep.  Relief will come with the snow.
I woke up to a little chill this morning.  The hot days of summer are coming to an end and there is the smell of Autumn in the air.  I rode through Dimple Dell on Saturday and noticed the leaves sound different when the wind passes.  They still look green from a distance, but they are drier and up close you can see the colors of fall creeping in.  We may still have some warm weather ahead of us, but it is becoming clear that summer cannot last.

Family reunion

Demke Cowboys out on the range

A few of the Demke/McKenna/Hess kids

I am currently recovering from a "family high."  My niece Jerusha, a champion organizer, pulled together an amazing reunion for the families of Sheldon and Neldon Demke.  Included were all my children and their families, my sister and her husband and all their children (less one on a mission in South America) and families.  All together there were about 48 people.

Tatum and Afton riding with grandma

Slip 'n slide

My grown up children

We occupied a large and lovely lodge on Fish Haven Creek near Bear Lake, Idaho.  This is some of the most spectacular scenery!   It was all I could do to drive safely with so much to look at along the way.  Our time there was well organized with each delicious meal being prepared by a different family.  Activities were planned for all interests and age groups and included games, crafts, slip and slide, feats of strength, daily trips to the lake, and culminated in a sweet and spiritual Sacrament meeting Sunday morning.   At least half the participants were children.  Miraculously, there were no serious injuries, quarrels or tantrums.  The entire time was imbued with the sweetest feelings of love and companionship.  I spent a few sad moments regretting that Sheldon wasn't able to be a part of such a gathering, then more and more I started to realize that he was a very real part of our reunion.

The last of my posterity left town yesterday.  Their departure has left a hole in my soul, but it is filled daily with the knowledge that we are united by far more than time and geography.  I am so grateful to be part of an Eternal family.

A friend of mine works in the Salt Lake temple the day before he works in the library with me.  One day a while back he looked especially tired.  He explained that the day before he had worked in the baptistry and that it was Prom night.  When I failed to see the connection, he told me that Prom day is the busiest day of the year in the baptistry as it is a tradition for young men and women to come to the temple and do work before going out to dinner and dance.  I couldn't help contrasting that with the way most of the world views prom night, as a time to get drunk, get a hotel room, and get into trouble.
While there is no doubt that there is a great and growing wickedness in the world at large, I would propose that there is an opposing movement for good, growing just as rapidly.  A few examples:
Everyday I see people of all faiths drawn to the family history library, wanting to know about their heritage.  I'm sure that many of them are being pushed there by their unseen ancestors who are eager for them to be their advocates in the mortal world.  The fact that they are responding to these promptings tells me that they are a part of the great movement for good in the world.

I have referred before to the fact that from a prominent point on a familiar horse trail I can see 3 operating temples.  (One lit up behind Sam in this photo)  Within the 60 mile radius of my mission there are at least 7 more.  Within an easy drive of my home in California I can attend 5 temples. Temples are now in very part of the world.  These are busy places, full of people who are trying to live good lives and care enough about each other to take time so that others can share the blessings they have.  Most do so on a regular basis.
I am in awe of the young people in my life, especially my own children, who I see working so hard, tirelessly raising their children to have strong values in a world that increasingly belittles them.  It is not easy to choose the good path, but the rewards are great and very real.
Today our Sunday school teacher quoted Hezekiah to us.  Hezekiah has helped his people prepare for the coming siege of the Assyrians.  He says to his people (paraphrasing), "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the [world] nor all the multitude that is with them: for there be more with us than with them. . . with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles."
And so I would propose that as the polarization of our planet increases we each take the attitude of Hezekiah.  Be strong and courageous, be not dismayed.  Every time we make a good choice we are enlisting legions of angels to back us up.  We are not alone.  We know good will ultimately prevail.

Rescue

I had a couple of adventures on horseback during the past 2 weeks. The first happened when I took my brother Toby out for a ride. I put him on David's horse Pancho and I rode Jerusha's horse Norman. Norman is a sweet and reliable mount who would be considered safe for almost any rider. At one point in the ride Toby decided to go on ahead and I attempted to turn back. Norman objected to the separation from his herd and started to buck. Now I've been on a lot of horses, many misbehaving in many ways, but I've never ridden a bucking horse. This was genuine rodeo style bucking, head down and hind feet in the air. It didn't take me long to realize why the rodeo cowboys get big bucks for this and that I was no rodeo cowboy. I decided to stop trying to correct Norman in hopes that he would relax, but without the bit he just took off, still bucking. I knew I couldn't sit this and, just in time, a soft grassy hill sped up on the left. I landed gently on the hill, got up quickly, grateful for my rescue from what could have been a dangerous situation. Norman and I both survived to ride another day.

