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!

The Coming of Summer

These photos were taken of the same area, of some of the same people over the past 4 weeks. The last was taken yesterday. While it is clear that spring has been trying to arrive for some time, we finally believe it has arrived, just in time for summer. It was 85 degrees yesterday.