Father's Day

On this Father's Day so many thoughts and feelings are running through me. I think I will start with talking about my grandfathers.

My grandpa Milo Bracken was born in Star Valley Wyoming. All my memories of him are of a quiet, smiling man. I remember fishing with him at Flaming Gorge. I remember going deer hunting west of Nephi in his green truck. I can't remember a cross word coming from his lips. I think of his look of joy when he was around his family. He was a man who truly understood what hard work was and was never afraid to do what needed to be done. I always felt important and loved in his presence.

My grandpa Silas Crosby was born in Panguitch Utah. He was more cowboy than about anything else. People saw him as rough,, tough and gruff. I saw him as someone who wanted people to think that, but to me he was not that at all. I caught my first fish with him. He was always patient and kind to me. Watching my grandma and him taught me how a great love story should unfold. He was always a kid a heart and loved a new toy as much as anyone. I remember the robot bank that he would give the kids money to feed. His mongoose was a famous prank for most of my life. I never questioned his love for me.

Last year I did a full post on my Dad and my Father-in-law, but I could not, not write a little this year also.

My father-in-law Richard Yeates was also a great example to me. He shared a lot of traits with my grandpa Crosby. He wanted everyone to think he was the meanest man on the street. But, nothing could have been further from the truth. His love, devotion and caring for his family were as great as anyone I have known. His acceptance of me as a son was a real as could be.

My Dad gave me everything a boy really needed. He taught me respect for women, respect for God and respect for others. He showed me how a real man puts others first. Tomorrow he will celebrate his 75th birthday. He is still working hard, keeping in shape and going strong. I hope that I can follow in his foot steps.

Sitting in church and listening to the talks about father's day, I was filled with gratitude for the privilege of being a father. Nothing in my life has brought me more joy. I am grateful to my Father in Heaven for allowing me to share in the great experience.

What a month

I can only say that we have been looked after from above. A couple of months ago I noticed that I had something that looked like a wart growing on my cheek. Needless to say I was not happy about it. I called and made an appointment with my dermatologist. About a week before the appointment, I was sitting on the couch and Jane walked by me and said, "You have a spot on the top of your head. Have the doctor look at it while you are there next week". At the appointment I had the doctor remove the "thing" from my cheek and had him look at my head. He said that the spot did look questionable and wanted to do a biopsy of it. A week later I had a call from him. (not from the staff, but from him). He told me that I had tested positive for melanoma. He referred me to a specialist. He also told me to have an eye exam and to let my children and siblings know that my testing positive increased their odds. The eye exam was totally clear.

We then went to see the specialist. He told us that what they had found was a level 1A which is the earliest stage of melanoma. He said that I would need to have surgery to have a portion of my scalp removed to insure that all the cancer was gone. He also said that I might have to have a skin graft to cover the area.

On Tuesday I had the surgery. I struggled with the knock out stuff and was unable to keep anything down the first night. Wednesday we went back to the specialist to get the final results. It was all good news. First, all the cancer was removed so I would not have to lose any more scalp and he was able to get the wound closed so no skin graft. I have a neat trail of staples across my head, which will stay in for another week.

We are truly blessed to have been able to find this so early and get it taken care of.

Talking to Jordan

Since they don't have 2000 phones at the MTC, Jordan was not able to call home on Mother's day. So, they let him call during his lay over at the Denver airport on his way to Oklahoma. It was nice to hear his voice. He is excited and I think a little nervous to get a new companion and get out in the field. It is amazing to think of our little boy doing all this. When it was me, I was totally grownup and ready for anything. I think he feels the same way. That's perspective for you. We are very proud of him and the choices he is making in his life. But here we sit on pins and needles waiting to hear how his first week in the field goes. Of course when I was in his shoes I had no idea my parents would be feeling this way.

We will update his address on his mission blog as soon as we have one.

Happy Mothers Day

Today I want to take a moment and honor some of the most important people in my life. I will start with the mother of my children. I often look at my self and wonder how did that little shy kid end up here? Married to a wonderful woman for almost 26 years. Two great adult children and one "Mighty" son-in-law. So many blessings in my life. Jane is the cornerstone to all that is great in my life today.

I think of my mother and all she has done and continues to do for me and all of her children. She taught me so much. She was always there in our home. It was always a place of comfort and peace. I am so grateful for her and her sacrifice and love.

Jane's mom has been a great blessing in my life. We often hear people talk about the "Mother in Law" in less than loving ways. I have no idea what they are talking about. She has been so kind to me from the first time I met her. She taught her children what a mother should be.

I am so blessed to have these women in my life. The legacy of true motherhood is alive and well in our family. As I see what the world is becoming I realize the solution is simply in being the kind of parents that we had our selves. So many children today have no idea what real parents are.

Empty Nest Report - Week One

Well, Jordan has been in the MTC for a full week. We got another letter from him and he is having a great time. I was sure that we would be totally bored, so we planned a Doso De Mayo party for Saturday. (We were busy on Cinco De Mayo so we moved it to the 2nd.) There were 20 of us eating tacos, chips and salsa, yummy desserts and watching Nacho Libra. It was a fun evening. Then Tuesday Jane's Mom's water heater started to leak so Steve and I spent the evening changing it out. Then yesterday at school Jane found out that they will be getting a new principal next year. That has upped her stress level to red.

So, not the nice quiet week that one would have expected. But hey, it keeps life interesting.

Empty Nest - Day One

So here we are. It is a strange morning. Last night Jane said "why is there light coming from the hall?". It was simply Jordan's bedroom door open and more light coming in from outside. This morning is quiet and we really have a good case of the "I don't want to's". After taking two days off we both know that today will not be pleasant at work. It often seems it can take two days to recover from taking one day off, so after taking two off it should be a real treat.

A Farewell to Jordan

Yesterday was the day for "Jordan to talk in church before leaving on his mission". The way the program was setup we were worried that he wouldn't have enough time to give his talk. First there was a song by the choir then the first speaker then another song by the choir. After all this I looked up at the clock and it was only 20 minutes till the hour. Then Jordan got up and gave a really good talk. But he only took about 7 minutes. Well, then the bishopric member who was conducting got up and "invited" a few people to come up and share their testimonies. Jane and I were lucky enough to be included. Despite that, it did end up being a really good meeting.

Then we had everyone come over to the house. We are very grateful for everyone that could come and show their love and support for him. It is always great to spend time together. It truly is what life is all about. It was pretty crowded but I hope everyone had a good time. Thanks for sharing this special day with us.