It seems that we often become so busy living our lives, that we don't have time to chronicle them. I apologize for that. I wish there were an easy way to share all my talks, presentations, and newsletter articles so you can see that I'm actually doing things. Until I discover that, please take my word for it.
However, a once-in-a-lifetime moment came along last weekend, one that I won't forget. I had another meeting of the CDA Foundation in Sacramento last Friday (no, that isn't the once-in-a-lifetime moment). Because of the timing, I decided to expand the trip this time. I flew up to Sacramento on Thursday, and played tourist for a little bit. I went to the State Railroad Museum, and to Old Sacramento, doing my best to steer clear of the dangers of the Capitol. In the afternoon, I attended a session in the Sacramento Temple. I really enjoyed that.
It is a very beautiful temple. Of course, they all are. Aunt Donna says that her temple (this one) is the most beautiful of all.
This is the fountain at the entrance to the temple. I also got to participate in a 20-minute sealing session after my session. They do that after each session.I stayed with Aunt Donna in her nice big house in Folsom. We enjoyed visiting, and I enjoyed just relaxing. On Friday, I went my Foundation meeting in Sacramento, and Aunt Donna went to work in the temple. I always enjoy our meetings there. It has been a blessing for me to associate with some of the best of my profession.
Dad and Mom drove up on Friday, and we had a good time visiting with them, too. Now Saturday was the never to be forgotten event, Grandma Stevenson's 100th birthday!
Here are Dad and Aunt Donna with Grandma. We spent a little over an hour with her (and probably wore her out). Her faithful home teacher and visiting teacher were there with us, too.
Here is Jared Duval, me, Mom, Tim Duval, Sue Duval and Jenni Duval. In front is Grandma's roommate Evelyn, Aunt Donna, and Grandma. Note the roses in the balloons. A sister in Aunt Donna's ward made them.
Grandma was pretty sleepy, but had moments of alertness. I did not sense recognition of us, but she was comfortable and happy with us. One of the things that will stick with me is that every time any of us said "We love you Grandma," she just lit up, and would say something like "Oh, isn't that wonderful!" (Typical Grandma expressions.) There is great power in love, and particularly in expressing love. It sure made a difference to Grandma that day! And I will try not to put off expressing love to those around me while they can appreciate it.
Dad made the balloons. He learned how the night before at a dinner group that Aunt Donna goes to. He and Mom went and had fun. That's a purple dog on Grandma's hat.
Here's the cousin picture. That's Sondra, me, Sue, and Tim with Grandma. It was fun to go and renew family ties with all who were there. It is a good reminder that families are forever. My goodness, Grandma's mortal life is almost forever.After the celebration died down, Dad and I and Grandma's home teacher gave Grandma a priesthood blessing. We felt that was probably the best gift we could give a centenarian. It was a very special experience to lay my hands on my Grandma's head and exercise the priesthood in her behalf. It was a delightful day. When we visited Grandma four years ago, I determined that would not miss this birthday, and I'm glad I made it! I can report that Grandma is in a good facility, and that they are taking good care of her, and the staff loves her. We can't ask for better than that, unless we ask for her to rejoin Grandpa and all her family.
We left Grandma to have her lunch, and we went to eat at Scott's, a favorite of Dad and Mom's as well as Aunt Donna's (and Uncle Lloyd's, when he was with us). We had some awesome seafood for lunch. That held me until I got home that evening, tired, but happy to be back with my family.
I hope we will all treasure our family relationships, especially our immediate families, but also across the generations, for these are the people that helped make us who we are.
