Choices

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the very inspirational funeral of my sister-in-law's father. He was a great man, that much we already knew. He was a Vietnam veteran who was left paralyzed after a sniper attack in the war. When he returned from the war and settled here in Mesa, he was only 21 and his devoted wife 19. I was inspired when I heard the entire story of his life. He was not born a member of the church and was not a member when he married or went to war. He was an only child and had a father who struggled with alcohol. Needless to say, his life and upbringing were not ideal. Yet, after the war when he made his home in Mesa, he chose to accept the gospel and be baptized. He and his wife eventually adopted 5 children and they are a family that was clearly meant to be together here on this earth and in the eternities. Later, due to complications of paralysis, he became a double amputee. He was a positive upbeat man who was devoted to his family and the gospel. His daughter recounted his devotion with several stories, both funny and serious. He was a gospel scholar and historian and took all of his many trials in stride with faith believing that the Lord had a plan for him. He told his children that he believed that it was because of his war injury that he was humble enough to accept the gospel and was able to look upon that tragedy with gratitude. As I listened to the countless stories of this amazing man and his equally amazing wife, I was struck by the great importance of choices. He suffered trial after trial in life and still went forward with faith and made good choices. He did all he could to raise a righteous posterity, he loved and KNEW his Savior and was an avid genealogist. He chose to be happy and to he chose to live his life in the very best way possible. He chose to be a beacon of light to those around him. I think that so many times on life we make excused for our poor choices and the poor choices of those around us. This man is an example of the fact that we truly have no excuses for choosing poorly. He had so much stacked against him, so many logical reason to not believe, to not have faith in God, but he chose the right. I know that he must have been the happy, faithful person he was because he lived a life filled with good choices that allowed him to be close to the Savior. It was a good reminder to me that I have no excuses and need to try harder every day to make good choices in everything I do. I am very grateful for that reminder.

The photo above is of his graveside service. He was given the burial of a fallen soldier, a true hero. Before the prayer, a National Guardsman played Taps on the horn and the flag draped over his coffin was carefully folded and presented to his widow. It was both beautiful and very moving. How blessed my sister-in-law Kami is to have this man as her father.

This photo is of Kami, my brother Tyler and their sweet son Douglas. As their little family struggled with the realization that Kami's father would not be on this earth much longer, they were dealt the additional blow of finding out that their daughter, due in March, would come to this earth facing much physical adversity. They do not know the extent of her physical problems, or what the ultimate outcome will be, but I have been impressed as I have watched Kami face this great trail with faith and optimism. I know she learned that faith from her father and mother. She does not know what is going to happen with her daughter, but has remained faithful, asking for priesthood blessings and being a great support to her grieving family. Even when she says that she feels her prayers are just "bouncing off the ceiling," she continues to pray. I am thankful for her example and for the good choices she continues to make. I pray for her as she and Tyler face the greatest trial of their lives and know that they will be blessed and comforted through their faith and the faith of their families.