Thursday I went riding with my friend Debbie and her sister Sandy. This time the horses were hot and tired before we left the barn. One minute out we were confronted by what could only be described as a herd of children (about 50, average age maybe 12), jogging down the main horse path to our trails. One look at this noisy, erratic mob coming towards us and I knew we were in trouble. Horses are basically prey animals and at their core, reactive. We train them to think, to obey, to be desensitized to most of the things they might encounter on the trail, but I knew these horses had never seen anything like this. To them it must have looked like a growling, prowling herd of mountain lions coming to eat them. The reactive brain took over. Each of us felt our mounts tense and Norman spun on his heels and ran for all he was worth in the other direction. Herd mentality took over and the other two horses followed. This was no gentle canter down the lane. These were three horses racing for their lives at top speed, in spite of the pleadings of their riders. My horse, being the fastest among them quickly overtook the other too. With a little distance we were able to remind them of their training again and the reasonable side of their brains came back. We had an exciting ride, but everyone stayed on and no one was any worse for it.

These two experiences reminded me why I pray for protection every single ride, and every day. The world is a dangerous place, and every day I am delivered, rescued even, in ways big and small, by the Lord.

Protection from physical danger is the least of these rescues. There are worse dangers to our souls than getting bucked off a horse. The world offers countless evils that would bruise and even destroy our Spiritual natures. We need to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and be constantly prayerful as we seek deliverance from soul-destroying influences.

We also have the opportunity to rescue others along the way. Many ride through this life unaware of the dangers around them. We can be a beacon, a lifeline, a saving influence to them.

One of the great joys of my current situation is being able to research and do saving ordinances for my family and friends. Every time you go to the temple, every time you share your testimony, every time you offer help to another human being, you are sharing in the great rescue mission that is mortal life.

I am lately overwhelmed with gratitude for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This blessing to have the constant companionship, guidance, comfort, and support from a member of the God Head is truly amazing. I wonder how I could ever function without it. It is priceless. But it is not without cost. The cost is living a Christ-centered life. I am ashamed by the countless times I have traded the companionship of the Spirit, for some small, ultimately worthless, worldly pleasure. If asked would I give up this Gift for a million dollars, I would quickly reply, "Never!" And yet I have done just that, for far less: A less than inspiring movie, a word of gossip, a few extra moments of sleep that might have been scripture study time, a caustic remark, a minor dishonesty, etc.

So this week I will try to not offend the Spirit, invite it in by my faith and obedience, share the blessings it brings with those around me.

Reinventing Becky

Recently I showed a new friend an old photo of myself. Noting my dark hair, her first comment was that I must be trying to reinvent myself since my husband died. I thought a little about this idea and decided that although my life might look different in some ways than it did a few years ago, I like to think of it as adapting, rather than reinventing.

First of all the hair. I didn't decide to get rid of my dark tresses. Mother nature did that for me. My only decision was to not give in to the mousy grey mother nature replaced it with. My dark hair was also thick and could be worn long and shiny. Now, if I were to wear it long it would look like several thin strings down my back. Short, blond hair works with the changes time has brought me.

Second, the cowgirl. Now this is not new. The horse woman was always there, just never had the time or money to live the life. This is not a reinvention but is instead a childhood dream realized.

The car. I've talked about this before. The car is my son's, on loan while I serve my mission. No midlife crisis or reinvention there. I'm still a station wagon type inside.

Of course there have been some attempts at adaptation that have failed. For example, I read that "mineral" make up was supposed to work better for "mature" skin, restoring a youthful glow. Ha! One day of minerals made me feel like I'd been through a sand storm in the Kalahari. No thank you. I will look old.

As far as the rest of my life goes, I'm trying to happily live it. Using the time and talents (sometimes lack of talents) God has given me, I'm moving forward, or trying to. I don't know how much time I have on this earth, but I'm pretty sure I need to keep living while I breathe. I'd much rather do it with my Eternal companion by my side, but since that isn't possible, I'll do what I can while we are apart. So widow Becky may not be identical to married Becky. She is the same person, just trying to make the most of what is left.

Fun stuff

Thursday I got a delightful surprise as I was working in the library. In walked the Froerer family, old friends from California, now living in Arizona. You can't imagine what joy it was to see them and visit briefly. I don't think I'm homesick, but seeing people from home sure makes me happy.

The next day David and I got to go to the Draper temple and do work for a lot of our deceased relations. Another thrill.

That night my dear friend Debra Stewart and her sister Renee, one of my co-grandmas, came into town and took a lovely evening trail ride with me. So good to see them.

My brother and his family are in town for a big reunion of his wife's family so we got to see nieces and nephews and cousins who are normally far away. It warms my heart to have the blessing of friends and family even while far from home.

