Proud of my family

May I just say here that I am very proud (if that is the accurate word) of my family. We all know that life isn't easy--never has been nor ever will be. In the world today there seems to be more woes about finances, illness, politics, our country's wellness or lack thereof, crime, dishonesty, etc. In talking with people I find out that I would rather have my problems than just about anyone else's that are out there. I guess that's a good thing because I couldn't exchange with anyone anyway.

But as I think about each of my children and their families, I feel very blessed to know how hard they are trying to just "keep on keepin' on!!!

Today is Rachael's day off and she had been out helping Jeff in the garden while I was on my walk. When I arrived home she helped me prepare carrots for dehydrating. She knew she didn't have to help but she's just like that--always ready to help everyone. She takes better care of everyone else than she does of herself and that's because she is so selfless. She is ever faithful in her duties as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, granddaughter and an employee. She wears herself out in her service to others and she doesn't feel well most of the time. (Don't be mad at me for sharing this Rachael. You do so much for everyone. Thank you.)People love being around Rachael because she has a talent of bringing out the best in them. I wish I could tell about her most recent "funny," but that would embarrass Rachael because she doesn't like too much fuss made over her. You will always find Rachael behind the scenes doing good and expecting no recognition.

When I think of Zak, it's hard not to smile. His has not been an easy role as a father since he does not get to see his children at will. I am so proud of the way he has handled his responsibilities with his children. In the seven+years that he has been in our family (and I have the privilege of seeing him almost every day), he has never (no, not once), missed a day when he can see the children. And, this has sometimes been at great sacrifice because of feeling very ill, or having bad roads to travel, or missing some other event that many men would say, "Hey kids. Sorry I can't be with you tonight (or this weekend) because I have a chance to go boating."
If Zak's children do not know that he and Rachael love them, they will have to talk to me and I will share my observations with them. Thank you Zak for your good example and also for making Rachael smile. I have observed your many, many thoughtful ways and all of the things you do to show your love for her.

Now for my Texas Family. Some days I am as sad as I can be because Devan and Heather up and moved to Texas and took my grandbabies with them. But I can see their growth. Devan and Heather are as one in their efforts to improve themselves with schooling and accomplishing goals. I have watched them this summer with worries about the health of at least 3 of their children. Just one of the challenges would have brought deep despair and anguish for some, but to have three very significant challenges would cause some to throw in the towel and say, "I can't handle it." Instead, when I have talked to them they are counting their blessings and expressing faith that everything will work out for the best (whatever that may be). Devan and Heather work very hard but in different ways. Devan is a hard worker on whatever job he is on and I have observed that he becomes valuable to his employers when they get to know him. Heather puts her children first. They are always very well groomed and Heather teaches the children to show respect and to use good manners. It is a pleasure to be in their family's company as I experienced this summer. Both Devan and Heather are striving to overcome obstacles that are coming at them from every direction and I can't even tell when I talk to them that they have any fears. Heather is quick to point out her blessings and when I talk to Devan he teaches me because he has such keen insight into the feelings of others. Thank you--both of you!

Now, I will write about Shaun and Brooke. Actually, it is because of watching Brooke hurrying off to get her oldest off to preschool (not knowing that I was watching) that prompted me to reflect on the blessings of my family members. Brooke's children were scrubbed clean, hair combed, backpacks ready and with her one arm full of baby, diaper bag, and I suppose a sack lunch or something, she locked her door and scurried off to get the children seat-belted and on their way. Watching this caused me to pause and reflect on how Brooke (and my children and countless others) are trying to meet the demands of each new day and they do so without complaint. They are full of faith that a loving Father in Heaven is mindful of their needs and their efforts and that he will help them. I thought of new adventures that await Brooke and how excited she gets to be with friends and loved ones. (She actually loves wedding and baby showers!) I enjoy watching her play with her children or I observe the joy that comes to her face as her children do something that makes me or grandpa laugh. She is so cute the way she goes out in the garden and picks produce to share with her little family. I am glad she lives close by. Her enthusiasm is catching.

I have also enjoyed watching Shaun as he preforms his roles as husband, father, son, employee, and advice-giver as it seems he is always on his phone helping someone see the practical side of situations. Thankfully, Shaun is self-motivated and doesn't get discouraged easily. The economy has caused a few set-backs in his plans. So, what has he done? He re-evaluated his goals, set some new ones and has returned to school. Brooke is being very supportive and that helps. Shaun takes time each day to spend with his family. He spreads himself pretty thin with school, work, family, gospel study, odd jobs to make extra money (like selling watermelons). I know he gets tired (like everyone does), but he keeps pushing and keeps doing. Thank you, Shaun.

Last, but not least, are Michelle and Joey. Michelle called this morning all excited by the opportunity to plant some grass. She had everything planned out from tilling the ground to mowing the existing lawn to get its clippings to serve as mulch. She just loves to be out doors. She takes everything in stride. When asked if it's hard having a "special needs" child, she smiles and says "I'd rather have three of him than a 'normal' child. Normal children are hard!" With a love for animals, Michelle and Joey now have 3 dogs, 4 goats, and 6 chickens. I have had some good laughs because Michelle will call to tell me where her free-range chickens have laid eggs. Like a little child, Michelle will exclaim, "It's just like Easter every day. It's so fun looking for the eggs!" Michelle destroys all dullness when you are in her presence and I think she and Joey have two children that are just like her. Ahhhh! Watch out world.

Joey deserves my highest praise, too. Statistics say that he has beat the odds because he stayed in a marriage that had a child with special needs. Adding cancer to that in a child and because Joey didn't abandon ship, he became as rare as the syndrome that his son has. And, during the worst of this challenge, Joey maintained a full-time job and went to church every week even if he had to go alone. (Joey would go to one ward's sacrament meeting, return home, and then tend while Michelle went to another ward's sacrament meeting or vice versa.) Many of Joey's days were spent at work and then the nights were spent at the hospital. Through all of this, I never heard one word of complaint nor did I ever hear words of discouragement though I am sure Joey was discouraged and fearful at times. Both he and Michelle were examples to me during this very hard time and no words can express my thankfulness and admiration to them for "staying the course" in a very difficult situation.

My love goes to all of my family. They have a wonderful example in their father and grandfather, Jeff. I know when the ship sails, everyone that is wise will get on Jeff's ship. Make no mistake about that!!!