"My Dear Sweet Wesley"

Well, Fall is in full swing- so other than trying to hurry and finish outside projects before the snow falls, I'm just absolutely lovin the weather, colors, and short days.(The kids get to bed earlier because it's darker earlier) We stay busy with just the daily grind of things that go on in a household with 5 kids. Work is going well for Wes, and I am grateful that he has a job that is not effected during an economic downfall. He works hard, and does not get stuck in the mud trying to play politics or brown nose. He does his job well, and then comes home to his family. He has always been watched over and protected and for that we are most thankful. He has now been Bishop for 16 months and seems to be in the groove of things, although I really don't know or understand the burdens and challenges he carries. The bishop's wife really is the last one to know anything that goes on. I've attended several weddings that he's performed. Try explaining to your kids when they ask where you're going and you say "Daddy is going to marry someone". We've had some pretty interesting and funny conversations trying to help them understand that dad is not actually marrying someone but "marrying them". I think they got the concept now as Hailey does quite the enactment from Princess Bride- "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in Holy Matrimony to join . . . . ." About three weeks ago our Stake (Huntsville Stake) celebrated it's 30 th Birthday.(it's as old as I am) Marlin Jensen (now member of the quorum of the 70) was the first Stake President, and so him and the three other Stake Presidents that proceeded him spoke. It was a great meeting, the spirit was strong. Before that meeting they had a celebration BBQ, games, and tables set up to show the evolution of our stake, and the church in the valley before the stake was organized. If you didn't know, President David O. McKay grew up in our great town. One of the displays they had pictures of all the bishops that have served in the wards since the conception of the stake. Here's a pictue of Wes I took one Sunday evening-He's so handsome-huh! and he looked like a teenager(a little exaggerated) compared to all the other pictures of bishops displayed. Anyways, I've seen Wes in a whole new light since his calling. Right after he was put in as Bishop a family in our ward was in a car accident. Three members passed away Janine(mother), (Matthew 11), and Ester(9). Calob (7) was in very critical conditions. I went to the hospital with Wes on one occasion and saw Calob. Dr's were attending him trying to get the pressure in his brain to go down. At that moment it was around 37. The father wanted to give a blessing but was not emotionally able to and so asked Wes to. I do not recall all that was said but I do know that Wes said that the priesthood was real, that there were many prayers and fasting on behalf of Calob, and that he was entitled to those blessings. As soon as the blessing was over, Calob's pressure had went down to a 7. I saw relief immediately in the father's eyes. The father left to check on his other child in the hospital and when he did his brother and father stated that they had given Calob a blessing right before Wes and the father came in and that he felt like that is was probably time for him to go and that we should not try to pray Calob to stay here if it was God's will that he should go. I talked with Wes after and he had great hope and said that miracles do happen. It has been over a year since the accident and Calob is your normal, everyday, 8 year old. He is a Miracle! I am grateful for the priesthood, the power of God, and that Wes has remained worthy to hold it and excercise that power with his faith. I am grateful that Heavenly Father sees fit to bestow callings on his children that may seem overwhelming with all of our own personal weaknesses and challenges, and then gives them the strength, wisdom, and foresight to accomplish their duties. It has not been a sacrifice for our family as Wes has diligently been serving in this calling, but a blessing. We have not felt any ill effects of him been absent from home more often or felt the burdens that he has to bear. He's a grrrreattt dad and I love him. Thanks Wes, for all you do. I just felt like paying a small tribute to you and letting you know how great I think you are, and that I'm so blessed and lucky that you are mine- for eternity. "My Dear Sweet Wesley"(Princess Bride)