It has been an unusual day. During the course of the last few hours I've learned two friends have passed away and another friend received word on her mission call although the actual paperwork for her mission call was lost in the mail. Isn't that just every prospective missionary's worry, that the paperwork would get lost in the mail? Well, that's just what happened to my friend Claudene Postert. Claudene had submitted her request and our stake president had encouraged her to be "watching the mail" about May 1st or 2nd. Well, the first and second came and went, a long time ago. Finally, the stake president called SLC and learned the post office in SJ had returned the mission call paperwork. It had been sent to a street address instead of a postal address. Claudene enters the MTC June 2 and she will be serving in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada). She doesn't really know any of the specifics just yet, that pesky paperwork problem - just when she goes in and where she'll be going. She doesn't even know for how long just yet. Talk about faith!
Another friend, Jeanne Mangum, has taken a journey. Hers will be for a much longer time. Jeanne had been in Scottsdale being treated for complications of diabetes and she fell and broke her hip last week. She passed away Monday evening. Jeanne and I became good friends during our trips to and from Show Low for her dialysis treatment. I would drive her over using her vehicle (she insisted) and would wait for her to complete the treatment then, if she was feeling up to it, we would get lunch and return home. Most times in recent months, Jeanne wasn't feeling up to having lunch so I would surprise her with take-out that she would bring home to share with her husband and son, Aaron. My kids will likely know Jeanne because of Aaron. Jeanne has been the primary care provider for her severely disabled son over all these years. Aaron is about John's age. Sadly, he will probably have to go into a care facility now because his dad wouldn't possibly be able to care for him alone.
Even though she'll have such short time to prepare for her mission, Claudene is sure the paperwork mix-up had a purpose. Claudene has gone the extra mile to provide service to Jeanne and her family. She has been an amazing friend and charitable Saint over these years the two women have lived across from one another. Claudene is sure the timing was just as it should be. Jeanne passed away on Monday evening, she learned of her mission call on Tuesday. Her good friend's funeral service will be on Saturday May 24th and her mission farewell will be Sunday May 25th. I'd tend to agree with Claudene, the timing has purpose.
I learned of the passing of another friend, too. On Monday I had visited with Sandy Finstad and we spent a little bit of time together reminiscing. I had asked about her husband, Dan. Dan and I had worked together for a long time at the water treatment area of the power plant. He was a fun, down to earth man and always respectful. He was loud and robust, it was easy to tell he spent a good deal of times outdoors, with animals, especially horses. He and Sandy broke and trained horses. Sandy had told me Dan wasn't doing well, not well at all. When I came home I had told Mike about our conversation and it was in the back of my mind that I should go up and visit. I didn't get the visit done. Dan passed away last evening. I know many will miss his laugh and that sparkle he had in his eyes when he was plotting the next rattlesnake round-up or something similarly mischevious.
Yesterday, I had also learned that the father of another friend had passed away. Rhonda Stradling's (all the kids know her, hygenist at dentist office) dad passed away Tuesday morning in the valley. I don't know any of the specifics but I do know Rhonda was very close to her dad. It will be a difficult time for her.
It has been an unusual day. During the course of the last few hours I've learned two friends have passed away and another friend received word on her mission call although the actual paperwork for her mission call was lost in the mail. Isn't that just every prospective missionary's worry, that the paperwork would get lost in the mail? Well, that's just what happened to my friend Claudene Postert. Claudene had submitted her request and our stake president had encouraged her to be "watching the mail" about May 1st or 2nd. Well, the first and second came and went, a long time ago. Finally, the stake president called SLC and learned the post office in SJ had returned the mission call paperwork. It had been sent to a street address instead of a postal address. Claudene enters the MTC June 2 and she will be serving in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada). She doesn't really know any of the specifics just yet, that pesky paperwork problem - just when she goes in and where she'll be going. She doesn't even know for how long just yet. Talk about faith!
Nanette Whiting and I stopped by Leslie Welker's flower shop yesterday. Leslie’s son, Mike, has just recently returned from a two-year mission in Guatemala. The two of us could really relate as it hasn’t been that long ago my own missionary returned home and Nanette has had one missionary out for several months and just took another son to the MTC last week! We laughed so hard listening to Leslie describe the anticipation – Mike’s flight had been delayed by a day due to the American Airlines cancellation of flights for safety inspections – and then her overwhelming emotion as she first caught glimpse of her missionary and ran past security to greet and embrace him! I would have loved to have been there and shared in the energy but it was so very good to hear Leslie relate the events, too. We laughed so hard, it was great! You’re a jewel Leslie and I so appreciate having gotten to know you so much better during the time Mike has been serving! Welcome home, Mike.
