First we had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy breakfast provided by the Young Women for their girls camp fundraiser. Before the breakfast they had a flag ceremony that was wonderfully prepared and deeply moving. After the flag was raised, then lowered to half mast, Chris Farrell spoke on the importance of Memorial Day, the importance of remembering those who have given their lives to protect our freedoms. Satan is always trying to destroy those freedoms, to destroy what is good and it is important for us to teach our children, to raise them in goodness and service so that they may be great examples of good.
We then were treated to a delicious and filling breakfast provided by the Young Women and their leaders. Pancakes, eggs, fruit, bacon, orange juice, oh my! I loved how the leaders allowed the girls to so fully participate in their fundraiser.
Alexandra loved making all of those pancakes and shared with me later how generous our ward had been. I still cry, feeling such a great love and support for our youth from our ward family. When I asked her how that made her feel ... important. Oh how wonderful for her to know how important she really is to people whom she doesn't even know well. It was such a wonderful teaching opportunity, for her to know that even though she may not know everyone, that we all as the adults pray for, and have such a desire for, these wonderful youth to move through such a trying time in their lives with grace and strength.
Shortly after breakfast Alexandra had an accident in which her fingers on her left hand were badly crushed. Our day of work and movies turned into a day spent in hospitals awaiting surgery. The fear I originally had when I got the phone call was replaced by a sweet blanket of peace and hope when we said our first prayer, asking for understanding and a miracle. It is amazing how such and accident can bring so much spiritual learning. All that was done for our sweet daughter was clearly directed by God. The sweet reassurance we felt as we drove to meet her at the hospital; the powerfully direct priesthood blessing she received; the move to the Children's hospital directed by inspiration, which in turn caused her to have a hand specialist do her surgery rather than a general surgeon; the surgeons guided hand; and on and on. Our surgeon has commented to me twice that he 'amazed' by the integrity of the inter workings of her hand. He is surprised that the nerves were so well in tact. He is thrilled that she not only kept her two middle fingers but should have a full recovery. Clearly, the miracle we prayed for was granted to our little (big) girl.
What is deeply touching is the love and service shown to our Alexandra, and our family, for the second time today. We have had numerous dinner offers, and Grace and Trevor were well cared for as we focused our attention to our oldest daughter. The calls of concern, the prayers being offered, the quiet conversations of love and concern that never reach us directly. All of this is felt by our family and we find strength in the love we are shown. This goodness is clearly the work of the Lord's servents and it has been such a blessing to us to feel his hand in such abundance.
Thanks.
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