A Tribute to My 3rd Councilor

Or, the Councilor of "clean-up", or my "Knight in Shining Armour". Whatever way you look at it, Ted is my closer. He has been so awesome these past few weeks. We had another funeral on Saturday and this was an amazing experience and I couldn't have done it without him. He even made an emergency run to Wal-mart to the wedding section to get a white registry book that the family had forgotten. This funeral was for a sweet older woman named Ellenor, who was married to Sam. They had 9 children between them and as of last count they have 107 grandchildren. They have 300 direct descendants! It really was amazing. The funeral and the luncheon and burial were in Mesa, so we had to really work hard with the "Beverly" Ward over there. They were awesome and helped us serve lunch to well over 200 people that ate like 300. We were there from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and Dad was incredible. The best line was from one of the kids talks (john, the baby) he had been over helping with his Mom and as he carried her to bed she looked up and said "so who are you?" John knowing he was the baby and always knew he was the favorite answered, "your favorite son" to which Ellenor said "Oh, hi Sammy Jr". !! He said he was crushed.
So all of you kids who think you're the favorite....be careful!!!

Hug your kids today

I had an amazing, spiritual, stressfull, exhausting, wonderful experience this past week. A young girl in our ward lost her baby to SIDS and it was my first funeral. I met with the family at the hospital, in the room reserved for when you lose a loved one (a first). Helped with arrangements. Went to a viewing of a 6 week old. Then the funeral today. I didn't know the family well, yet with the Lord's help was able to have some special moments with this sweet family. I don't know who shed more tears during these last 6 days...them or me. I just kept wondering how I would handle that particular trial. There were many beautiful things surrounding this experience and many tough ones. I am so very thankful for my knowledge of the gospel and the Plan of Salvation. I am thankful for the testimony that I have of my Savior, and all he did for me. Life is so fragile. Hug your kids, love your family, and be happy.