4 July 2010

It is Independence Day. Church today was marked by patriotic testimonies and American hymns of praise for our nation. We had a picnic in a park attended by 50 relations, some close, others distant. I'm not one of those patriotic Americans who thinks America is perfect. I recognize that our nation, like all others has flaws and more importantly is populated by imperfect people. Nevertheless I am mindful that this is an amazing place to live. We have opportunities, because of living in this country, that are beyond the imaginations of most of the world. With those opportunities come great responsibilities. There is a marvelous work going forth on the earth which we, poised as we are here and now, have the duty, obligation, and privilege to participate in. What am I doing with the prosperous circumstances of my life? Who am I blessing? What am I doing to move important work forward? I resolved to ask myself those questions and work harder.

Friday marked the halfway point of our mission. I feel like I just got here and haven't really started doing anything of great worth yet. I am determined to make the next 9 months significant by the contributions we are making, not just by the fun we are having. My light is but a little one, but added to all the others it can shine like God's great sun.

David's gift

My son David has Down Syndrome. He is moderately effected, not high functioning, but certainly more capable than many with an extra chromosome. His speech and language is very limited, but with effort he can make himself understood by those with the patience to listen and wait. Many good people have contributed to the quality of life that David enjoys. I am grateful to you all. What I am also coming to appreciate is that David is contributing to the quality of many others lives.

One of my missionary friends had occasion to observe David at his work station in the cafeteria. He was assigned to watch the system that returns dirty dishes to the dish room. If someone puts their tray in wrong he fixes it so everything keeps moving. He stands in a little alcove and greets the people who come through to drop off their dishes. My friend saw him talk to the people, sometimes asking their names, shaking their hands, and giving them one of his winning smiles. She said everyone who walked out was wearing a big grin.

David's cousin Ed came to visit recently. As I drove him to the airport he told me how much he had enjoyed getting to know David and how he was not what he expected.

We had a quick but wonderful visit from our former Bishop from back home, Dennis Pyper. Dennis was in town for a family reunion and took time to see us (read David). He has been an amazing friend to David all his life, but especially since Sheldon's passing, taking him places, bringing him treats, tying his tie on Sundays. Once I asked him why, and he simply replied, "I love him."

I enjoying watching David with the missionaries in my zone. They enjoy greeting him each morning at prayer meeting, and if he is absent one day, everyone asks why and says how much they miss him.

We went to see the movie "Toy Story 3" this week. David of course being a serious fan had to wear his "Woody" costume. He walked into the crowded theater as if he owned it, celebrity fashion, greeting the people, taking bows. It touched me to see the warmth with which his showmanship was received, and the genuine smiles it put on their faces.

Not everyone is so accepting of David. I have witnessed him being treated with disdain and even disgust, impatience and disregard. I am starting to think that appreciating him, with all his quirks and limitations is a kind of litmus test for the rest of us. True followers of Christ will remember that what we do unto one of the least of God's children is counted as being done unto Him.

Random thoughts on a week in June

What a wonderful week we've had! First of all it was a great work week. The library is buzzing, although I'm told this is nothing to what it will be like when the summer crowds arrive. I had some record days as far as numbers of patrons who I was able to help, but also met some really nice people who wanted to connect with family. One of my favorites said, "So how does this work, we punch in our name and pull up our family history?" I gently explained that it isn't quite that easy, but we were able to find a lot of information about his family anyway.

I was also blessed with some success in my own family research. Because of that was able to do some work for family members of my own during my temple and research hours this week.

My dear brother Toby came into town on business and brought his youngest son Ed with him. We haven't seen much of Ed for quite a while (they live in Alaska) so it has been really fun to get to know him better. He and David went to see Shrek IV, which was I guess a huge hit as far as David was concerned. David donated $5 to Primary Children's hospital and got his picture taken with Shrek, I presume the real one.

We've had a bit of rain this week (everyone prays for it so why should I be surprised) but Spring continues to advance. The wilderness area where we ride, Dimpledell, is so lush and green that I get lost, not recognizing any of the familiar land marks. There is also a river running through it these days, where before there was dry creek bed. Saturday we rode further and longer than usual, up to a trail at the very top of the ridge. From there I could see the mountains on three sides, green and almost completely snow free. Most remarkably I was able to see from that vantage point, three temples. I thought of the amazing blessing of living in a time and place where there are enough good people to keep so many temples busy.

My obsession with flowers

I've haven't thought much about flowers before. They just are. I like them. But suddenly I find myself obsessed with flowers. They are everywhere (where there used to be snow) and they are soooooo beautiful! Maybe it is like the old opposition in all things: You can't really appreciate flowers unless you go a couple of seasons without them. (I don't count the week in January when California is almost flowerless as a season)

Anyway, for whatever reason, I'm sharing some of the flowers I've seen lately. Enjoy!